Development of ESP32-Based Automatic Plant-Watering Control as Vocational Learning Media

Abstract

This study developed an ESP32-based automatic plant-watering control system as learning media for vocational microprocessor and microcontroller instruction. The study used a research-and-development design comprising potential-and-problem analysis, data collection, product design, design validation, iterative revision, product trial, usage trial, and production. Data were collected using five-point Likert questionnaires and analyzed descriptively. The prototype integrates an ESP32 controller, soil-moisture sensor, relay, and water pump and was tested across soil-water conditions from the initial state to 200 mL. Feasibility scores were 4.27 from the material expert, 4.16 from the media expert, 4.17 in the product trial, and 4.18 in the usage trial, indicating that the media was feasible to very feasible for instructional use. The study demonstrates the practical value of an authentic embedded-system artifact for linking programming, electronics, sensing, and control in vocational learning. Because the evaluation focused on feasibility rather than comparative learning gains, further research should test effectiveness, reliability, and longer-term classroom outcomes.