My original plan was to use ESP8266BASIC because it's so easy to create a web GUI, but I'm a little worried that switching the students to BASIC syntax right after teaching them Arduino might be too confusing.
I'm now considering designing the grid as an Arduino shield instead of a standalone unit. This would allow me to take advantage of the Arduino's 5v and 3.3v regulators, DC power input, and USB power input. The students would program their light procedures in Arduino on the Uno, and ESP8266BASIC would act as the GUI, communicating with the Uno through UART.
Does anyone have any opinions or insights into either of these approaches?