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CPU-ECE Department and JIECEP Outreach Program: XOD IDE and Arduino Microcontroller Workshop at Culasi National High School

by | Apr 24, 2026 | The Centralian Link | 0 comments

By Johann Roel Alcantara, BSECE-4


CPU-ECE Department and its student organization, JIECEP CPU, with students from Culasi National High School, Ajuy, Iloilo.

The Electronics Engineering (ECE) Department, together with its student organization, the Junior Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (JIECEP) Central Philippine University, conducted an outreach program on Arduino Robotics on March 26, 2026, at Culasi National High School in Ajuy, Iloilo. The program was organized by fourth-year ECE students to empower the next generation of learners by making the fundamentals of robotics accessible and easy to understand.

The students were first introduced to the basic components included in an Arduino kit, as well as the necessary software to be used. They were then taught the basics of visual programming and how to navigate the XOD IDE. They also learned about the different nodes and their corresponding data types. Following these introductions, the students were tasked with four different activities: an intelligent night light, a proximity alarm system, a precision dial controller, and a mini weather station. Each activity introduced various components with specific functions, as well as new nodes to be used in the XOD IDE software. The students were able to successfully complete the activities and gain practical knowledge of Arduino robotics.

With their newly acquired knowledge, the students participated in a brainstorming activity in which they were asked to propose a solution to a problem within a 30-minute time frame. They developed ideas and were later asked to present their projects by group. Each group delivered a commendable presentation explaining the problem they identified and the solution they proposed. The best presentation was awarded a prize.

The outreach program was a resounding success, fulfilling its mission to teach students the fundamentals of robotics and coding. These skills will undoubtedly support them in their future thesis projects and, hopefully, inspire them to pursue careers in engineering.

Furthermore, the event was highly rewarding for the student lecturers, boosting their confidence in classroom teaching and serving as a strong testament to their expertise in electronics. The outreach initiative also contributed to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).