Effective Industry Ready IoT Applied Courseware - Teaching IoT Design AND Validation

A large majority of IoT design courses focus on design with lighter emphasis on validation. These courses are taught using IoT devices which are easily available and are inexpensive. Unfortunately, such devices, whilst enabling the basic concepts of IoT to be taught, are highly unlikely to be found in consumer products and miss out on key elements. To fully appreciate IoT learning and ensure industry relevance, this paper suggests that university IoT courses should be taught using a variety of devices that are of an end consumer product quality. Focus should be given to both design AND validation. IoT consumer products are subjected to rigorous quality controls and regulations. Not only must these products work - they must also be responsible RF citizens and adhere to strict Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) regulations. This paper demonstrates courseware which consists of an industry grade hardware kit and IoT sensors emphasizing IoT design, IoT system integration, test and validation. Understanding of key IoT wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth^® and ZigBee is supplemented with measurement and validation techniques to confirm repeatability and compliance. The measurement and visualization of wireless and electrical signals cements learning objectives and ensures confidence in IoT device design. This paper discusses the results from an Industry-University pilot program and the subsequent steps taken by the industry partner to further improve the courseware.