Internet of Things (IoT) in schools

 

INTERNET OF THINGS

Introduction:

Imagine a world where billons of objects  can sense, communicate and share information, all interconnected over public or private Internet Protocol (IP) networks. These interconnected objects have data regularly collected, analyzed and used to initiate action, providing a wealth of intelligence for planning, management and decision making. This is IoT.

Definition:

IoT in simple word means taking all the things in world such as phone, car, Tv, people, vehicles. toys etc. and connecting them all to internet.

So that all information is shared through proper protocol, controlling, tracing, monitoring, organising, upgrading etc. can be done. 

Characteristics:

1. Inter connectivity: 

With regard to the IoT anything can be interconnected with the global information and communication infrastructure.

2. Things related services:

The IoT is capable of providing thing related services, such as privacy protection and semantic consistency between physical things and their associated virtual things. In order to provide thing related services within the constraints of things both the technologies in physical world and information world will change.

3. Heterogeneity:

The devices in the IoT are heterogenous as based on different hardware platforms and networks. They can interact with other devices or services platform through different networks.

4. Dynamic changes: 

The state of devices change dynamically e.g. sleeping and waking up, connected and disconnected as well as context of devices including location and speed. Number of devices can change dynamically.

5. Enormous scale: 

The number of devices that need to be managed and that communicate with each other will be at least an order of magnitude larger than the devices connected to 

the current internet. Even more critical will be the management of the data generated.

6. Safety:

Safety of both the creators and recipients of IoT is necessary or important. This includes safety of our physical well-being.

7. Connectivity: 

It enables network accessibility and compatibility.

IoT  in school

• Technology plays an important role in connecting and educating students.
• IoT has changed traditional teaching practices and infrastructure of educational institutions.
• IoT has two face in education first enhance academic infrastructure second used as a tool to teach.
• IoT improves the education at every levels including school, college and universities.

IoT based campus

• Almost all universities and schools are connected to Internet .
• There is hotspot
• Sensors for note sharing 
• Sensors for mobile devices 
• Smart lab room and classroom

IoT based classroom

1. Smart classroom management 

• Interactive whiteboards 
• Tablets and mobile
• 3-D printers
• e-books
• Temperature sensors 
• Security cameras and video

It makes class interactive and teaching process interesting. It also helps to understand the topic clearly.

     2. Smart classroom attendance system

     

     3. Real time feedback on lecture quality 

     4. Smart labs

Impact of IoT in schools

• IoT will improve teaching and learning process
• IoT will bring ease for both teachers and students.
• Students will learn better.
• Teacher will perform efficiently.
• Students can better interact with academic material.
• Students performance increases.
• Quick feedback 
• Technology friendly 
• Content sharing become more easy
• Get connected with the whole world
• Helps in keeping student records more safely 
• Helps in keeping track of buses
• School environment become more safe
• Reduces bullying and theft

Challenges of IoT in education 

For successful integration of IoT devices in a classroom environment an education provider may have to face many difficulties like security, privacy, availability of devices, teacher training and cost of equipment etc.

1. Security and privacy 

In IoT based environment data is stored in an internet based network of connected devices. Students data are stored and might be at risk. Hackers can hack students personal details, family background, financial condition etc.

2. Reliable Wi-Fi connection 

High speed Wi-Fi is required for videos and audio streaming.

3. Management should provide proper training for teachers. So there is a need of expert from IT and education field to develop program. 

4. Sometimes teachers become rigid and are not ready to accept the change.

5. Its costly as the devices are expensive.

6. Parents should also be technology friendly.