A Google Drive containing slides (Keynote format), syllabus & course policies (.pdf), a link to components that can be purchased for this course (Google Sheets), and other materials can be found at: http://bit.ly/physcomp-faculty-folder
Vidoes used in this as well as other course are regularly released on YouTube at: https://YouTube.com/profgallaugher
Playlists relevant 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 (box that lights up when its time to take medications)
http://bit.ly/mil-mascaras (app-controlled robot)
After reviewing the above material, faculty with questions are welcome to reach out via e-mail. I'm also active on Twitter & regularly share course-related materials @gallaugher
One of the only truly interdisciplinary, project-focused courses at the University, this class offers students a variety of learning outcomes:
The ability to learn Python, CircuitPython, and programming skills from scratch, even if they have no experience in these areas.
An opportunity to work with a real client on an Assistive Tech project, designing, developing a prototype, iterating for improvement, and deploying a working product by course end.
Above opportunity and other learning encourages students to consider how their skill can be applied in service to others.
Art, technical, business, and other students are encouraged to share their skill and learning in a truly collaborative classroom mix.
Flipped-class nature helps prevent new students from getting left behind.
Many students discover new career, creative pursuits, and service opportunities as a result of this course.
Fast, inexpensive computing and open-source hardware now allows students with even no prior programming background to learn to program, develop hardware projects, and deploy useful solutions after a single course. Physical Computing: Art, Robotics, and Tech for Good is an undergrad-focused course that assumes no prerequisites. Students learn the hardware-focused CircuitPython programming language (a derivative of Python) when learning to build electronics projects. The course is a "flipped class" offering, with the bulk of new concept instruction happening via YouTube videos (all less than 30 min in length, roughly 2 hrs. of online video instruction each week). In-class exercises have students work individual and providing help to others to solve challenges related to online learning. Three open-ended creative projects are completed as part of the course: "Make Art", "Assistive Technology" (partnering with an on-campus program for students with developmental and physical disabilities aged 3-21), and a "Final Project". Students also develop several learning projects during the course of the semester, including a "smart" cabinet that lights up when it's time to take prescription meds, and a PPE-mask-distributing, announcement-making, app-controlled robot. Students are provided with hardware (Adafruit CircuitPlayground Bluefruit, Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect, and Raspberry Pi 3A+) as well as additional components (programmable LED light strips, speakers, buttons, potentiometers, sensors, etc). However, components are low-cost and could be purchased. A list of possible components is at: http://bit.ly/circuitpython-school-parts-list. Videos used in the course are regularly released at https://YouTube.com/profgallaugher