Two-dimensional barcodes: An effective real world example to teach design and programming

In this paper, we will discuss the experience of developing projects based upon a central real world example to introduce first year students to engineering. We will outline how the theme of two dimensional barcodes was used to introduce our students in the freshmen Foundations of Engineering I (ENGR111) course to the key skills of engineering design, problem solving, teamwork and computer programming. Results show that the students found the experience positive.