Connecting Arduino and Processing for an RGB LED exploration: a new approach for technology-enhanced learning

Abstract

The phenomenon of adding colours is a relevant topic and integrates school programmes in different countries. In most cases, it is presented by teachers through static images, drawn on the board or schematised in school textbooks. This approach stems, in many cases, from the lack of adequate resources that allow a discussion without inducing misunderstandings, which unfortunately does not meet the necessary demands for learning. From the perspective of a necessary methodological change, a path is presented: the use of active methodologies enrolling students in their learning process based on the joint discussion of science and technology. Based on these principles, we present in this work a proposal for an experimental setup that can be used in classes where the discussion of adding colours occurs, allowing students to carry out a real-time comparison between the colour perceived in an RGB light-emitting diode display, and the colour produced in a computer screen. In addition to the phenomenological aspects, the setup will allow students to perceive the differences in shades and, consequently, how technology in the perception of colour.