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5 Practical applications of IoT in the classroom

We are witnessing tremendous changes in terms of technology in every domain. While the education sector is not particularly known as an early adopter of modern technology, we have seen definite improvements in this respect. The pandemic has opened the doors to the use of IoT solutions in the classroom as a sign of evolution from the occasional usage of technology in our lessons.

Defined as a connection of non-standard devices to the Internet, such as smart thermostats, smart lighting, locks, and doorbells connected to web-based systems, the Internet of Things (IoT) has also made its way to our classrooms.

IoT in education impacts the school, the teacher, and the student offering modern solutions for a safe, engaging, and motivating learning environment.

Digital ID cards, Smartboards, AR and VR tools, smart speakers, comfort and safety solutions are just a few IoT applications in schools.

5 Practical applications of IoT in the classroom

IoT in the educational system is an ecosystem of devices connected to the internet that provides modern learning solutions, efficient management protocols, personalized learning, and integrated automation.

Here are a few practical applications of IoT that you can use in the classroom:

  1. Interactive whiteboards

    Interactive whiteboards have evolved greatly and can be connected to various applications when teaching both online and offline. Moreover, these boards facilitate the employment of interactive learning and collaboration in class.

    Most interactive whiteboards offer multimedia display solutions with integrated features, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, an intuitive user interface, and connection possibilities with applications from Google Play Store. They include easy screen share features for more than one device to enhance collaboration.

    Teachers can screen capture students' work and give instant feedback. Also, teachers can build an edtech digital ecosystem similar to those on smartphones to design a creative learning experience.


    Read more: How teachers can use smart boards in the classroom


  2. VR headsets

    Standalone VR headsets don't require additional mobile devices and offer a fully immersive VR experience. ClassVR, for instance, has a ClassVR Teacher Portal to manage and control students' experience. Teachers can send lessons to multiple headsets and track student progress.

    What's more, ClassVR includes an engaging curriculum and lesson plans to facilitate understanding and engage learners. By mirroring reality, learners can add meaning to words and concepts. It is also useful in developing empathy and boosting the learning process.


    Read more: 5 Benefits of including VR in classroom activities


  3. Pen scanners

    Pen scanners are products that capture printed texts through camera technology and process them through in-system Optical Character Recognition software.

    There are numerous brands of pen scanners on the market that come equipped with different sets of features. One of the products out there is C-Pen which offers reading aloud options, storage for scanned text, and a voice memo function.

    This pen is a handy tool for students. It helps them scan on the go any written content on paper and even texts from pictures. In addition, students can find the meaning of any highlighted word and can translate words in almost 40 languages.

  4. Magicard

    Magicard offers all-in-one IoT solutions to monitor attendance, make payments, track location, and much more. Magicard has a variety of IoT cards such as:

    • access cards — to enter the campus, faculty, and classrooms;
    • attendance cards — which help teachers verify if students are in the right class and monitor attendance;
    • logical access cards — that can track if students use e-learning resources or submit assignments on time;
    • loyalty cards — these allow students to visit school facilities such as sports clubs and libraries;
    • payment cards — they help students pay for things like food, printing and public transportation;
    • data cards — to store personal and medical information which is helpful in case of emergencies.
  5. LocoRobo

    LocoRobo helps students learn about robotics and coding and design Python, Java, JS, or C apps faster. For teachers, they’re useful tools for worksheets and monitoring student progress. LocoRobo offers a curriculum for K-12 Robotics, Programming, Sensors, Physics, and Statistics and engages students with real-world STEM applications.

    LocoRobo also provides two products: LocoDrone - which allows learners to explore real-world coding and robotics, and LocoWear - which collects motion data and can be used in PBL lessons in various domains such as programming, physics, statistics, and data analysis.

Wrapping up

IoT in education provides numerous collaboration and cooperation opportunities to enhance interaction between students and teachers. More so and among students, they create active learning opportunities in a safe environment.

Using IoT solutions allows students to manifest their creativity, express their opinions, demonstrate mastery of concepts, and increase their academic performance while exploring real-life learning scenarios.

Although the majority of schools can only dream of implementing IoT in their classroom, these modern, interactive, and interconnected solutions offer a new perspective on learning, giving students greater power in their quest to acquire knowledge.

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