Arduino Workshop at VIVO Media Arts Center

This workshop, called "Arduino: Getting Started" was an introduction to using an arduino microcontroller as well as some beginner electronics. Each session was once a week over five weeks at VIVO Media Arts center with the participants consisting of mainly students and artists that were looking to learn and build, or were just simply curious about what it was/could do. Each participant would also receive a kit with everything they needed to complete the workshop. Topics included what an arduino is, a basic workflow, the IDE software, introduction to electronic theory (including how to read schematic symbols), inputs (analog and digital sensors/switches) and outputs (light and sound), as well as an introduction to programming in C.

Working with Marc St Pierre, we designed a project based workshop where every week had a target project that participants would complete that would utilise new concepts introduced during that session. During development, my role was to research and come up, build, and test those project ideas with Marc. Between the two of us, we also had to source workshop materials, (such as electronic components) and build each arduino kit. Print materials (such as for marketing and teaching the workshop) and photography was also included in my role.

During the workshop, I was an assistant instructor which meant my role included assisting anyone that got stuck, answering any deeper technical questions, troubleshooting, setup and takedown, tracking any items/supplies, etc. In short I supported the main instructor in any way possible, allowing them to better focus on the class and keep it running smoothly.

At the end, it was well received with many of the participants asking if there would be a level 2 version of the workshop.