As we navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming everything from industries to our daily lives. However, is our education system keeping up? As an Industrial Advisor, I’ve observed gaps in how IoT is taught in higher institutions, and I believe it’s high time we bridge them.
A Gap in Education: Lack of Practical Exposure
One of the major gaps in IoT education is the absence of a comprehensive, end-to-end approach. While universities delve into IoT theories, they often overlook the critical hands-on component. Real-world IoT isn’t just about concepts; it’s about building devices, integrating sensors, and programming microcontrollers. It’s about using different types of connectivity and sending data to an IoT platform using various messaging modes and protocols such as REST, COAP, and MQTT.
Towards a Holistic IoT Curriculum: Theory and Practice
A comprehensive IoT curriculum should ideally include designing and programming IoT devices, interacting with IoT platforms via APIs, and managing data transfer to different servers. These practical skills can only be learned through rigorous lab exercises and industry-relevant projects.
Supporting Local Products: The Favoriot Advantage
Another area where higher institutions could play a significant role is supporting local products. For instance, in Malaysia, Favoriot has developed an IoT platform that is comparable to overseas products like ThingSpeak, Blynk, and others. By incorporating such local platforms into the curriculum, institutions can give their students an edge in the job market.
Graduates with experience using Favoriot will be attractive to companies familiar with the platform. Furthermore, these students can opt for Favoriot Professional Certificates, which would be a valuable addition to their credentials and career prospects.
Conclusion: Building the Future of IoT
Higher institutions need to realize the urgency and importance of revamping their IoT curriculum. By providing end-to-end training – complete with theory and practical experience – and supporting local products, they can ensure their students are industry-ready. In the rapidly evolving world of IoT, we need graduates who are not only well-versed in theory but also competent in practice. After all, the future of IoT is in their hands.
