A synergy, that between technology and education, brought to the fore by the events of recent years but long since anchored in the need to offer more effective and inclusive learning experiences. We will talk about this in the coming weeks in four articles dedicated to education, in its technological, applicative and sociological facets.
Digitalising schools and universities, broadening and improving the educational experience at all levels: a path that increasingly involves the world of professional AV. It is no coincidence that the latest EdTech Observatory of the School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano (pending the 2023 update), tells us that 93% of Italian schools use interactive whiteboards and projectors. Not only that, in 79% of cases, integration goes further, with classroom management platforms supporting integrated digital teaching. The digital transformation of the educational experience is also a goal for 77% of universities. Here, the future mainly points in the direction of learning apps and gaming, artificial intelligence and blockchain.
The advantages of AV Educational? First and foremost, the efficiency of operational and learning processes, increased collaboration between colleagues and the inclusiveness of teaching. Economic obstacles remain to be overcome, but government policies are lending a hand, and especially those of the skills of teachers and administrative staff.
Which technologies to focus on today?
Let us therefore summarise the most innovative solutions for digitising and interconnecting teaching.
- Videoconferencing systems: they enable interaction between teachers and students, wherever they are, via online platforms. They integrate high-quality cameras, microphones and speakers, as well as dedicated devices and software. Screen sharing and real-time chat capabilities enable engaging presentation of teaching material.
- Lecture recording and streaming: the integration of high-definition cameras, microphones, encoders and recording and streaming software allows students to access learning content at different times. Lessons can be enriched with notes, quizzes and resources for personalised learning.
- Audioconferencing and amplification: the objective of these systems is to improve the transmission and quality of audio in the classroom or in online lessons, enhancing the participation of all students.
- LMS (Learning Management System) integration: the platform helps teachers manage the distribution of learning content with videos, interactive quizzes and additional resources in the virtual environment.
- Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): students can immerse themselves in virtual environments or interact with virtual objects in the real world, living immersive experiences enabled by the integration of visors, motion sensors and simulation software.
- Classroom interaction systems: tools such as response clickers, interactive whiteboards and real-time voting increase the active involvement of pupils.
Of course, the implementation of these technologies requires the involvement of professionals and careful planning according to the needs of each institution, to create truly usable classrooms and spaces.
