As in many other sectors, the Internet of Things (IoT) has been a boon for education. From so-called “flipped classrooms” and online courses to integrated mobile technology and more efficient teaching methods, IoT-enabled connectivity continues to supplant pencils, paper and chalkboards as instructional approaches and learning opportunities expand.
IoT in Education
Just as important, the IoT can improve things that complement a solid education — stuff like security via the use of smart cameras, climate control via the use of smart HVAC systems. Smart lighting systems are big, too, providing better and more energy efficient illumination.
Here are 10 examples of IoT in education and how each is making a huge impact.
IoT for Interactive Learning
Location: Seattle, Washington
Promethean makes interactive displays that combine multi-touch, dry-erase and natural writing technology, plus cloud-based lesson delivery software and personalized training for educators. The company’s ActivPanel 9 is equipped with key features like an intuitive remote for navigation, the ability to record lessons and multiple sign-in options for security.
Location: New York, New York
Kaltura’s video management and creation tools enable students and teachers in and out of the classroom to create, edit and deliver live or on-demand high-quality video to any device. The company’s end goal is to increase interaction and creativity to improve the overall learning experience.
Location: San Francisco, California
SweetRush designs, builds and tests education solutions for mobile and e-learning. Customized instructor-led training offers real-time feedback, and tools like competitive games and audio/video animation help increase participation and retention.
The company created a simulated call-center experience for a large financial services firm that wanted its call staff to learn and practice new skills without the need for classroom training and role playing.
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
Blackboard, part of Anthology, provides what the company describes as “a connected learning experience and support network” for a variety of fields, including K-12 and higher education. Blackboard’s digital learning environment personalizes the educational experience, while virtual classroom technology increases collaboration and branded websites keep parents, students and others updated with the latest grades, attendance, events and news.
IoT for Reading and Document Scanning
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Scanmarker produces digital highlighters that allow users to quickly scan editable text from books, papers and other documents directly into a phone, tablet or computer. That text is then translatable into more than 40 languages. There’s also a function that allows you to listen while you scan.
Location: Sunnyvale, California
IPEVO develops teaching tools including document cameras that can be used to present documents for both in-person and virtual settings. The company says it limits its products to the necessary technology features to keep costs low and make tools that are intuitive and easy for teachers to use.
IoT for STEM Learning
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A provider of programming and robotics education, LocoRobo uses robots to teach coding languages like Python, C, Javascript and MATLAB. The LocoIoT course instructs students on how to build, design and connect IoT systems from the ground up.
The company released a tiny AI robot called MyLoopy to teach children code-writing skills. Equipped with sensors that respond to touch, light, sound and other things, it learns both from its environment and human interactions.
Location: Mountain View, California
At Tynker, a BYJU’s company, children start off learning to code via visual code blocks that represent actual programming concepts before progressing to popular languages like JavaScript and Python. Coding education can be applied to drones, apps, games, robots and more.
Tynker partnered with the toymaker Mattel to teach kids coding using various iterations of the popular action figure Barbie.
IoT for Safe Connectivity
Location: Weymouth, England
Magicard makes a variety of student smart cards that can be presented to an authenticating reader and linked via IoT to an access control system. Types of cards include ones for physical access to facilities, photo ID (with hologram or UV printing), time and attendance, logical access (to monitor use of electronic data like coursework, e-learning resources, printers and internet), loyalty and membership, payment (for vending machines, printing, photocopying) and health data (blood type, emergency contacts).
Location: McLean, Virginia
Kajeet makes Wi-Fi education solutions for school buses, mobile hotspots, single devices and homes. For example, Wi-Fi enabled school buses provide students with safe internet connectivity to finish and turn in homework, and Kajeet says its SmartBus Wi-Fi system is easy to install and comes with lifetime maintenance resources.
