Microcontrollers as a Tool for an Interdisciplinary Approach in Education

Abstract

Interdisciplinary education is an approach that integrates knowledge from various scientific fields into a unified and practically applicable framework. Currently, this concept is primarily realised through the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) framework. STEM emphasises the integration of the natural sciences, engineering, technology, and mathematics, thereby creating the necessary conditions for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Unlike traditional curricular approaches, STEM does not present disciplines in isolation but strives for a synergistic connection between them. This creates a system that is more accessible to students and more closely aligned with real-world scenarios. Interdisciplinary education significantly contributes to the development of those 21st-century competences essential for the modern era. These include the ability to utilise modern technologies, apply theoretical knowledge in practice, and flexibly synthesise information from disparate areas. As an educational tool, microcontrollers represent a technological platform that supports the implementation of this interdisciplinary approach; they are utilised in projects that combine elements of computer science, physics, mathematics, and technology. This article examines their integration into teaching and the potential for connecting theory with practice through experimental and experiential learning.