Mangaluru: The SJEC-AICTE IDEA Lab, in collaboration with the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), organised a three-day workshop on the Internet of Things (IoT) for MCA students of St Agnes College (Autonomous), from August 11 to 13, 2025. The programme aimed to provide practical exposure and strengthen participants’ understanding of IoT systems and applications.

Day 1: Building the foundation

The inaugural day featured sessions led by Mr. Prasad S. M, Assistant Professor, Dept. of ECE, and Mr. Rajesh Belchada, Assistant Professor, Dept. of ME. Participants were introduced to IoT fundamentals and popular platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and NodeMCU. Hands-on training included connecting ultrasonic sensors for object detection and integrating OLED displays with Arduino to show health parameters. This practical approach laid a strong foundation in IoT hardware and interfacing techniques.

Day 2: Sensor integration and web development

On the second day, Ms. Abhaya D. K, Assistant Professor, Dept. of CS, and Ms. Jane Maria Wilma Lasrado, Assistant Professor, Dept. of ECE, led sessions on NodeMCU (ESP32) pin configuration and sensor integration. Students practiced interfacing humidity and temperature sensors and displaying sensor outputs in real-time. Later, they were introduced to static web page development, enabling them to integrate IoT hardware with basic front-end applications. These activities provided insight into real-time data monitoring and the fundamentals of IoT-based application development.

Day 3: Advanced IoT concepts and cloud applications

The final day featured advanced sessions by Dr. Binu K. G, Professor, Dept. of ME; Dr. Nishmitha J. Dsouza, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil; and Ms. Madhavi Gatty, Assistant Professor, Dept. of ECE. Topics included interfacing sensors with Raspberry Pi, combining ultrasonic sensors for integrated IoT projects, and exploring cloud-based IoT applications. The experts shared real-world insights that connected classroom concepts to industry practices, enhancing students’ confidence in applying IoT technology for innovative solutions.

Active participation and outcomes

The workshop witnessed active participation from 79 MCA students of St Agnes College, along with four faculty members from the MCA department. Participants appreciated the hands-on sessions and comprehensive guidance, stating that the programme strengthened their ability to design and develop IoT-based projects effectively.

The three-day workshop successfully combined theoretical knowledge with practical experience, reaffirming SJEC’s commitment to empowering students with industry-relevant skills in emerging technologies.