Internet of Things Education Project (IoTEP)

A convergence of technologies has given rise to the rapid deployment of applications/systems commonly known as the Internet of Things (IoT). These IoT applications incorporate networks of advanced sensors and actuators, embedded intelligence, and present-day networking technologies to provide the exchange of data over the Internet with other devices and systems. In many cases, this technology gives rise to control systems that were not previously possible and also provides the needed platform to implement innovative cyber-physical systems that can have wide-scale impact on everyday activities. In fact, IoT technology has the potential to affect nearly every aspect of human endeavor and commerce by increasing system efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, it also can provide real-time monitoring of the nation's infrastructure and environment and has the potential to improve public health, safety, and national security. To address the lack of educational materials and expertise available pertaining to this emerging technology paradigm, this NSF ATE project has four main objectives: First, it is creating and testing relevant interdisciplinary IoT learning material in electronics, computing, and networking that can be used to improve the skill sets of a developing IoT workforce; Second, it is broadly disseminating the materials produced through established networks such as the NSF Advanced Technological Education Centers; Third, the project has develop teacher and faculty expertise in IoT and active-learner technologies through workshops and on-line activities; and lastly, it has attempted to interest under-represented groups in STEM fields by recruiting inner city K-12 students into summer workshops about the IoT. It is vitally important that the United States be at the forefront of the development of this technology and has a workforce that can install, maintain, and update this emerging technology.