Updated 6/6/24

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 

Considering the why, what, and how of teaching IoT takes some research, so let us help by describing why students should have experiences around development in this type of environment.

The Why:

We strive to prepare students for careers that don’t yet exist. Did you know that experts are predicting 500+ billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2030?

Companies everywhere are channeling their funds and efforts toward 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 using smart devices.

The What:

Arduino Education released the Arduino Explore IoT Kit Rev 2, so advanced high school and college students can get started with creating connected devices quickly and easily.

The How:

Students investigate and solve a real-world challenge linked to one of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals using the included project. Students are equipped with scientific and design thinking methodologies as they study a sustainability issue, investigate and build solutions, and analyze the data.

The project takes 15 to 25 hours to complete and contains five modules, which can be completed in an order that makes sense for your classroom. Each module adopts 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 full content for this kit is sold separately and requires a subscription to the Arduino Cloud for Schools plan. The full content includes more lessons and nine more projects, unlimited storage and compilation time for all your students’ sketches, dashboards that visualize without any restrictions, and more.

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 Rev 2. The kit includes a host of environmental sensors such as temperature, humidity, pressure, VOC, and ambient light, as well as an RGB color sensor and a gesture sensor.

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!

MORE RESOURCES:

• Pitsco.com/Arduino
• Arduino Cloud for Schools Single License