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Abstract: This article explores the problem of extending the curriculum content for the programming course to reflect modern technologies in demand. Options for the programming course extension using the software development for the Internet of Things devices are evaluated. Examples of hardware platforms allowing for the programming training are provided. The use of the STM32 F7 Discovery kit is proposed as the target platform. It is noted that the wide spreading of devices forming a so-called «Internet of Things» implies the need to teach students the software programming for this kind of devices, which is hindered by the insufficient development of the curriculum content in that field. A solution is proposed, suggesting the programming course extension with basics of software development for embedded devices and the Internet of Things. As learning of software programming implies a field research part, examples of hardware platforms which can be used in the process are explored. The main ways to use these platforms in the education process are provided. The use of an STM32 F7 Discovery kit is proposed as the target platform for the embedded software programming research, as well as an extension for existing field research tasks in teaching. Software development aspects which are possible to explore using this platform are presented, along with hardware and software tools to enable the development. Main topics which are visualised through the use of microcontrollers and MCU-based computer systems are listed, including low-level management of computation resources and external devices, such as storage and communication interfaces. Due to the need to control multiple devices at the same time in a self-contained real time environment, a possibility is presented for a group research in the process of learning the software programming.