Embracing technology in education transcends how lessons are delivered and schools are administered. From all the ways technology is used in the classroom to how it forms the modern bedrock of school security, the types of technologies in schools are vast.
Here are some of the ways technology is applied to educational institutions to create a more versatile, inclusive, and safe school.
Gamification
Convert lessons into technology-driven games. Incorporating technology like video games enhances the education of young adults. It makes in-classroom learning more interactive and modern.
Interactive Whiteboards
Another element of interaction is whiteboards. These can showcase multimedia elements in a way never done before. Just like gamification, they enhance participation in the lesson being taught.
Tablet and Laptop Computers
Tablets provided to students enhance classroom instruction, allowing students to take control of their lesson plans.
Assistive Technologies
There is a whole category of assistive technology to assist students with visual impairments and disabilities. These include ASL interpretation, remote captioning, multi-language translation, and more.
Weapon Detection Technology
Far more effective than metal detectors, more schools opt for AI weapon detection technology. Through pillar sensors, students only have to walk by one. Through a non-invasive scan, security personnel instantly know if there are any concealed weapons, such as guns or knives. Weapons detection systems for schools have protected students in the face of growing threats.
Student Statistics Monitoring
Collecting student and assignment grades into a data system means software can analyze what's there and track individual student progress. This also opens the door to flagging when a student's grades are deteriorating or behind where they should be.
Custom Learning Technology
As a student's performance and learning style are analyzed, lesson plans can be adapted and customized according to the student's preferences. This is an area where AI can potentially play a role as it's utilized to communicate and interact with students in tailored, personalized lessons and exercises.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing allows teachers and students to pass along work back and forth. Be it projects, textbook access, learning tools, video instructions, or homework assignments, it can all be hosted online.
Arts-Based Software
More schools are using arts-friendly software, such as iMovie for video editing, GarageBand for music production, and Canva for image editing, especially at high school. There is also all sorts of advanced software that can be used within an arts context to teach different concepts.
Administrative Technology
At an admin level, senior-level staff and management can create and review curricula, manage budgets and expenditures, and more. School administration involves a lot of software and computing.
Redesigned School Spaces
Much like security technology is used in school design, educational environments use a range of tech. From smart desks to technology in public spaces, such as a digital library checkout, there is much opportunity to incorporate tech in a school setting.
Smart HVAC Systems
Smart HVAC systems are energy-efficient and equipped with sensors to monitor and respond to humidity, temperature, indoor air quality, and levels of pollutants, such as carbon dioxide. This same technology can be used to increase outdoor air ventilation, filter indoor air, and more.
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality
Virtual reality, in terms of classroom usage, is still in its early stages. However, teachers use it and, alongside augmented reality, it has the potential to immerse students in learning environments relating to history, science, geography, and more.
Ongoing Digitization
So many old-school processes are digitized. From working on projects in teams to replacing traditional textbooks with digital versions, so much of what was once essential to a classroom is being moved to cloud-based digital.
Internet Quizzes and Tests
At a very basic level, quizzes and tests have been done online through remote learning platforms. In recent years, these quizzes and tests have continued to develop. This allows students to submit questions, receive direct feedback from the teacher, and instant grading.
AI-Specific Software
While AI has already been discussed in this article, AI software can be utilized in schools. AI can detect learning gaps, create learning plans, and more. It can also be used in security to monitor video and security sensors.
Robotics
More robotics are used in the classroom. Sphero is a robotic ball controlled by a smartphone or tablet. It can be driven, programmed to play games and more. It is used in thousands of schools to help young students learn fundamental STEM concepts.
