2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Integrating Digital Electronic Concepts in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology Education through Experimental- Centric Pedagogy

The Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology (EMET) program is designed to meet the growing demand for engineers in rapidly developing fields such as industrial automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing. This multidisciplinary program equips students with a strong foundation in both electrical and mechanical engineering principles, enabling them to design, develop, and test computer-controlled mechanical systems used in modern industry. To better prepare students for real-world applications, the EMET curriculum has adopted active learning strategies that focus on engaging students through practical, hands-on experiences.
One such approach is Experimental-Centric Pedagogy (ECP), which emphasizes learning by doing and integrates laboratory work directly into the learning process. This paper presents an ongoing effort to incorporate digital electronics concepts into ECP using the ADALM2000 Active Learning Module, a portable and affordable lab device that allows students to experiment outside of traditional lab settings.
As part of this initiative, EMET students participated in a project to design and build a 4-bit register using D flip-flop integrated circuits (ICs) and the ADALM2000 platform. Prior to beginning the project, students studied essential topics such as flip-flops, counters, and registers in their Digital Electronics course. They were also introduced to Scopy software, which enabled real-time visualization and analysis of electronic signals during the experiment.
The hands-on nature of the project allowed students to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, reinforcing their understanding of digital logic design. The project was carried out during the Spring 2025 semester, and all participating student groups took part in informal post-project interviews. Feedback from these interviews revealed high levels of engagement, enthusiasm, and a strong interest in working on additional projects using modern tools and instrumentation. Students also reported improved confidence in applying what they had learned in a practical setting.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that integrating portable laboratory tools and active, experiment-based learning methods can significantly enhance learning outcomes for undergraduate students in EMET programs. By making engineering concepts more tangible and accessible, this approach supports student motivation, improves technical skills, and better prepares graduates for the demands of the engineering workforce.