The Post-Pandemic Classroom: Will Technology Still Drive Design?
The pandemic, as we know, has upended education in the past 2 to 3 years. Almost every school around the globe had to pivot to virtual classes, digital tools, and learning methods. Students and teachers alike adapted to the remote education culture.
The proliferation of online learning increased digital screen time. Moreover, the access and adoption of e-learning platforms accelerated the widespread acceptance of digital tools. And now, considering the number of time kids has spent using smartphones and gadgets for studying online in the past two years, they have got accustomed to it. Technology has become a part of their lives.
The Post Pandemic Classrooms
While many students got used to the virtual and remote study environment, several pieces of research show that a few still prefer learning amongst peers in a teacher-led, physical classroom. However, given the internet's and gadgets' involvement in students’ and educators’ lives in the past few years, it’s hard to imagine classrooms without them. Many schools had already started preparing for the post-pandemic classrooms long back without even realizing it. There are two major reasons for the same:
1. Technology continues to play a significant role in the education landscape.
2. Numerous experts believe that the shift to digital learning experienced during the pandemic will become or has become a pot of learning gold.
This gives schools to reimagine what their classrooms should look like! It has pushed them to consider how to evolve the learning spaces and methods so that the students can get the most out of it.
How Would Technology Drive Design?
Spending so much time with technology, almost all day, provokes educators to think about how to use technology to rethink education? This includes imagining how the design of learning spaces, equipment, and furniture shape and maximize the potential of tech to boost learning readiness. Here are a few ways technology would reorient the classrooms:
1. Upgraded Tech and IT infrastructure
Almost all the schools would invest in upgrading their tech and IT infrastructure. This upgrade would include installing WiFi ports, projectors, and digital teaching boards in classrooms for interactive lectures and video streaming. Moreover, installing webcams, microphones, and monitors for hybrid instruction. These upgrades would help schools conduct hybrid classes, allowing half the students to study in class and half from their homes.
2. Flexible Learning Environments
Managing social distancing within schools became a major challenge, and it remains one after the pandemic. To overcome this challenge, most schools adopted hybrid teaching and learning structures. Many schools now offer flexible class timings and online courses, which help students conveniently manage their schedules. Also, it gives them the flexibility to learn collaboratively, both inside and outside the classroom.
3. Real-Time Monitoring
Artificial Intelligence and real-time data have transformed how teachers can learn about their students' progress. To know the progress, mindset, and well-being of students, teachers had to talk individually with each student. What used to get challenging and exhausting now happens effortlessly without investing too much time.
AI and real-time data technology empower them to gain insight into who engages in remote learning and in class. Moreover, teachers can now keep track of their student's learning progress and well-being at both class and individual levels without hassle. And not only teachers but parents too can be more involved and get a detailed overview of their child’s progress.
4. Modern and Tech-led Furniture
Tech-enabled classrooms mean portable laptops, tablets, digital study boards, and other accessories to keep students connected. Teachers need secure data storage and flexibility.
Carrying this out smoothly requires thorough planning for everything, including learning and teaching models, furniture, and seating arrangements. Especially when students and teachers now return to the in-person learning environment.
This calls for the need for modern furniture designed to support tech devices. A few examples could be:
- Multimedia tables with monitor mount and built-in power
- Computer stations with wire locking systems
- Flexible storage cases for AV equipment, printers, or other accessories
- Desks with casters so students can easily reconfigure classrooms for different activities
- Movable walls that can open into a central collaborative learning space or divide one large classroom into two.
Conclusion
Technology has indeed provided an opportunity to rethink education so students can get the most out of it. But, technology has its limits.
It obviously cannot replace teachers and has a few long-term side effects. So, there is a lot that schools and educators individually need to consider before reimagining their classrooms. While various studies show the value of these upgrades, many people are still not entirely comfortable with the digital setups.
However, there is no denying that the pandemic forced students and teachers to step out of their comfort zones. Therefore, they are positioned to accept post-pandemic classrooms or try the new environment for good.