The Internet of Things and what it mean's for Educators
“If you think that the internet has changed your life, think again. The Internet of Things is about to change it all over again!” — Brendan O’Brien
As a premise to this blog series, I want to let you know that I am at being honest about where my understandings of a topic. This will help me see my own progression of understanding of topic and help my readers get to know how I understand the topics I cover. This blog specifically will introduce you to the idea of what the term internet of things (IOT) means, what this might look like in the classroom, the inequities of IOT in the Manitoban context, and the issue with security surrounding IOT technology.
Prior to doing a bit of research for my class, Internet for Educators, I didn't know what the term "the internet of things" (IOT) meant. In short, these are objects that humans use in everyday life that aren't specifically known for their internet connection capabilities. For example, my HP laptop that I use to research and take note would not be considered an IOT since its well known to connect to the internet. On the other hand, my amazon echo dot would be considered an IOT because it listens to my voice commands and sometimes imperfectly does what I say.
Amazon Echo Dot; ex. of IOT
Technology
One of the important aspects of IOT is access to internet. I'm choosing to look at this in the Manitoba concept. Manitoba is a vast province where access to the internet isn't always available. Overall, southern Manitoba has great coverage for internet however its residents in rural and Northern Manitoba who are at a disadvantage accessing the internet. Manitoba educators are taking an inclusive approach to education to ensure that each student has equal access to education. According to the Manitoba Educational Website
"Inclusion is a way of thinking and acting that allows every individual to feel accepted, valued, and safe. An inclusive community consciously evolves to meet the changing needs of its members. Through recognition and support, an inclusive community provides meaningful involvement and equal access to the benefits of citizenship. In Manitoba , we embrace inclusion as a means of enhancing the well-being of every member of the community. By working together, we strengthen our capacity to provide the foundation for a richer future for all of us.(Manitoba Board of Education, n.d.)"
My concern with introducing IOT technology into our classrooms is whether it can be equally distributed to schools across ALL of Manitoba. Northern Schools and schools on reserves tend to receive less money from the government and face other hardships such as higher costs to truck in resources to the community. Allowing IOT technology into schools who have access to the internet would further cause disproportions between schools across Manitoba. I would argue that this also doesn't align with Manitoba's commitment to inclusion if they aren't able to integrate this technology into ALL its Manitoba schools.
IOT technology can be beneficial to our classrooms however there is a concern regarding the security of IOT technology. There seems to be conflicting information when it comes to how safe IOT technology actually is. In my first year of education, it took a class entitled Educator in the Law. Dr. Skinner led a discussion surrounding the importance of privacy for our students information. I believe that if educators start to use IOT, they need to be properly educated themselves about the security issues so that they can protect their students. I also believe that more research needs to be done surrounding IOT so that educators have assistance in making informed decisions surrounding its use in their classrooms.
I look forward to reading your comments on the matter.
A Video Surrounding the effect of IOT in the future
Sources
Amazon Echo Dot Image accessed from https://www.google.com/search?q=amazon%20echo%20dot&tbm=isch&tbs=il:cl&rlz=1C1CHBF_enCA891CA891&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CAAQ1vwEahcKEwi4ifS4IruAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg&biw=1349&bih=657#imgrc=pRs05Bc39oVxTM
Manitoba Board of Education. (n.d.). Student Services | Manitoba Education. Manitoba Education. Retrieved January 6, 2021, from https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/specedu/aep/inclusion.html#:%7E:text=The%20Public%20Schools%20Acts%20supports,accepted%2C%20valued%2C%20and%20safe.&text=In%20Manitoba%20%2C%20we%20embrace%20inclusion,every%20member%20of%20the%20community
That’s a good point about unequal access to the internet. I think that even here in the south (it seems weird to talk about Brandon or Winnipeg as ‘the south,’ but I guess from a northern perspective it is!) there is unequal access to the internet in schools: some students have smartphones, laptops, and tablets, while others don’t, and some students don’t have internet access at home, which makes it hard for them to complete some assignments. I can only imagine that this ‘digital divide’ is having more and more of an effect during COVID times.
ReplyDeleteThat is also a good point about unequal access here in the southern part of the province. Throughout my student teaching placements, I have encountered students who don't have access to the internet where they were from. Also, like you stated, not all parents can afford all the technological devices for their kids. Some parents may be against technology based on their understanding of it. It will take educators like us to try and promote these discussions in our future schools/divisions.
DeleteI love how you connected this topic to Ed and law as well as inclusive education. Way to go Miss Alicia. I totally love your blog.
ReplyDeleteI really like that you included a video it was a grate addition to you post and helped be to really understand the topic!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThat digital divide is definitely something we should be wary of. We need to push our local and provincial officials to mend this inequality. I also agree that teachers need to also be educated on the privacy and laws surrounding IOT if they are bringing into their classroom. That certainly could be an area where they can get in trouble quickly without realizing it.
ReplyDelete