Close to a decade ago, the term IoT (Internet of Things) started floating around publicly – with an inherent promise to refine and idealise our lives. Fast forward to the present, IoT is already exhibiting its dynamic potential. Thanks to this novel concept, every imaginable object, device and machine is now equipped with smart consoles – connected via multiple network channels and/or Internet providing innovative data collection and communication techniques.  

IoT is, in its true sense, is unfolding the power of wireless connectivity.

IoT technology has had a striking impact on our daily lifestyle. It has enabled remote connectivity, thereby facilitating effortless human to machine and machine to machine interaction. Connected home/ office/ vehicle security systems, mobile device controls and real time power saving components are already enriching our day-to-day lives; not only in terms of advanced control and exemption of dexterity from our end but also in regards to superior security, optimised performance, energy efficiency and cost saving benefits. 

The most notable impact of IoT, however, can be seen on the education and learning environment. Many schools and universities have already realised its benefits and are on board utilising this technology for several reasons ranging from better access to information to enhanced security.

Let’s look at how IoT is helping improve the education system, as we know it, for the better.

Smart teaching plans

IoT has introduced the concept of mobile and remote e-learning, which has proved beneficial for both educators and students. It has helped re-direct the face of education in the right direction, where more focus is given on students’ learning plan instead of classroom attendance.

The students can now attend the lectures through live feeds and record the same for revision at home. The teachers are also finding it easier to connect with students and engage their attention with more interesting and smart lesson plans. Remote connectivity also allows the educators to introduce students with other subject matter experts from different locations to create their lesson plans more relevant and elaborate.

Web based discussions have likewise become an active part of the study halls; where in students can engage with students and teachers from all over the world. This versatile e-learning environment permits the students to expand their access to information and relevant learning material. In case the students are unable to attend the class physically, they can learn, take a test and get the teacher’s feedback through the web.

Improved campus safety

Student safety has been one of the main concerns for schools and universities all over the world. Luckily, IoT serves a solution for that as well. There are digitized ID-cards available now that enable the administration to track the teachers’, students’, other staff’s whereabouts. Special digitized IDs or wrist bands can also be used to track any visitors. All the information is stored on a server and can be accessed only by the relevant administrators, which also helps deal with the concerns of privacy.

Similarly, the transportation has been made more secure by including GPS-enabled systems. These GPS systems allow the authorities to monitor the location and route taken by the school bus. So, the school authorities as well as parents can be sure of the students’ safety to and from school.

Enhanced energy and cost efficiency

Built-in connectivity also enables consumers to reduce their energy consumption, thereby trimming the bills for better saving opportunities. For instance, suppose the class attendees forgot to turn the projector, AC or lights off before leaving the classroom, the supervisors can easily check and do so with the help of a simple click from their mobile device- right from wherever they are at the moment, be it gym, home or another city.

Additionally, this smart technology is designed to identify consumer patterns and can be pre-set to operate automatically. To give an example, you can pre-schedule your electronics to automatically turn on or off at a certain time.

The saved cost can thus help bridge the funds and budget gap, thereby allowing the school/ campus authorities to spend more on activities related to actual teaching and thus improve the learning environment even further.

All things considered, IoT allows educators to do their job more efficiently and creates a more powerful, dynamic learning environment. IoT is here to stay and needless to say, we will witness more and more schools adopting it in the upcoming years.

Authored by Dr. Dhanya Pramod, Director, Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology (SCIT), Pune