The skill that I learned was how to use the Arduino micro controller. I wanted to learn this skill because despite my computer science background, I had never learned how to use my code to control something in the real world. Arduinos provide a platform for easily interfacing between the code and the hardware. While I still have a significant amount more to learn, I did learn the basics and de-mystified how unapproachable I thought Arduinos were. I learned how to use the developer environment, how to get my code to communicate with the hardware, and re-learned some physics. With that knowledge I was able to work from building a basic circuit to power a lightbulb to using my phone to control the color of an LED bulb. Unfortunately, I found the physics aspect to be the most disheartening because if I want to continue exploring with Arduionos, I’m worried that my lack of electrical engineering knowledge will roadblock any endeavors. The required circuit knowledge isn’t actually that bad, but when the wrong circuit could potentially fry the components, I don’t really want to risk it. Overall, I think I am now comfortable enough with Arduinos to the point where I would consider buying a starter kit to see what else I can learn.
