Education Technology Learning Patterns and Security

TECHNOLOGY

COVER STORY COVER FEATURE

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY: LEARNING PATTERNS AND SECURITY

The cover feature addresses several concerns, including the safety and security of students, as technology is intensively involved in education in the post-pandemic era.

Technological advancements are making it easier for institutions to work towards safety enhancement, the improvement of protection measures, and boosting learning. At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that there are certain rules and precautions that need to be addressed to ensure that students’ privacy is respected.

SECURING STUDENT IDENTITY

Although the first thought that comes to mind when we think about “maintaining security” is video surveillance, tracking electronic devices, and so on, that’s not all security is about. It is important to secure student identities, especially while managing a younger age group.

Fortunately, with developments in technology, it is possible to maintain surveillance on campus while blurring out details you prefer to be private, such as computer screens, students’ faces, classroom boards, and more. It is critical to choose the right Video Management System (VMS) which meets each learning institution’s needs.

CREATING A BETTER LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Students need to be given the time and space to get accustomed to new environments. Keeping in mind, that throughout the pandemic, they have been adjusting to remote learning, getting back into a classroom, or being in a classroom for the first time can be a significant change. Looking at it from a student-teacher relationship perspective, video technology can help you identify student behaviors.

This, therefore, enables schools, universities, coaching institutions, and more to create a better and more conducive learning environment. This technological aid will especially come in handy while managing students with learning disabilities. For example, a non-profit organization for students with the Autism Spectrum Disorder in Lebanon, installed surveillance cameras in their classrooms to understand the students’ behaviors and study patterns, which in turn helped them create a better learning environment, and study plans for individual students. Furthermore, it showed significant improvements in how students grasped the concepts being taught in the classroom.

Amine Sadi

Regional Sales Manager - MENAT, Milestone Systems

events such as natural disasters, vandalism, or break-ins. There are several factors that can be considered in such events.

Video management systems help maintain safety and security by capturing and storing footage from cameras installed throughout the building or property. The recordings can be accessed remotely so any emergencies can be handled promptly and effectively without someone having to go to the location to retrieve the video evidence. Schools in Puerto Rico, for example, faced the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria in 2017. After the disaster, the Department of Education decided to heavily prioritize on-campus security for their educational institutions. They used their 25 million-dollar budget to integrate a video solution giving them full coverage of all public and private schools across the island. Once the installations were complete in 2019, Puerto Rico noticed a 97% decrease in trespassing.

These are just a few examples that continue to show how technology is increasingly playing an important role in several aspects of our lives, and it is crucial that we use its benefits to the optimum.

Creating a safe and positive technology-driven environment for students, teachers, and citizens, in general, is important and should indeed be a priority for all learning institutions. With the right digital tools and strategy in place, these all-important spaces can boost not just academic excellence but also physical and emotional well-being.