User-Extensible Block-Based Interfaces for Internet of Things Devices as New Educational Tools

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are common in students’ everyday lives, but connecting these devices to a programming environment for educational use is not always straightforward. This paper presents a framework, IoTScape, for connecting IoT devices to an online block-based programming environment. This system automatically provides both a novice-friendly interface and more advanced tools integrating cybersecurity concepts. By allowing new device types to easily be added to the system, a more diverse set of curricula is possible, ideally attracting more students who may not find the existing curricula engaging. Examples are provided of IoT devices used with this system, both physical and virtual, connected to NetsBlox through this platform, along with potential pedagogical uses of these devices.