Course History

TAC 348 and its public course site have developed through repeated classroom use, changes in technology, and feedback from students. Archived syllabi and weekly plans are retained in the repository so that the development of the course remains documented.

2019: Public Course Materials

The first complete public version of the course site was developed for Fall 2019. The course introduced students from across the university to physical computing through circuits, embedded programming, sensors, motors, cloud communication, and a final device project.

2020: Remote and Online Instruction

In March 2020, the weekly plan and instructional materials were reorganized for remote teaching. The public site became a more central source for lectures, assignments, build instructions, and preparation materials. Additional videos and documentation were developed to support students working outside the classroom.

2021: Technical Reference Library

A dedicated quick-reference collection was introduced in Fall 2021. These pages separate frequently needed wiring, component, and programming guidance from individual lectures and assignments, allowing students to find technical help when they need it.

Existing material on cloud-connected devices, Bluetooth communication, APIs, JSON data, mobile interfaces, and data visualization was updated and reorganized. Assignments and build guides were revised to provide clearer milestones between foundational circuit work and larger integrated devices such as the Bluetooth car and smart watch.

2024: Photon 2 Transition

Course materials were updated for the Particle Photon 2 platform. Lectures, exercises, component references, setup instructions, and troubleshooting resources were revised to support the new hardware while retaining the course’s emphasis on transferable electronics and embedded-programming concepts.

Recent work has focused on improving technical references, updating the custom course kit, revising project instructions, maintaining current cloud and wireless examples, and expanding optional material. The site continues to be updated during each semester in response to classroom experience and changes in the supporting technology.

Archives and Version History

The repository includes archived syllabi and weekly plans beginning with Fall 2019. The full GitHub repository provides a detailed history of additions and revisions to the open course materials.