The Internet of Things (IoT) is a giant network of connected devices that collects and shares data from all over the world, and it’s changing the way we live, work, and study. There are nearly limitless options and opportunities for IoT-connected devices and industries incorporating IoT. 

Teaching in the classroom is constantly transforming and evolving. As IoT continues to grow, so do the unique ways in which education can benefit from teaching it. 

IoT in the Classroom 

Have you ever considered the “how” and the “what” of teaching IoT? What about the “why”? Why should students have experiences around development in this type of environment?

The Why: At Pitsco, we strive to prepare students for careers that don’t yet exist. Did you know that experts are predicting more than 500 billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2030?

Companies everywhere are channeling their funds and efforts on IoT to bring in precision and optimized workflow mechanisms. IoT is changing the way we live and work, ultimately leading to the need for skilled IoT data professionals. Learning about IoT requires students to understand and use different tools, technologies, and programming languages. They learn how to collect, store, and visualize data; build remotely controlled applications; and improve everyday life with smart devices.

The What: Arduino Education has released a new kit to help high school students get started with the Internet of Things. With the Arduino Explore IoT Kit, you can get advanced high school and college students started with creating connected devices quickly and easily. 

Watch the following video to get a glimpse of what the IoT kit has to offer!

The How: Students follow 10 exciting projects that challenge them to explore fundamental concepts of IoT such as sensors, automation, data collection and analysis, graphing, cloud storage, and remote control. The overarching theme of this kit is urban farming, so the 10 projects involve monitoring temp, humidity, barometric pressure, and soil conditions for a remote garden.

You can see a sample lesson from the activity content here.

All the activities adopt a learning-by-doing approach through which students acquire knowledge step-by-step by constructing fully functional solutions including experiments, challenges, and meaningful applications.

The Arduino board used in this kit is the new MKR 1010, which offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, coupled with a MKR IoT carrier. The kit includes a host of environmental sensors such as UV, humidity, temperature, pressure, and moisture sensors and a PIR (passive infrared) sensor, which is used to detect motion. The kits are non-consumable, easily sanitized, and very portable, making them perfect for an in-class, hybrid, or remote learning experience.

Before getting started with the IoT kit, having some prior Arduino coding experience is recommended. Check out some other kits such as the Arduino Education Student Kit or the Arduino Education CTC Go! Core Module.

Technology and data are all around us, and, whether you like it or not, they’re here to stay! And, as the industry of IoT will always be ever changing, the demand for skilled professionals will be a constant need. From creative people to perfect programmers, there is a path for all students in IoT.   

We can’t wait to see how you innovate, create, and transform! Let us know in the comments how you are exploring the Internet of Things!