Arduino Explore IoT Kit FAQs

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things, IoT, is a giant network of connected devices that collect and share data from all over the world. Billions of devices that are connected to the internet share information with each other and are used by us in our everyday lives, such as controlling lights at home from your phone.

 

What are the benefits of learning about IoT?

The IoT is changing the way we live, work and study. Some jobs are disappearing and becoming automated, but at the same time new career opportunities are arising. By learning about IoT, students will be able to collect and present data,  making them more aware how technology is used in our everyday lives. They learn how to use connected devices and services safely and securely, and they will have the tools they need to design and make their own projects or tweak existing ones. They will also have better career opportunities and better scope for the future as data scientists.

 

How is the Explore IoT Kit structured?

The Explore IoT Kit is divided into an introduction to the Internet of Things and ten step-by-step, hands-on activities. Each activity includes learning objectives, an introduction to new components and programming concepts, as well step-by-step instructions for configuring the IoT Cloud and gradually building code. In each activity students make a functional project that they can conduct different experiments with, and at the end of each activity students will be able to take their knowledge to the next level and try to solve an open-ended challenge by modifying the program.

 

Do I need to follow the activities in the order provided? 

Yes, each lesson builds off the previous one and gives students the opportunity to apply skills and concepts that have been covered. Therefore, we recommend that you follow the order of the lessons. 

 

Who can use the kit?

This kit is designed for students aged 16+ who are taking their first steps into the world of the Internet of Things. Students should already have some knowledge of programming and electronics as basic concepts are not explained in the content of this kit. However, students don’t need any prior knowledge of the IoT or how to use, for example, cloud services, APIs, and different sensors for data collection.

What are the minimum knowledge requirements for using the kit?

Students are expected to know basic programming. This kit only includes plug and play components and doesn’t require students to build complex circuits. Activities include step-by-step instructions for assembly and programming, however some of the basic programming concepts and code structures are not explained.

 

How many students can use the kit?

The Explore IoT Kit is designed for one or two students. The kit includes all the components required to assemble and experiment with one project at a time. It comes with one unique code for activating the Arduino Cloud subscription. Note that if students are working in pairs, they are required to use the same Arduino account to use the Arduino Cloud subscription.

 

What topics does the Explore IoT Kit cover? 

After looking into current academic and industrial standards, Arduino Education has identified the following important concepts and fundamentals of IoT that this kit should touch upon:

• Hardware
• Algorithms and programming
• Networking
• Security
• Data handling

 

Where is the registration code?

The registration code can be found inside the physical kit. Each kit includes a unique code that is used to access the online platform as well as to activate the subscription to the Arduino Cloud.

 

What operating system is required?

Windows 7 or higher, Linux, or Mac OS. 

What are the minimum requirements for using the kit in the classroom?

To go through the activities and program the board, each group needs a computer and an internet connection. In many of the activities, students also need to have a WiFi connection with its credentials (SSID and password). Read more about how to configure your network for the Arduino IoT Cloud here.

 

What is the Arduino IoT Cloud?

The Arduino IoT Cloud is an easy to-use Internet of Things application platform. It makes the creation of connected objects quick, simple and secure. You can connect multiple devices to each other and allow them to exchange real-time data. You can also monitor them from anywhere using a simple user interface.

 

What is Arduino Cloud?

The Arduino Cloud is an online platform that enables anyone to write code, access content, configure boards, and share projects. The Arduino Cloud comes with different plans;  With the Arduino Cloud Free Plan, you can use the Web Editor to program your board, connect multiple devices with the Arduino IoT Cloud, browse a collection of projects on Arduino Project Hub, and connect remotely to your boards with Arduino Device Manager.  With the Arduino Cloud Maker Plan, you get access to additional features and increase the productivity of your tools. 

The Explore IoT Kit comes with a free trial to the Arduino Cloud Maker Plan. With the Arduino Cloud Maker Plan you get access to additional features and increase the productivity of your tools. You will be able to save more sketches, get support for third parties boards and LoRa devices, increase the number of properties, and many more. 

 

How do I access the Arduino IoT Cloud?

You can access the IoT Cloud from Arduino Cloud or from the Explore IoT Kit Platform. In the platform - as well as everywhere else on the Arduino web ecosystem - next to your profile avatar (top right corner) there is a menu connecting you with Arduino Cloud apps. With Explore IoT Kit you unlock a 12 month free trial of the Arduino Cloud Maker Plan - the premium subscription to Arduino Education's online coding platform. After the trial, you will need to renew your subscription. You can choose between different plans.