Zainuddin Zainuddin, Bakhran A. Rauf, Abdul Muis Mappalotteng

Development and Validation of a Web Server-Based Internet of Things (IoT) Trainer for Practical Learning in Higher Education

Introduction

Development and validation of a web server-based internet of things (iot) trainer for practical learning in higher education. Develops & validates a web server-based IoT trainer for practical learning in higher education. Features ESP32, sensors, & actuators for real-time monitoring & control. Highly reliable & pedagogically sound, suitable for engineering education.

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has significantly influenced engineering and computer technology education, particularly in laboratory-based practical learning. However, many higher education institutions still face limitations in providing integrated IoT laboratory facilities, causing learning to rely on simulations or fragmented hardware modules that do not adequately represent real-world IoT system integration. This study aims to develop and validate a web server-based IoT trainer to support practical learning in higher education. The research employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach consisting of six stages: needs analysis, prototype design, product development, expert validation and limited trials, product revision, and dissemination. The developed trainer integrates an ESP32 microcontroller with multiple sensors and actuators, enabling real-time monitoring and control through an embedded web server. Data were collected through functional testing, system performance testing, and expert validation involving six experts in media, content, and instructional design. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and percentage-based feasibility calculations. The results indicate that all hardware components operated with error rates below 5% and response times under 250 ms. The web server system achieved an average response time of 648.1 ms with an error rate of 0%, indicating high reliability. Expert validation showed very high feasibility across all aspects, including programming (99.2%), content relevance (98.8%), and instructional design (100%). These findings demonstrate that the developed IoT trainer is technically reliable, pedagogically appropriate, and suitable for supporting IoT practical learning in higher education.

Review

This study addresses a pertinent challenge in higher education: the insufficient provision of integrated Internet of Things (IoT) laboratory facilities, which often forces practical learning to rely on fragmented modules or simulations that fall short of real-world system representation. The authors present a timely and relevant solution by developing and validating a web server-based IoT trainer designed specifically to bridge this gap. The premise is strong, identifying a clear need for hands-on, comprehensive learning tools that can adequately prepare students for the complexities of modern IoT ecosystems. The research employed a robust Research and Development (R&D) methodology, systematically progressing through needs analysis, design, development, expert validation, limited trials, product revision, and dissemination. The developed trainer integrates an ESP32 microcontroller with a suite of sensors and actuators, featuring an embedded web server for real-time monitoring and control—a crucial element for mimicking real-world IoT deployments. Validation was comprehensive, involving functional and system performance testing, alongside expert review from six specialists in media, content, and instructional design, ensuring both technical soundness and pedagogical appropriateness. The results strongly support the efficacy and feasibility of the developed trainer. Functional testing revealed hardware error rates below 5% and response times under 250 ms, while the web server achieved an impressive 0% error rate with an average response time of 648.1 ms, indicating high reliability. Critically, expert validation yielded exceptionally high feasibility scores across all evaluated aspects: programming (99.2%), content relevance (98.8%), and instructional design (100%). These findings collectively demonstrate that the web server-based IoT trainer is a technically reliable, pedagogically sound, and highly suitable tool for advancing practical IoT learning in higher education institutions.

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