The Internet of Things and the Future of Education

1) The Internet of Things and the impact of this concept on teaching and learning

The Internet of Things (IoT) concept describes the impact internet-connected objects can have in increasing synergy and efficiency for end-users now that technology has advanced to the point where environmental factors can be sensed, recorded, and shared throughout a system. For instance, Von der Hoff (2014), gives the example of an internet-connected car being able to access the driver’s online calendar and email in order to send a message automatically if the driver will be late for a meeting due to heavy traffic conditions. Wherever technology now exists, there is the potential for systems to be put in place to foster more meaningful integration of distinct data sets though information-sharing protocols. With so much technology already integrated into many instructional settings, it seems clear that this concept will have a considerable impact on how teaching and learning will occur in the near future.

With the growing trend towards interconnectivity and data sharing, I see stand-alone instructional programs and devices beginning to share information in order to differentiate and individualize student educational experiences. For instance, in the American K-12 educational setting, there are many internet-connected devices already currently in use. In an EdTech article, Cortez (2017) describes a University of Phoenix poll that indicates a majority of all classrooms use laptops or computers (86%), interactive whiteboards (67%), and tablets (65%). If user data from this technology could be shared through a “Meta Learner Profile” in order to analyze student performance and adjust instruction to suit individual needs in real-time, we could be on our way to a new phase of education. There must be protocols put into place for this information sharing to occur. Crillo, Wu, Solmaz, & Kovacs (2019) discuss the concept of Semantic interoperability which is the ability of IoT technology to ensure that data exists in such a format as to interact across systems irrespective of native data formats. In this way, the data collected from any hub can be used to enhance other areas of the student’s educational experience in ways not yet seen.

2) The future of our changing society and how it may be influenced by technology

Historically our educational systems are meant to prepare students to be productive members of society. However, with so many new technological advancements occurring with ever-increasing rapidity, current educational systems will need to break free of the hierarchical and siloed paradigms of yesteryear in order to remain relevant. In the future, I think a major function of education will be to teach students how to use technology to navigate and manage personal and communal information systems for authentic socially-relevant projects. I believe current project-based learning initiatives emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication are the most compatible for the integration of new technology that will usher in the next phase of education. This phase of education will be to prepare students to be what Morevec (2013) calls the “knowmad.” Morevac describes a knowmad as “a nomadic knowledge and innovation worker- that is a creative, imaginative, and innovative person who can work with almost anybody, anytime, and anywhere” (Morevac, 2013, p. 40). With unforeseen challenges and opportunities coming in this age of “technological singularity” (Vinge, 1993), it is critical to reimagine the current educational institutions to better reflect the needs of their students and the society that stands to benefit as a result.

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References

Cirillo, F., Wu, F. J., Solmaz, G., & Kovacs, E. (2019). Embracing the Future Internet of Things. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 19(2), 351. doi:10.3390/s19020351 (Crillo, We, Solmaz, & Kovacs, 2019)

Cortez, M. B. (2017, September 6). Classroom tech use is on the rise (#Infographic) [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2017/09/classroom-tech-use-rise-infographic

Moravec, J. (2013). Knowmad society. Education Futures LLC.Reteived from https://www.educationfutures.com/storage/app/media/documents/KnowmadSociety.pdf

Van den Hoff, R. (2014). Mastering the global transition on our way to Society 3.0. Retrieved from https://society30.com/get-the-book/