The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interconnected, internet-connected objects that collect and transmit data without human intervention over a wireless network. The world has more connected devices than people. As a result of the IoT, businesses, governments, and human beings interact differently.
Education is not yet among the most common IoT applications. Students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders are wary when it comes to implementing connected e-learning solutions. Despite this, schools, colleges, and other institutions are taking advantage of the Internet of Things platform as it becomes more popular and cheaper to implement. IoT has numerous applications in education, from improving campus attendance to ensuring in-class productivity. This article examines the IoT trend for education in detail.
Besides the obvious technical advancements, a fair share of schools continue to use outdated teaching practices, paper textbooks, and curriculums that aren’t much different from the ones we had centuries ago (math, writing, reading, foreign languages, history, and science). There is little-to-no room for acquiring new skills needed to stay competitive in the workplace.
The implementation of technology gives education professionals new tools to optimize classwork, improve the efficiency of the learning process, connect with students better, and ensure on-site safety. Some of the benefits of using IoT in education include.
- Improved school management efficiency.
It takes a lot of paperwork to manage an educational institution, manage supplies, and distribute funds appropriately. By implementing IoT solutions, we are laying the groundwork for a faster, risk-free, and interconnected decision-making framework where all stakeholders (teachers, students, parents, public officials) are involved in improving the operation of the school.
- Real-time data collection.
Schools and colleges can process terabytes of data simultaneously thanks to IoT, opening up a wide range of possibilities - safety tracking, monitoring student progress, overseeing the professional training of teachers, etc. Real-time data could be used by institutions to improve the efficiency of testing and grading or to find ways to improve classroom engagement.
- Improved resource management.
In the long run, IoT in education reduces operating and storage costs for schools. In addition, the university management can utilize connected IoT devices to ensure energy and water consumption efficiency.
- Global interconnectedness.
The global nature of IoT helps education professionals create uniform teaching standards and ensure the same level of training at schools and colleges around the world. Educators from all over the world can exchange tips and best practices using Internet of Things-enabled global peer-to-peer training tools. On the other hand, students will be able to share learning materials internationally, improving global access to education.
- Addressed safety concerns.
Universities, colleges, and schools can benefit from the Internet of Things' array of security applications. Among them are video monitoring tools, drone escorting of students, smoking sensors, etc. Platforms like these increase parents' and students' confidence in the safety of their learning environment, promote positive habits and make it easier for management to maintain their institution.
But as with any new technology, IoT issues do exist. Concerns include acceptance, cost, connectivity, security, and more. As many new players enter the field, the standards are still being set. But even with these challenges, the end goals of IoT have so much promise.