A Novel Platform to Teach Wireless Communication to Children and Teenagers

Chávez Tapia M.A.; Menacho Ordoñez D.T.; Rodriguez Bautista K.M.; Xu T.; Medvedović D.; Zamalloa M.Z. · International Conference on Embedded Wireless Systems and Networks (2024)

Resumen

Every day, we are surrounded by billions of invisible bits transmitted by our phones, tablets, and laptops. Wireless communication is pervasive but hard to teach because radio waves (5G, WiFi, BLE) cannot be seen, and a sensory experience is key to learning. From a physics perspective, radio and light waves are similar, but our eyes only see light. Thus, we design a platform to teach the complex concept of wireless communication using light. With our platform, children can "see" how a device transmits information using a normal flashlight. Our design includes connections with robots, superheroes, and games to make a joyful learning experience. The platform was used by hundreds of school students at an international science fair. After a guided activity, 80% of the students reported understanding the basic idea of wireless communication and some students even identified advanced concepts, such as interference, playing on their own.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú; Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería