Programmable logic controller training module for positioning and sorting

Abstract

In this project, a prototype of a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) training module for positioning and sorting was designed and developed. The design was based on Programme Educational Objectives (PEO) and Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) for Diploma in Industrial Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) for Automation course (HFC4033) in Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA Balik Pulau. The prototype consists of two main parts that are: i) Plug and Learn PLC Controller, and ii) Positioning and Sorting Training Kit. Plug and Learn PLC Controller was developed using the Siemen S7-200 CPU 226 as a controller and EM 253 was used as positioning wizard module. Positioning and Sorting Training Kit used standard automation components namely conveyor, sensor and others as input/output (I/O) to the prototype system. The learning activities were conducted using two approaches that is Teacher Centred Learning (TCL) approach and Student Centred Learning (SCL) approach. The effectiveness of the learning approach and the PLC Training Module was evaluated using rubric marking scheme and qualitative survey questionnaire. Based on this evaluation, two group taught in SCL approach managed to complete assigned tasks faster than the group taught using TCL approach. Group from the TCL approach completed the task in procedural stages (structured) compared to the groups from the SCL approach that completed the task in less structured (unstructured). However not all groups using SCL method scored high marks in evaluation criteria for project functionality, design skills and level of understanding. Finding also suggests that SCL approach does not guarantee better performance among passive student. With this PLC training module using SCL approach, the finding shows that the learning strategy can better prepare student to solve real industrial problem. However, it does not necessarily motivated passive student.