Design and Implementation of STEAM Interactive LED-Cube Teaching Aids

In the cultivation of talent in interactive media, programming, the cross-disciplinary integration, and application of emerging technologies and art are emphasized. However, in the current curriculum, it is challenging to effectively train interactive media-related skills and integrated applications such as programming, 3D modeling, and animation for satisfactory outcomes. In showcasing their works, students feel constrained by the limitations of their knowledge and time pressures hesitating to experiment with various presentation methods. Even in collaborative efforts, the concept of cross-disciplinary integration may be acknowledged but is challenging due to insufficient resources and capabilities. Therefore, we provided an expandable LED-cube module with a game engine for example-based learning. We developed stackable LED-cube modules using Arduino development boards. Bluetooth or WiFi transmission was employed for the expandability of the LED-cube modules. The connection package between the Arduino control module and the game engine allowed the model to interact for content data. This real-time display of characters and interactive content on the LED cube was based on the traditional students’ presentions of their works. The toolkit reduced the programming burden for digital content and fostered collaboration across a variety of disciplines. With this toolkit, the development time for students can be reduced, fostering their hands-on skills. It also motivated students and widened their knowledge with cross-disciplinary thinking.