Tag: Educators

From Hardware to Insights: Why Universities Should Prioritise Data Analytics and AI Over IoT Hardware

A Change in Our Universities Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data Analytics have become the talk of the town.

Everywhere I go, someone discusses how these technologies are transforming industries and reshaping how organisations work.

But let me tell you, all of this innovation boils down to one thing: data. AI can’t learn without data, and analytics can’t deliver insights.

This realisation has enormous implications for how universities prepare students and educators for the future.

Over the years, many universities have focused on teaching students to build their Internet of Things (IoT) hardware.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great way to learn the technical basics, but I’ve always felt it’s not the best use of resources or time.

The truth is that the hardware is just a means to an end.

The real value is in the data these devices collect and what you do with that data. That’s where I think universities should shift their focus: data analytics and AI.

Why Data is the Real Hero in AI and Big Data Analytics

Here’s the thing about AI: it’s only as good as the data you feed.

Whether you’re predicting customer behaviour, analysing health trends, or optimising supply chains, the first step is always about collecting, cleaning, and understanding data.

And guess what generates a lot of that data? IoT devices.

From smart sensors to wearables, these devices are constantly collecting information streams. But the value isn’t in the device; it’s in the insights you can extract from the data.

Take smart cities, for example. IoT sensors might monitor traffic flow, air quality, or energy usage.

That’s impressive, but more amazing is how AI models and analytics make sense of all that data to improve city living.

Building the hardware for these sensors is straightforward; developing the AI and analytics platforms behind them is the real challenge.

Why Universities Need to Prioritise Data Analytics

1. Meeting Industry Needs

Let me be honest — the industry doesn’t need more people building IoT hardware.

They’re hungry for data analysts, AI developers, and data scientists. Companies are about insights that drive decisions, not the physical gadgets that generate the data.

Shifting the focus to data analytics would better prepare students for what’s waiting for them in the real world.

2. Endless Applications

Consider this: data analytics and AI can be applied across many industries. Whether it’s healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, or retail, the possibilities are endless.

With skills in data analytics, students can work on anything from predicting machinery maintenance to forecasting disease outbreaks or personalising customer experiences.

Meanwhile, hardware skills are mostly limited to niche engineering roles.

3. Lowering Barriers to Entry

Let’s face it: building IoT hardware isn’t cheap. You need tools, components, and a workshop.

That’s a big ask, especially for students or universities with limited budgets.

In contrast, data analytics only requires access to software tools, cloud platforms, and datasets, which are much more accessible.

4. Using What’s Already Available

These days, you don’t even have to build IoT devices from scratch.

There are ready-made solutions, like FAVORIOT, AWS IoT, and Azure IoT.

These platforms make collecting, storing, and managing IoT data easy. So why reinvent the wheel? Use these tools and focus on creating value through analytics and application development.

How Universities Can Make the Shift

1. Rethink the Curriculum

If I were designing a university course, I’d ensure it included data analytics, AI, and IoT platforms. Students should learn how to:

  • Collect and preprocess IoT data.
  • Use tools like Python or MATLAB to analyse data.
  • Build machine learning models and deploy them in real-world scenarios.
  • Understand cloud computing and work with IoT platforms to manage data.

2. Partner with Industry

One of the smartest moves universities can make is partnering with companies. Industry collaboration gives access to real-world datasets, tools, and expertise.

Plus, internships and collaborative projects can give students the hands-on experience they need to hit the ground running.

3. Focus on Real-World Problems

When I was a student, I always enjoyed projects that felt meaningful.

Educators should design projects that challenge students to solve actual problems.

For example, they could predict energy usage patterns on campus or analyse traffic data to improve transportation systems.

4. Train the Trainers

Let’s not forget the educators.

They need to stay ahead of the curve, too.

Universities should invest in training programmes for lecturers, helping them stay updated on the latest AI and data analytics trends.

5. Provide the Right Tools

Students can’t learn data analytics without the right tools.

Universities should give them access to software, cloud-based platforms, and open-source datasets. This doesn’t have to break the bank — many affordable or even free options exist.

Imagine the Applications Students Can Build

By focusing on data analytics, students can work on exciting applications like:

  • Smart Agriculture: Analysing soil and weather data to optimise irrigation and fertilisation.
  • Healthcare: Using wearable data to predict health trends.
  • Retail: Analysing customer behaviour to personalise shopping experiences.
  • Manufacturing: Implementing predictive maintenance to cut costs and downtime.

These examples show how data analytics can drive innovation across industries.

Isn’t that more impactful than soldering circuit boards?

My Advice to Universities

The world is changing fast, and universities need to keep up.

It’s time to move away from DIY IoT hardware and focus on the bigger picture: data analytics.

By doing this, universities can prepare their students for a future where data is king.

As educators, it’s our job to help students see the actual value of IoT — not the gadgets but the insights they enable.

And for students, my advice is simple: dive into data analytics and AI. These skills will open doors and help you make a real difference.

The future is all about harnessing the power of data.

Let’s make sure our universities are ready to lead the way.

Shaping The Future IoT Talents — The Need to Empower IoT Educators

IOT EDUCATORS

Who are these IoT Educators? Why are they vital in shaping our nation?

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

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IoT’s omnipresence is undeniable.

However, the key to harnessing this technological marvel lies in nurturing the right talent, which begins with the educators themselves.

My journey, which has encompassed diverse roles from academia to industry leadership, has provided profound insights into the critical aspects of IoT education.

The Vital Role of IoT Educators

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

IoT educators are the linchpins in the ecosystem of IoT learning and development.

Their role transcends beyond mere transmission of theoretical knowledge; they are the catalysts that ignite curiosity and innovation among students.

But to kindle this spark effectively, educators themselves need to be adept with not just the theories but the very fabric of IoT technology — its tools, applications, and real-world implications.

Bridging the Practical Knowledge Gap

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The disparity between theory and practice is one glaring void in the current educational framework.

While theoretical knowledge lays the foundation, true mastery of IoT necessitates hands-on experience with cutting-edge hardware and software tools.

Therefore, educators must first be practitioners, immersing themselves in the nuances of these tools.

Only then can they impart meaningful knowledge to their students.

They are responsible for updating the syllabus dynamically, integrating contemporary tools employed by the industry, and thereby ensuring that students are industry-ready.

Syllabus Evolution — Keeping Pace with Industry

Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

The IoT curriculum needs to be a living entity, evolving with the field’s rapid advancements.

This evolution is imperative to equip students with relevant and current skills.

Educators should collaborate closely with industry experts to curate a curriculum that mirrors real-world applications and challenges, fostering a learning environment that bridges the gap between academia and industry.

Understanding Industry’s Challenges and Realities

Photo by Rob Lambert on Unsplash

Another critical aspect that often needs to be addressed is comprehending industry-specific problems.

Theoretical learning often showcases IoT applications at a high level, glossing over the intricate web of challenges that professionals face in the real world.

Educators must delve deeper, understanding, and conveying the multifaceted nature of these challenges to their students.

This involves not just a theoretical grasp but an empirical understanding, necessitating educators to engage directly with the industry, gain insights into actual problem scenarios, and integrate this knowledge into their teaching.

Cultivating a Practical and Business-Oriented Mindset

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The ultimate test of IoT solutions lies in their viability and acceptance in the market.

Despite their innovative edge, many projects falter because they do not align with practical constraints or fail to address genuine market needs.

Educators need to instill a mindset that looks beyond the technicalities and understands the economic and business dimensions of IoT solutions.

This perspective is crucial for students to develop solutions that are not just technologically advanced but are also pragmatic and market-driven.

My Journey — From Academia to Industry

Photo by Heidi Fin on Unsplash

My career trajectory, spanning academia and industry, highlights the importance of this integrated approach to IoT education.

From my tenure as an academic to leading roles in the industry and now as an Adjunct Professor, the constant learning and interaction with the dynamic field of IoT have been pivotal.

These experiences have enriched my perspective, allowing me to contribute more effectively to educating the next generation of IoT professionals.

Conclusion

The journey of nurturing IoT talents is complex yet rewarding, with educators playing a pivotal role.

By embracing a holistic approach that blends theoretical knowledge with practical insights and industry engagement, educators can unlock the true potential of their students, paving the way for innovative solutions that resonate with real-world needs.

As we continue to navigate the IoT landscape, we must focus on empowering educators, for they are the architects who will shape the future of IoT talents.

Favoriot offers an IoT platform that has become an indispensable tool for learning and teaching IoT in academia. Contact Favoriot to learn how we can help you with your IoT education.

More stories about IoT in Universities:

1 — The Best Universities in Malaysia That Offers IoT Courses or Programmes

View at Medium.com

2 — IoT Education in Universities: The Favoriot Solution

View at Medium.com

3 — How an On-Premise IoT Platform for Universities Can Propel Your IoT Education

View at Medium.com

4 — Malaysian Higher Education Institutions Using Favoriot IoT Platform

View at Medium.com

5 — The Impact of IoT Platforms on Student Innovation

View at Medium.com

A Decade of Teaching at a University and How It Has Evolved Me as An Individual and Educator

Image created using Midjourney by Author of Startup Journey

For the first ten years of my career, my role as a lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has offered me a treasure trove of experiences, deeply enriching my understanding of education and student engagement.

This period has refined my professional abilities and spurred significant personal development, transforming me into an educator of greater influence and confidence.

Grasping the True Essence of Student Needs

In my early days, I viewed teaching primarily as imparting knowledge.

It didn’t take long to recognize that students sought something more profound – a blend of motivation, engagement, and practical knowledge application.

Recognizing and adapting to these needs marked a pivotal transformation in my teaching approach.

Strategies to Engage and Inspire

Capturing the interest of students requires an innovative approach.

I turned to interactive methods, using group discussions, real-life scenarios, and digital technology integration to make my lectures more dynamic and relevant.

These techniques made learning more enjoyable and deepened students’ comprehension and interest.

The Power of Knowledge and Earning Respect

One vital realization was the necessity of thorough preparation and expertise in my field.

Students naturally gravitate towards and respect lecturers who demonstrate comprehensive subject knowledge.

Earning this respect was instrumental in creating an environment conducive to learning and engagement.

Cultivating Confidence Through Public Speaking

Delivering regular lectures became a foundation for honing my public speaking skills.

Over time, this consistent practice significantly boosted my confidence, equipping me to present with poise and clarity at international conferences.

The skill of effective communication, garnered through my teaching experiences, has been invaluable.

View at Medium.com

Beyond Teaching: Research and Development

My responsibilities extended far beyond the lecture hall, involving rigorous research and academic paper publication.

Staying at the cutting edge of my field advanced my professional development and offered tangible benefits to my students.

This aspect of my career has been particularly gratifying, contributing to the broader academic sphere.

Fostering Enduring Connections

One of the most fulfilling outcomes of my tenure at UTM has been the lasting relationships established with students.

Many of them have evolved into friendships, professional relationships, or even client connections, often reminding me of my positive influence during their academic journey.

This has underscored the enduring impact that educators can have on their students’ lives.

Image created using Midjourney by Author of Startup Journey

Reflecting on this decade-long journey, it’s evident that my experiences at UTM have been as much about personal learning and growth as they have been about imparting knowledge.

I am very thankful. The lessons learned have enhanced my capabilities as a lecturer and enriched my life in numerous ways.

My tenure at UTM underscored that being an educator transcends teaching; it’s about inspiring, connecting, and continually evolving personally and professionally.

The story of my second job in a corporate organization (telco):

View at Medium.com

The story of my third job as a Research Director:

View at Medium.com

You can also check out my personal Blog here or the latest eBooks I have recently published — here.