Cybersecurity and Programming for IoT Technicians

Course Description:

This course is intended to introduce community college instructors to the concepts of IoT, the Internet of Things, embedded systems, and cybersecurity best practices through a series of hands-on projects built around Arduino microcontrollers, an array of electronic components, sensors, and actuators, and computer programming.

This workshop is designed to help instructors gain an understanding and proficiency in the technologies centered around the Internet of Things, and how to teach these concepts. Students will explore Microsoft micro:bit as an alternative to the Arduino microcontroller and create a project either based on one of those discussed in class or a project of your own design.

The workshop will be delivered virtually through Zoom and Canvas. Students will be asked to complete several Arduino and Microsoft micro:bit projects, some of which will be completed virtually with the group. Additionally, the students will complete the review questions and quizzes after each project. Content covered during this course will prepare you for the Arduino Fundamentals Certification Exam.

Participants in this workshop will take entry and exit surveys to assess their prior and achieved knowledge. These surveys will include:

• Coding knowledge and experience
• Electronics knowledge and experience
• Tinkercad knowledge and experience

Stipend: 

Eligible faculty will receive up to a $1,000 stipend upon successfully completing the academy. To be eligible, you must:

The workshop will meet virtually  10:00am to 4:00pm CST via Zoom.

This workshop is sponsored by the National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE). 

About the Instructors:

Dr. Kristine Christensen is a professor of Management Information Systems at Moraine Valley Community College, where she has taught and developed curriculum in website development, user interface design principles, programming, networking, robotics, and engineering technology for the past twenty years. She has a passion for teaching a diverse group of learners and enjoys the challenges and rewards of helping people develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities so that they can reach their potential and be successful in their future lives and careers. She encourages underserved student populations to enter the information technology and cybersecurity fields, and she provides support and mentorship to them as a way to help bring more diversity and equity to the IT and cyber workforce.

Dr. Christensen also serves as Moraine Valley’s Director of Faculty Development and is responsible for designing, developing, and evaluating professional development programs for faculty and staff. She has been actively involved in research and curriculum development for grants awarded by the National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, and the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a double major in Human Resource Management and Industrial Psychology from Valparaiso University, a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Consulting from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Science in Management Information Systems with a focus in Computer Programming and Electronic Commerce from Governors State University, a Master of Science in Teaching and Learning from St. Francis University, a graduate certificate in Online Communications and Web Design from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University. In addition to her academic credentials, she has earned numerous professional certifications in information technology and networking, manufacturing and robotics, programming, and web development.

Chuck Bales is a professor and the Program Coordinator of Automation and Engineering Technology at Moraine Valley Community College. Mr. Bales has taught and developed curriculum for mechanical design, CAD, automation, and engineering technology for over 20 years. Mr. Bales holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

As a program coordinator, full-time faculty member, and academic researcher, he has developed and taught numerous engineering and technology courses and created several new degree and certificate programs at the college. Mr. Bales has been actively involved in grants as a co-principal investigator, researcher, and developer for the Department of Education, National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, and the US Department of Labor since 1994. He also holds numerous professional certifications in the fields of information technology and networking, manufacturing and robotics, and computer-aided design.