By: News Bureau
College of DuPage now offers a certificate program for students interested in learning about the Internet of Things (IoT), the fast-growing field of programming and managing internet-enabled smart devices.
The Internet of Things generally refers to any device connected to the internet, everything from a smartwatch to a self-driving truck. These smart devices use sensors to do things like measure temperature and detect movement, then report information to users. IoT also includes interpreting voice commands, including those via Siri and Alexa.
“This is the only kind of learning package in the area that focuses specifically on IoT,” said Kris Fay, Dean of Business and Applied Technology at COD. “Its role in our daily lives has exploded in recent years, and certainly the demand for folks with these skills is growing just as quickly.”
Students of the IoT Proficiency certificate program will study the use and creation of internet-connected devices, including application development, networking, security and sensor device integration.
The IoT Proficiency certificate is designed for students who have already earned an associate or baccalaureate degree, or currently are employed in a similar field. The 36-credit program includes three key courses: Introduction to Human Computer Interaction, Web Connected Devices and Building Internet of Things (IoT) Devices, which includes hands-on experience building an IoT device.
Computer and Information Science Professor Carolyn England said the curriculum of the proficiency certificate program was designed specifically to meet the demands of the IoT industry and position students to be more marketable.
“They’re calling it the next industrial revolution, being able to handle all of that data,” said England. “I think this is going to help put COD and its students at the cutting edge of technology.”