ESP32-Based Modular IoT System: A Flexible and Cost-Effective Learning Tool for Transitioning to Arduino Programming
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21460/jutei.2026.102.533Keywords:
ESP32, Internet of Things, media pembelajaran, pemrograman Arduino, sistem modular, transisi block programmingAbstract
Arduino programming instruction for elementary and junior HIGH school students is often hindered by HIGH cognitive load resulting from the simultaneous need to assemble hardware, grasp computational logic, and memorize syntax. Existing commercial solutions are generally expensive and offer limited flexibility. This study aimed to develop an ESP32-based Internet of Things (IoT) system using a modular approach to serve as a transitional learning tool from block-based to text-based programming. The system was designed to alleviate cognitive load through plug-and-play physical Sockets and baseline software that simplifies text syntax into intuitive functions. Evaluation was conducted in three main stages using a data triangulation approach. Technical testing (black-box testing) showed the system achieving a 100% Pass rate across 31 functional scenarios. Effectiveness testing, utilizing a between-subjects comparative design (n=9), revealed that the modular group outperformed the comparison group (Tinybit) in both Input-Process-Output (IPO) comprehension scores (3.20 vs. 2.50) and usability satisfaction (88.8% vs. 74.0%). The modular design also successfully prompted independent exploration initiatives in 100% of the participants. In flexibility testing, all seven test subjects successfully transferred their computational understanding to independently program new sensor modules with a perfect success rate. It is concluded that the developed modular IoT system is reliable, effective at reducing initial learning barriers, and HIGHly flexible as a cost-efficient tool for transitioning to Arduino programming.
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