Innovation seems to be moving faster than ever and there is no place where that is more evident than in schools. Gone are the days of monstrously large projectors that needed to be wheeled out and bulky computers. They’ve long been replaced by tablets, smart boards and interactive apps.
However, as the boxy TV on wheels dragged into classrooms of yesteryear, the tech filling schools today will one day be outdated. With the likes of artificial intelligence, virtual reality and wearable technology advancing each year, what does the future have in store for us?
While there is no way to know for sure, some technologies are lining up to take the educational stage.
Brain-computer interfaces
As a term, brain-computer interface (BCI) sounds intimidating. However, this non-invasive technology is making amazing things possible around the world. It’s giving those who can’t speak their voice back, and helping those who can’t move their arms to do incredible things like playing chess.
This is all done via a wearable device, turning brain waves into signals that a computer or mechanical device can interpret. While some of these devices can be implanted, giving better access to the brain, many of the newer devices are non-invasive.
They also don’t have to be for anything as major as giving someone their voice back, many BCI devices offer simple uses to boost productivity. For example, there are now wearables, like headphones or small headsets that also act as a brain-computer interface, tracking productivity throughout the day to examine the bumps and dips of when we work best.
This kind of technology has been proposed for schools to help students achieve their best working conditions. Teachers could track when their students need a break, when a maths problem has pushed them too hard or when a certain student is experiencing severe anxiety with the work they are completing.
Virtual exchange students
The concept of virtual exchange students is rather simple, but the result could be huge. Virtual exchanges pair students from other countries with the goal of increasing their communication skills, understanding of other cultures and language skills.
These schemes picked up popularity during the pandemic, but many schools have kept them going in the years since. Along with being cheaper and more convenient than full exchange student programmes, they also allow students to experience a variety of different cultures.
This can involve two teachers from different countries planning a curriculum together, including group discussions, role playing situations and tasks that bring together the knowledge and skills of different countries.
While these schemes often span a full year, shorter virtual exchange systems are growing in popularity with single days or occasional classes planned for opening up students horizons.
As technology improves, we could see these virtual exchanges become smarter, allowing for more realistic interaction. For example, a number of companies are working on booths that make video calls feel more realistic as if the person is in the room with you.
Virtual reality could also help students to fully immerse themselves in classrooms hundreds of miles away. Virtual exchanges seem here to stay, but the future of them could look very different.
Wearable tech
Wearables like smartwatches, rings and heart rate trackers have seen a boom in popularity over the years. Where they were once for the tech-obsessed, now most of your friends and family probably have at least one.
These devices have become so popular thanks to a huge reduction in cost, while at the same time performing better than ever. With this in mind, some argue they make the perfect gadgets to implement in schools.
For physical education, this could become especially useful. While playing sports, wearables can help track students ability, fitness level and recovery.
Other types of wearable devices have begun to appear in schools as well such as smart glasses and VR headsets, offering a more immersive experience for students trying to engage with a task.
Interactive holographs
Once an idea relegated to science fiction, interactive holograms are quickly becoming a reality.
This is thanks to two technologies interacting together. The first is the holograms themselves. This technology has improved rapidly, with a host of companies producing an array of holographic devices.
This works by using a high-speed motor to spin a fan blade covered with LED lights. These lights flash in sequence to create a 3D image. The images can change on the fly and can be quickly altered, in a similar fashion to a computer screen.
While holograms have improved, so have interactive devices. Similar to how a controller or a keyboard interacts with a computer, these devices allow you to interact with the hologram. Models that already exist let you zoom in and spin holographic images with your hands, interacting with a floating image.
As this technology continues to improve, we could soon see holograms make it into schools. Imagine being able to see a floating high-quality image of a heart that you can interact with, or label a 3D map for the whole class to see.
This article is partnered content with Pearson.
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