  Broadening access to both computational and educational resources is critical
to diffusing machine-learning (ML) innovation. However, today, most ML
resources and experts are siloed in a few countries and organizations. In this
paper, we describe our pedagogical approach to increasing access to applied ML
through a massive open online course (MOOC) on Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML).
We suggest that TinyML, ML on resource-constrained embedded devices, is an
attractive means to widen access because TinyML both leverages low-cost and
globally accessible hardware, and encourages the development of complete,
self-contained applications, from data collection to deployment. To this end, a
collaboration between academia (Harvard University) and industry (Google)
produced a four-part MOOC that provides application-oriented instruction on how
to develop solutions using TinyML. The series is openly available on the edX
MOOC platform, has no prerequisites beyond basic programming, and is designed
for learners from a global variety of backgrounds. It introduces pupils to
real-world applications, ML algorithms, data-set engineering, and the ethical
considerations of these technologies via hands-on programming and deployment of
TinyML applications in both the cloud and their own microcontrollers. To
facilitate continued learning, community building, and collaboration beyond the
courses, we launched a standalone website, a forum, a chat, and an optional
course-project competition. We also released the course materials publicly,
hoping they will inspire the next generation of ML practitioners and educators
and further broaden access to cutting-edge ML technologies.
