Slides (Keynote format), syllabus, a list of possible parts to use, and other materials can be found in this Google Drive: https://bit.ly/physcomp-faculty-folder
A list of possible parts to include for use with this course is at: http://bit.ly/circuitpython-school-parts-list
The course is a flipped-class. All course material is shared on YouTube, with new videos regularly added. Students are assigned roughly 2 hrs. of YouTube learning videos to complete. They also complete a Canvas online quiz after each video & upload the results of their work. Classtime is spent largely on exercises that reinforce learning from YouTube. All videos for all classes can be found at YouTube.com/profgallaugher, but those of specific interest to this course include:
http://bit.ly/circuitpython-tutorials
http://bit.ly/bluefruit-school
http://bit.ly/raspberry-pi-tutorials
http://bit.ly/pi-cabinet
http://bit.ly/mil-mascaras
http://bit.ly/makersnacks
You're welcome to e-mail me after reviewing these materials if you have questions or seek advice. I also regularly share related material on Twitter: @gallaugher
Here is a short recap video of Assistive Tech projects that students created: https://youtu.be/DxSeKv99EmU
Students learned to program in Python & the CircuitPython programming language, learned hardware concepts, and engineering skills.
Students built a project portfolio and shared their work on the Instructables website.
Students developed Assistive Technology, working with a client and deploying the project to improve the lives of others.
Students gained project design and management experience through class work.
Learning underscores the ability to apply technical and management knowledge to develop "projects for others" and to use in their own entrepreneurial initiatives.
Students with varied skills (art, technical, business) collaborate and share their knowledge in one of the truly interdisciplinary project courses offered on campus.
Fast, cheap computing is making it possible for absolute beginners to build real and impactful projects as they learn to program in Python. Physical Computing: Art, Robotics, and Tech for Good is an interdisciplinary course offered in the flipped-class model. Students learn CircuitPython - an extension to the Python Programming language allowing them to work with a variety of hardware products. During the semester students are lent small computing devices (these can also be purchased): Adafruit CircuitPlayground Bluefruit, Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect, and Raspberry Pi 3 A+, along with several additional components (LED light strips, sensors, motors, robotics parts), and build a series of projects: an "Art" challenge, a "smart" box that lights up when it's time to take medication, a PPE mask-distributing, announcement-making, app-controlled robot. Students also work with Boston College Campus School, a program for children ages 3-21 with physical and development challenges, creating Assistive Technology projects to improve their lives. Students gain skills useful in project management, working with a client, technology software and hardware, and apply this knowledge as People for Others.