Internet of Things (IoT) has become a part of our everyday lives. The segment is changing how we do things at home and simultaneously how we take care of our health. It is starting to change how students learn too, both in classrooms as well as at home. Gradually, more and more schools are adapting digital and remote learning. In such a scenario, it is important to think about whether IoT should be a part of learning experiences outside of school.
It is true that in recent years education has evolved alongside technology. Blackboards have been replaced by digital boards and tablets. Newer technologies are trying to make education better and easier to access. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic have sped up the use of remote and online learning. Taking lessons from such unpredictable events, schools are using more technology to help students learn and it includes IoT devices like smartboards and sensors.
Use of IoT devices is bringing benefits in the education system. It is making learning more interactive. Devices can change lessons based on how fast students are learning. This means education is now becoming more personalized.
IoT is also helping to make education more accessible for everyone. Devices like voice assistants and braille readers are very helpful to students with disabilities. More than 6.5 million students with disabilities in the U.S. are now learning more independently.
Bringing IoT from schools into homes means students can keep learning even after the school hour. Smart devices can help students manage their homework, projects and tests. Students can now easily access online learning resources from home.
However, there are challenges with it. IoT devices can collect a lot of data and even the privacy ones. Not all the students may have same access to technology at home. This definitely can create a divide between those who have and those who don’t have. It is also suggested that we should rely less on technology and more on tradition for learning. A balance between traditional and modern ways of teaching is important.
It is important to be very careful while using IoT at home. Schools and governments need to work together to provide internet and devices to all the students. Teachers, students and parents need to train themselves before using IoT safely and effectively.
