The Diyode Codeshield is an arduino shield (add-on board) designed to make the process of learning (and, more importantly, teaching) arduino much more engaging and accessible. By removing all the obstacles that typically interfere with the learning process, we can greatly improve understanding, retention and excitement.
The Diyode CodeShield was developed to make the process of learning code, specifically arduino code, much more intuitive and engaging. The idea is simple: put all the common inputs and outputs on a single board, all hooked up properly. By sidestepping the electronics basics and breadboarding stages of learning (these can come later), we can get new arduino users looking at code within minutes, modifying it right away, and trying new things faster than before. It also eliminates one of the main sources of frustration. Before, when your LED doesn’t blink, or your button doesn’t work, you have to troubleshoot: ‘Did I not hook it up right? Did I design the circuit wrong, or did I write the code wrong?’. The CodeShield allows learners to take the process one step at a time.
In conjunction with the board, we are developing a series of curriculums that can be used to introduce users of various skill levels to the arduino. These will be tailored specifically to learning with the CodeShield. The goal here is to develop a standard way of approaching the learning process in a way that engages students interest, relates the concepts to devices that they are already familiar with, and then challenge them to make their own devices.
In our early phases of development we were having kids as young as 8 grasping the concepts and writing code.
Availability
We try to keep 100 or so CodeShield kits on hand at any time, but the number can fluctuate, with a lead time of 30 days on some of the parts. To start, we’ll be selling the kits, un-soldered, for $32. Spikenzie Labs in Montreal is our initial distributor in Canada, and we are talking to distributors elsewhere. Email simon at diyode.com if you are interested.
CodeShield Details
The Diyode Code Shield has:
Inputs: switch, button, potentiometer, rotary encoder, thermistor, photocell, and hall effect sensor.
Outputs: Piezo buzzer, servo motor, RGB LED, LED, and a relay with screw terminals.