This research examines the effectiveness of educational tools for the design of microprocessor systems in developing digital competence among engineering students. Through a quasi-experimental study that compares traditional teaching methods with an integrated approach using MCU 8051 IDE, STC-ISP, and PROTEUS DESIGN tools, we demonstrate significant improvements in student performance and skill development. The experimental group showed an increase in average academic scores and substantial enhancement in digital competencies compared to the control group. Our methodology emphasizes a practice-oriented approach that balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through laboratory-based learning, simulation environments, and hardware implementation. The findings contribute to best practices in engineering education by establishing a comprehensive framework to develop digitally competent graduates prepared for industry challenges in the design of microprocessor systems. This research addresses the persistent gap between academic instruction and professional practice while aligning with European Digital Competence Standards adapted for engineering contexts. © 2025 Copyright for this paper by its authors. Use permitted under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).
Author Keywords
Index Keywords
