ABSTRACT
This article describes an experimental course where students
developed Internet of Things device prototypes to improve
the upkeep of an urban rooftop greenhouse. With the help
of a problem-based learning approach, students were first
familiarized with their new learning environment and encouraged
to find issues that could be improved as a meaningful
personal learning experience. A project-based learning
approach was then used to develop innovative solutions
while validating their relevance in collaboration with gardeners
that were taking care of the greenhouse. As a result,
a number of practical applications for monitoring the
state of the greenhouse were developed along with new practices
for its maintenance. As participants were given the
freedom to choose both the topic and technologies to work
with, the course provided a learning experience that was
tailored to suit personal interests and competences. Having
the common background story allowed students to practice
teamwork skills and collaborative software engineering in the
context of the emerging topic of Internet of Things.