THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF CREATIVE PRODUCTS USING A MICROCOMPUTER

The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Nagano College, has conducted creative engineering experiments using microcomputers since the fiscal year 2006. In an experiment, we designed creative products using a microcomputer in a brainstorming session. We then produced and evaluated the products in detail as a group project. Through this approach, we aim to inculcate in students the idea of systematic production and evaluation. The experiment is related to classroom implementation of the microcomputer, which has been carried out for the past 30 weeks from the final term of fourth grade to the first term of fifth grade. Since the fiscal year of 2015, it has been held for 30 weeks in the fourth grade. In our creative engineering experiment, we first brainstormed individually, created an idea sheet, and carried out a poster tour involving all students. After the specifications were prepared by considering the opinions of other students, good ideas were selected for voting during the poster tour. Students with similar ideas gathered in groups. Based on the detailed design, we ordered electronic parts, for instance, through mail order, for performing the tasks in groups. After completing the production, the students participated in a poster-tour-style idea contest accompanied by a demonstration; they then created and submitted a production report. Many creative products with high practicality were presented, but there were also creative products with high gaming characteristics that appeal to children. Although the degree of perfection of the work varied from group to group, the students’ positive and diligent efforts were evident, and the degree of self-satisfaction was relatively high.