GIFTS: Bridging Code and Circuit: MATLAB-Guided Arduino Walkthroughs for First-Year Engineering Student

Engaging first-year engineering students in programming and hardware integration is crucial for fostering problem-solving skills and hands-on learning. To support this goal, this work presents six structured walkthroughs designed to introduce students to Arduino programming through MATLAB App Designer and the MATLAB Support Package for Arduino Hardware. These walkthroughs serve as intuitive, user-friendly guides that bridge the gap between traditional Arduino IDE programming and advanced graphical data visualization, making coding more accessible and interactive. Implemented within the Cornerstone of Engineering courses across multiple campuses, these walkthroughs offer a structured approach to integrating MATLAB and Arduino, enhancing students' learning experiences while supporting instructors in adopting these tools seamlessly into their curriculum. By incorporating a diverse range of Arduino components, the walkthroughs expose students to real-world applications, reinforcing foundational engineering concepts through hands-on experimentation.