UT.6.01x: Embedded Systems - Shape The World!

Created: October 27, 2017
Updated: August 18, 2024

(This is a guest blog by Austin Blackstone, a member of Team UTEmbeddedSys.)

We are using the Octopart API to help us with Engineering Education. Professor Jonathan Valvano and Professor Ramesh Yerraballi have taken their incredibly popular class EE319K: Introduction to Embedded Systems at the University of Texas at Austin and turned it into a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) on EdX where it has a global reach called UT.6.01x: Embedded Systems - Shape The World.

One of the unique features of UT.6.01x is that it is the first attempt to deliver a substantial lab component in a MOOC setting. Having the hardware requirement presented us with a unique problem; how to source parts to students in an economical fashion? To solve this we turned to Octopart and their wonderful API. We use the Octopart API on our worldwide order page to source real time pricing and availability options on the two microcontroller boards we use for the class: theTexas Instruments Stellaris Launchpad (EK-LM4F120XL) and the Tiva Launchpad (EK-TM4C123GXL). This allows us to give students multiple options and real time pricing so they can choose the solution that best fits their needs. Being able to provide real time pricing and availability options to students has been key in enabling a low cost worldwide class that uses hardware where prices can fluctuate country to country.

We love the Octopart API and it is a great enabler for students to find the parts they need for the course.

Thank you so much!!

--Team UTEmbeddedSys

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