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What Micro-Controller Would You Use to Teach With?
Rukie asks: "I'm looking into starting some sort of robotics class for my high school, which severely lacks any sort of technological classes. I am now wondering what micro-controllers are best for an educational environment. I definitely want something more advanced than the Legos, but something that won't fly over people's heads. Are there cheap, scaleable micro-controllers for learning in a classroom or at home? I'm curious how my fellow readers have hacked up toys to make their own robotics at minimal cost."
I don't know, I think he is going more for a "fun" angle. Lets face it, without even the basics of electronics, going to digital circuits is tricky at best.
That being said, I would recommend a Basic Stamp from http://www.parallax.com/. While their chips are not the fastest, cheapest, or fully featured they offer EXCLELENT learning tools, books as well as a wealth of free code. There are plenty of robot kits you can get and easy to plug in designs. You can quite possibly even get a bulk discount for a school.
To be honest, I would rather have a class where the first half of the semester is designing AND building your radio. (Preferably FM) I learned microcontrollers first before I learned anything about analog components and a radio is the best way to teach that.