10 Essential School Technology Trends
Technology is now an integral part of today’s dynamic learning environment.
Emerging trends highlight the importance of adapting to an evolving world and technology provides the necessary tools to enhance the schooling experience.
The benefits of technology in education of course go beyond the classroom use of computers and digital devices. It transforms teaching, accelerates learning, improves school management, and opens up enormous educational opportunities.
10 Essential School Technologies
1. Mass Messaging Software
For more efficient information dissemination, mass messaging software is a must. These solutions enable schools to instantly send email, voice, or text messages to students, parents, faculty, and staff. They can be used for timely school announcements, community-wide reminders, or emergency alerts. An app well worth considering for this function is ParentSquare.
2. Mobile Learning
Mobile learning technologies not only enhance learning experiences but also enable remote learning. Educational apps that adhere to the K12 curriculum can be installed on iPads and other devices to improve student engagement and facilitate better collaboration. Videoconferencing technologies help maintain connected classroom experiences enabling students to attend lectures online wherever they are. Meanwhile, cloud computing provides easy access to resources even beyond school premises.
3. Asset Tracking Technology
Providing mobile devices to staff and students requires a significant investment. Its thus critical to prevent device attrition as this can seriously hit an edu’s bottom line. Asset tracking and device recovery software such as HiddenApp can help to greatly mitigate against this. HiddenApp’s advanced security tools, fully complementary to any MDM an edu might have in place, protect Apple mobile assets against theft and loss through real-time tracking and monitoring.
4. IT Infrastructure
Hardware, software, and other networking components are required to manage and use data and information. It’s the chief information officer or director of technology’s role to ensure that their schools are equipped with the right hardware support such as MacBooks, ChromeBooks and iPads. There is an increasing expectation that educational institutions provide such tools for students in today’s digital age.
5. Cyber Security
With records stored in digital databases, schools must have foolproof cyber security measures in place to protect sensitive personal data. These include social security numbers of the staff and home addresses of students.
6. Visitor Management System
In light of certain tragic events at schools, improving security measures on edu premises are more necessary than ever. For easier tracking and monitoring of visitors, schools can do away with paper logs and instead use advanced visitor management systems such as Proxyclick and iLobby. Most systems use facial or fingerprint scans that deter visitors with malicious intent. There are even systems that can check the national database of registered sex offenders.
7. Entry Control Equipment
Another technological innovation that strengthens security measures is entry control equipment. This often includes electromagnetic doors that require digital IDs for access. Unauthorized people wouldn’t be able to enter these doors. Some entry control systems like Identicard also enable remote access so doors can be locked or unlocked during emergencies.
8. Surveillance Cameras and Security Systems
Aside from controlling who goes in and out of the school, installing video surveillance equipment intensifies safety and security within the premises. Security cameras should be installed in all gates, hallways, and in large common areas such as canteens, libraries, and gyms. These not only deter bullying in school but also help monitor activities inside.
9. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence has to potential to greatly improve various efficiencies. In schools, AI can be deployed to expand the role of educators. Through AI tech, lesson plans can be tailored based on a student’s past performance for a more personalized learning approach. Student analytics can also be used to help educators craft targeted exercises that can improve learning.
10. Accessible Technology
To provide equal access and opportunities to everyone, schools must utilize accessible technology. Using software and devices for people with disabilities levels the learning field. They provide the differently abled with deeper access to education and thus in turn helping ensure a brighter future. Here the director of technology must ensure that their IT infrastructure can adapt to assistive and accessible technology.
Learning Transformed Through Technology
The future of education is here. In this increasingly digital age, technology and learning are going hand in hand to equip students with the skills they need. To reap the benefits of modern technology, educational institutions must understand how technology benefits education and the great opportunities that it can provide. By utilizing essential school technologies, schools can transform learning to adapt to a more dynamic world.
