This paper presents a work on understanding the effect of automated systems on learning experiences of students in practical electronics laboratory sessions. Here automation refers to the ability to provide students with contextualized information and instructions to rectify mistakes made while conducting practical experiment. A system employing mobile augmented reality (AR) and a debugging tool to assist students with physical circuit prototyping was developed. The AR provides active visualization to students regarding practical experiment. The debugger tool senses errors made while prototyping of electronic circuits on breadboard. The proposed system, named Smart Learning System, has shown to improve students’ engagement in practical laboratory sessions and improve laboratory dynamics by reducing the workload of instructors.