How Is IoT Establishing The Modern Classroom?

IoT And The Modern Classroom - How Is IoT Establishing The Modern Classroom?
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Summary: The Internet of Things or IoT has many applications in our daily lives. One of the aspects it affects is modern education. Explore how the IoT is changing modern classrooms and education.

IoT And The Modern Classroom

People often say that the internet has changed our lives completely. What if I told you, the Internet of Things, or IoT in short, is all set to transform our lives all over again? IoT devices are non-standard computing devices that connect to a network wirelessly. These devices then transmit data wirelessly over the network. IoT networks have a master control dashboard. You can use this to monitor the data the IoT device transmits. You can also remotely control the device from the same dashboard.

One of the areas where IoT devices are transforming is classrooms.

The idea behind the Internet of Things is to extend connectivity beyond traditional smart devices. Not just a phone or computer. Even traditionally dumb devices like light switches and thermostats can gain computing ability. IoT devices can communicate with other devices on the same network. This has resulted in a growing shift towards smart homes or homes with a network of smart IoT devices. But smart classrooms and schools don’t get the credit they deserve. Using IoT devices can help augment the way students learn and schools operate. This article examines:

  1. Tracking attendance
  2. IoT temperature sensors
  3. Wireless locks
  4. Better school security
  5. Smartboards
  6. Interactive learning

Each area deals with specific challenges in the modern educational system. Let’s take a closer look at them one by one below:

Tracking Attendance

One of the major metrics the educational system lays importance on is school attendance. A strong system to manage and track school attendance can help improve the security of the institution. It also assists school stakeholders in making better decisions based on a student’s attendance record. Devices can track and input the attendance of each student into the main database. IoT devices can also be programmed to send automated messages to parents when attendance drops too low.

IoT Temperature Sensors

The weather and climate have shown time and again that they have an effect on classrooms. Temperatures, in particular, affect memory, cognitive ability, and even attitude. Higher temperatures can sap both teachers and students of energy. IoT devices can monitor temperatures and send alerts to maintenance if the temperature gets too high or low.

This helps schools save much-needed funds that would otherwise go into larger utility bills. Not only that, but these devices can help maintain temperatures that are conducive to the learning process. The concerned personnel only need to monitor all temperature sensors from one central location.

Wireless Locks

Schools need to take security seriously. Especially with gun-related violence at schools, and the current global terrorism situation. IoT devices can be installed on door locks to engage the locks wirelessly when you press a central silent panic button. The button will instruct all IoT door locks to engage, swiftly putting the school in lockdown. IoT devices can also “recognize” people at the door and unlock for people with the right authorization. School security or the principal’s office can activate or de-activate school lockdowns. Simply by using a central dashboard on their mobile devices.

Better School Security

Locks aren’t the only area IoT devices help to make schools more secure. IoT devices can deliver emergency alerts in the event of a crisis situation directly to teachers. They can come in handy with hearing impaired notifications and audio enhancement to ensure all students can find safety. IoT devices can help mitigate the devastation and loss of life that could potentially save many lives. IoT devices can offer pre-recorded instructions in a crisis. They can help direct students and staff on how to act in an emergency.

Smart Boards

On a less grim tone, certain IoT devices have taken over traditional classroom equipment. The chalkboard has become a relic of the past. Instead, more and more schools opt for a smart board in their classrooms. Interactive education using a smartboard can help teachers deliver more effective lectures. Visual aids can help students learn new concepts with more clarity. Smartboards can even display tests, homework, and assignments. Moreover, the right programming can help schools monitor how well teachers perform in the classroom.

Interactive Learning

In the old days, school books were mostly comprised of text with a few pictures thrown in for interest. But today’s learning aids do not limit themselves to paper and ink. Most modern textbooks have an accompanying web-based resource site. These sites come with additional educational material. This can include video content, graphics animations, and even assessments. These supplementary resources help students gain a deeper perspective. They help gain a better understanding of whatever students learn in class.

The technological landscape of today is constantly in motion. It is fluid, and it adapts to changes rapidly. As more IoT devices emerge, more comprehensive IoT platforms to control them will also emerge. These platforms will assist humans in better connecting to different aspects of their lives. The Internet of Things is a major shift towards a powerful and smart future. How soon will we see smart homes, schools, and offices? The change has already begun. Let’s see how far it takes us.