Work-in-Progress: Internet of Things Enabling Remote Student Learning

ABSTRACT

With advances in sensor, computing and communication technologies, Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices are becoming more prevalent. COVID-19 forced many educational institutions to move their courses online, at least temporarily. While this rapid shift in teaching formats impacted all courses, it was especially challenging for lab-based courses in which students require physical access to equipment in order to complete their exercises and assignments. As universities transition back to “normal“instruction formats, many have continued to offer an increased amount of online course content, including lab based courses. IoT technologies can be utilized to enable hands-on learning opportunities for students, especially those who are learning remotely. To support remote student learning, IoT-based labs have been planned as part of the senior capstone design courses in computer science and electrical engineering at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, a Minority Serving Institution. These planned assignments will utilize a basic IoT learning kit comprised of a Raspberry Pi board (or similar basic processor board) along with a collection of sensors. The kits are available to be checked out to students, especially those who are participating in remote learning. The IoT-based lab topics include an introduction to IoT technology, connecting and reading data from sensors and logging it to a website, and remote access/control to an IoT enabled device via the internet. Utilizing the IoT learning kits, these exercises keep students engaged and involved with hands-on learning. Through this introduction to and experience with applications utilizing IoT devices and technology, students will gain a better understanding of and have the opportunity to integrate IoT technology in their senior capstone design projects. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2022.