The IoT (Internet of Things) field is rapidly growing, and experts are developing practical IoT applications, network opportunities, and connectable devices to take advantage of this new market. Smart building technology is evolving, and we’re starting to see IoT applications utilized in many different industries, including commercial, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and more.
As opportunities for IoT applications continue to expand, unique benefits of IoT in education will grow as well. IoT devices are currently being used to create enhanced educational environments for students of all ages, and there are many creative opportunities for IoT applications to make a positive impact in school settings.
But to explore the possibilities for IoT solutions in schools, it’s important to understand some background information about IoT technology.
What does IoT mean?
IoT stands for Internet of Things. In simple terms, IoT is any network of devices connected to the internet for the purpose of exchanging information with one another, collecting data, or controlling processes. There are nearly limitless options for IoT connected devices, and IoT is utilized in many different industries.
How does PoE support an IoT-based K-12 classroom?
The applications of PoE and IoT enabled devices and infrastructure allow for a customizable, scalable implementation of features and functionality that allows educational environments to maximize their potential. A PoE infrastructure created the capability for countless IoT-enabled devices to be connected across a shared network and used day to day. From HVAC to security measures to event-specific lighting setting, there is no shortage of ways in which educational institutions can utilize these technologies to create a more effective and streamlined classroom environment for students, teachers, and staff.
What is IoT in education?
IoT in education simply means using smart building IoT solutions in educational environments, such as school buildings, classrooms, buses, and more. As smart building solutions evolve, educational experts and school administrators are beginning to recognize the benefits of using IoT technology on a larger scale in school settings.
So, what could this look like for educational buildings?
IoT in Classrooms Makes Students More Productive
IoT-enabled lighting and devices allow users to create customized environmental settings ranging from bright or dim lighting and warm or cool lighting, among other settings. With these options, teachers and staff can create environments that affect students’ ability to focus. Redirecting attention via lighting settings helps to foster a classroom environment with increased productivity for students and staff.
Keeping Students and Teachers Safe with IoT Applications in Schools
Additionally, there are security settings that can help to keep students and faculty safe in the event of an emergency. Addressing a variety of safety concerns, IoT-enabled devices and lighting are able to utilize color-coded displays to keep everyone safe and in-the-know.
Security systems can be integrated with lighting controls to program automations for emergencies such as severe weather threats. Different settings trigger different alerts throughout the school, but the overall outcome is a safer learning environment for students and teachers.
3 Key Benefits of IoT in Education
While IoT technology has taken off in many different industries, applications in K-12 schools haven’t followed as quickly. But, as the capabilities of this technology shows, IoT offers many opportunities for safer schools and improved student outcomes.
- Making Schools Safer with IoT Technology
IoT networks allow for customizable security plans that utilize connected devices such as colored lights, digital signage, door locks, and sensors. Some schools use an IoT network to create different programs for severe weather threats, intruders, and other security risks. IoT technology also enables solutions such as interconnected emergency alert buttons in classrooms. IoT security applications empower teachers to take action and keep their students safe.
- Improving Student Outcomes with IoT Applications
Studies have shown that the fluorescent lighting typically found in schools can have a negative impact on student performance. Installing programmable IoT-connected LED lighting is just one way to improve the student experience in an educational setting.
- Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings with IoT in Schools
IoT connected lighting and other devices can be programmed and automated. For example, lights can be set to a schedule, or they can be connected to occupancy sensors and programmed to shut off when a classroom is empty. IoT connectivity improves building efficiency and reduces energy waste, resulting in cost savings.
IoT Applications in Schools: K-12
How is IoT used in education?
IoT applications in educational settings offer safer learning environments for students thanks to smart locks, integrated security systems, lighting protocols, and more, all while providing more advanced learning opportunities for students of all abilities and backgrounds.
Custom Temperature Controls in a School Setting
School administrators or facility managers can set up unique smart thermostat programs for different classrooms, hallways, and other school areas to maximize efficiency and make the spaces comfortable for different events. For example, temperature and lighting needs will be different depending on whether a gymnasium is being used for a PE class, graduation ceremony, or school play.
IoT temperature controls allow for customization from room to room, and temperature settings can be scheduled for certain times of day. Preset scenes allow these environment adjustments to occur with just the click of a button.
Protecting Students with Programmable Security Protocols
Interconnected IoT devices can be controlled using an IoT platform such as Inspextor by MHT Technologies. A school administrator can create a simple security protocol and initiate actions using a phone or tablet. A single scenario can include several different actions and programs triggered on various IoT devices. This application can provide protection in the event of a fire, tornado, intruder, or other threat in a school.
For example, an intruder scenario can trigger automatic door locks, colored indicator lights, audio alerts played over the intercom, and visual alerts on digital displays. All of these functions can be programmed to occur simultaneously when an administrator selects the intruder protocol option in the IoT software dashboard.
Attendance & Automating
With occupancy sensors and other tracking capabilities, IoT networks allow for increased automation. Smart sensors can detect empty desks and record student attendance, for example. Applications like this may seem small and inconsequential, but they start to add up. More automated tasks mean teachers can dedicate more of their time to student learning and other essential job functions.
Monitoring Device Usage
IoT networks create easy opportunities to monitor device usage in a school environment. When students use IoT-connected tablets and laptops, those devices can be programmed to automatically send usage and performance reports directly to teachers.
Automated motion sensors and occupancy indicators can also provide information about device and room usage, especially in spaces such as the school library or computer labs. Tracking this type of data allows school staff members to observe and report on how students are utilizing certain spaces and resources.
Providing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and Special Needs
Whether it’s providing IoT devices, such as tablets, to facilitate classroom learning or creating calm environments for students with sensory needs, IoT solutions can create a safe, supportive school atmosphere for all students. IoT temperature and lighting controls are especially helpful tools for supporting students who may be sensitive to the physical classroom environment.
Augmented Reality Applications in Classrooms
As augmented reality technology becomes more advanced, accessible, and affordable, it will begin to show up in more schools and classrooms. AR and VR environments pose interesting and innovative learning opportunities, and IoT connectivity and technological advancements mean immersive projections are more achievable than ever before.
How MHT Technologies’ Inspextor Enables IoT in K-12 Education
Inspextor, MHT Technologies’ powerful PoE-based controls platform, is capable of countless integrations with various IoT-connected devices. With Inspextor, education users can explore innovative applications to suit their individual, student, peer, and classroom environmental needs. Existing technology can be connected to new IoT solutions, and all devices can be controlled using one simple, user-friendly dashboard. Users can also set up a number of different programs and protocols using their interconnected IoT devices ranging from security with the use of sensors to lighting controls for student and faculty productivity.
Conclusion
IoT and PoE technology in the educational realm have proven effective for numerous purposes and implementations. From student and faculty safety to improved learning environments, there is no shortage of ways in which to successfully capitalize on the use of this ever-evolving technology. Platforms such as Inspextor, combined with PoE-enabled fixtures, like those provided by MHT Lighting, create a customizable, controlled environment that can greatly benefit students, teachers, and staff.
