Did you know that the total spending on the Internet of Things is expected to reach $1.2 trillion in 2022? And a study has shown that the number of Internet of Things connected devices will reach 75.44 billion by 2025.
These numbers show that the Internet of Things will keep growing as time flies. In that case, it’s safe to say that none of the innovations will lack IoT attached to them.
“The IoT has revolutionized everything, eLearning being one of them”, says Judith Hun, a coursework moderator at AustralianWritings.
The needs for student mobility, emerging tech innovations, and many other factors have caused a radical changed in the education industry.
Currently, there are plenty of students who have enrolled in online courses instead of attending physical classes.
As the IoT continues to transform our everyday lives it is also transforming the education industry, especially the eLearning process.
Therefore, whether you are a tutor, a professional looking for a job or a business person looking to venture into this industry, here are seven shocking ways the IoT has changed the e-Learning process.
But first…
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
Simply put the Internet of Things is the networking of objects. Therefore, we can describe the term Internet of Things as everything that’s connected to the internet. However, it is also described as networking of objects that talk together.
So, we can conclude that the Internet of Things is a network of devices including sensors, wearables, headphones, smartphones, and more.
According to Forbes, the Internet of Things is the connecting of devices that are designed with an on and off button to each other or to the internet.
In the last few years, researchers have been looking for ways of learning at a distance. As we write this article, more research is being done to find ways to use technology devices to create smarter classrooms that can provide instant feedback to educators about the performance of students in a class.
More effort and research is being done to keep students attentive in class during lectures and in the future, we should expect to see students’ desks fitted with sensors so that if students drift off during lectures, the sensor can notify the instructor.
A study by Paperwritingpro.com has shown that the Internet of Things will continue to revolutionize the education industry for many years to come.
That said, here are the ways the Internet of Things has transformed the e-Learning process.
- Testing
The introduction of internet-connected devices such as phones and perhaps sneakers in days to come, instructors are finding ways to test students in a fair way where no student is allowed to cheat in exams.
Currently, students are assigned research-based projects instead of the memorized question-and-answer tests.
Nowadays, students are asked to use the internet to find answers to questions including the adding of statistics and data.
We are connected to the internet anytime everywhere via smartphones and so, it’s important to make use of this noble invention in a productive way. Instructors need to think of how best to test students.
- A Shift in Expectations
The Internet of Things (IoT) has not only changed the way people connect to the internet, but it has also transformed lifestyles and habits we form. The debut of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things has encouraged the introduction of home security, the rise of efficient energy consumption, and high-speed streaming.
That means developers are expected to come up with affordable eLearning courses which are also more interactive and convenient so that more students can enroll.
- Job Competition Has Gone to a Higher Level
Simply put, eLearning is taking education globally. That means no matter where you are, you can learn in virtual classrooms and graduate with a degree. With the Internet of Things connecting objects with each other and to the internet, jobs are becoming more competitive and more students have opted to eLearning so that they can enlist themselves to affordable and accessible education of choice.
eLearning instructors are also forced to diversify their classes and coursework, develop affordable and top-notch learning materials to stand out from the crowd.
- Use of Technology Devices Has Increased
Today, almost every student in a classroom uses their smartphones. Well, of course, some schools do not allow students to use these devices while in class. But they still find their way inside classrooms without the knowledge of the teachers.
The increase in the usage of smartphones in classrooms by students has been stirred by the fact that students nowadays find it easier and fast to work on tasks with smart devices connected to the internet.
Students are using their tablets and laptops to make notes during lectures and other tasks are left to be handled with the Internet of Things. This way, schools are minimizing expenses on the schools’ carbon footprint.
- Plenty of Learning Sources
The advancement in technology, the introduction of Google apps and other document sharing platforms have provided different ways for students to learn things. These innovations have also created simultaneous learning environments that are engaging.
The innovations have also provided plenty of management tools instructors can use to develop new sources for students learning.
Teachers can now record their lectures on smart devices and students can use their computers to play the recorded lectures or lessons at their convenient time.
- Internet Of Things Have Resulted To Interactive Learning Systems
IoT interactive learning systems have also transformed the eLearning process these days. Students are not only restricted to using ancient books. We have reached days where learning involves the use of images, videos, and text.
Most learning resources we use are all from the internet including textbooks and podcasts. Teachers can now use interactive videos, assessments, and other additional learning materials using smart IoT applications.
This is meant to expose students to a much broader outlook on their fields of study with real-world examples related to their classroom lectures.
- Efficient and Fast Teaching Process
The increases in smart devices connected to the internet make it easier for teachers to test and grade students faster than before. Students are also graded fairly and efficiently.
Moreover, with most educators having access to connected devices, they have become easily accessible. That way, teachers can know which student needs more attention. Other tasks such as making lesson plans, and more have also been made effective by the use of connected devices thus teachers can focus on other important things such as research and more.
7 Shocking Ways the Internet of Things Has Changed e-Learning Process (Bonuses)
- The Invention of eBooks
Today, it’s easier to create eBooks than before. For instance, companies such as Bestdissertation.com work with experts who can do it fast and effectively. Also, gone are the days when students could carry every single book of theirs to the classrooms. The Internet of Things and other technology devices have changed this completely.
With a smartphone or tablet, students can carry all the books they own with them in a compact manner. That means students can continue to learn even on the fly. They can also handle assignments on the devices and that reduces the need to pay for expensive textbooks. It also keeps homework safe and protected.
- Unmatched Communication
These days, teachers can connect and converse with learners in plenty of ways. The introduction of quality applications has made it easier for teachers to keep records of student performances and other important information.
Teachers can track homework intelligently and that keeps students and teachers in touch.
- The Internet of Things Has Taken Education to the Learner’s Doorsteps
The Internet of Things (IoT) has made education accessible in real-time- you get it when you need it no matter where you are. Real-time monitoring of students by their teachers has also become easier so teachers can teach students while in the comfort of their homes.
Students and teachers can connect in various ways. Teachers can send detailed learning instructions and reports to students without the need to attend classes. The traditional classes are becoming a thing of a bygone.
Having read about ways the Internet of Things has changed e-Learning; you can imagine where the education industry will be in the next 20 years of technological development. Get ready for more changes in eLearning with the merge of the Internet of Things.
Author Bio
Scott Mathews is an affiliate marketer, online tutor, and content writer at Nerdywriters. He is also a contributor to the Pro Essay Writing blog. When he is free, Scot likes playing football and biking. He is an outgoing guy to connect and work with. He has been helping students who like buying essay assignments since 2013.
