The effectiveness of learning in vocational education in mechatronics through making a simple simulation program

As one of vocational education in Indonesia, Politeknik Mekatronika Sanata Dharma must be able to produce graduates who are competent and skilled in the field of mechatronics. In order to achieve this, practical and workshop learning must be given a large portion. However, some practical tools available are limited, due to constraints in the cost of procuring equipment that is quite expensive. This paper presents an active learning through the practice of developing a simple industrial control simulation program, using Proteus and LabVIEW software. One example of the control simulation presented here is the control on the conveyor as a supplier of items. From the observation and learning evaluation, it was found that by making a simple simulation program, students more easily develop skills in mathematics, logical thinking and problem solving. The effectiveness of learning can be measured from the value of student satisfaction and involvement, which in the example here is quite high. Students were enthusiastic and involved, starting from the design of the conveyor simulation image, making the simulation circuit in Proteus, programming the microcontroller, and making the simulation program at LabVIEW, even to realizing it to the actual conveyor.