Design and Develop the Efficiency of a Fish Tank Controlled by an "IOT" (Internet of Things) System through a Project-based Learning Process

Abstract

This research aimed to: (1) develop and examine the efficiency of an Internet of Things (IoT)–controlled fish tank through a project-based learning process, and (2) investigate users’ satisfaction with the developed IoT-controlled fish tank. The study focused on first-year students in the Higher Vocational Certificate Program in Agricultural Technology and Innovation and Aquaculture, along with teachers from Phayao College of Agriculture and Technology, during the first semester of the 2024 academic year. A purposive sampling method was used to select ten participants.

The research procedures involved designing and developing the IoT-controlled fish tank, followed by testing its operational efficiency. Participants evaluated the system performance and reported their satisfaction. The research instruments consisted of an efficiency test and a satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to compare the efficiency of the system before and after development.

The results showed that the developed fish tank achieved an average efficiency of 96%. The highest accuracy (100%) was found in the water changing/refilling and air pump control functions. Turbidity and temperature display/alert and heater control functions achieved 95% accuracy, while the automatic fish feeding function demonstrated 90% accuracy. Overall user satisfaction was rated at a very high level (𝑥̄ = 4.95, S.D. = 0.16), particularly in terms of ease of use, user-friendliness, suitability for ornamental fish farming, and ease of maintenance. The developed IoT-controlled fish tank effectively addressed challenges faced by ornamental fish farmers by reducing costs and saving time in fish care and maintenance.