MakerCards: Designing An Electronic Component Discovery Tool to Support Remote Physical Computing Education

Abstract

Traditionally, the setting for maker education has been a physical space where students can engage in hands-on learning and often work collaboratively. However, as many schools adopt a remote learning model due to COVID pandemic conditions, a pressing need has arisen for instructional practices and tools that facilitate project-based distance learning. This work in progress presents the design process of a QR-code enabled learning tool for instructors and students working with electronics in introductory physical computing courses. Through iterative learning design research and deployment in two 3-week micro courses, we uncovered preliminary evidence for the versatility of tactile card decks in supporting disciplinary based learning behaviors, debugging practices, visual and remote communication, as well as the opportunities for enhancing knowledge transfer enabled through digital augmentation.