For many people, using digital technology at work or at home has become the norm – whether emailing colleagues, streaming the latest Netflix series, or submitting a meter reading to an energy supplier via an app.
Younger generations in particular are comfortable conducting interactions and conversations via digital platforms, as social media has become ubiquitous.
Expectations are now growing that digital also becomes the ‘default’ channel when it comes to education; this will include integrating technologies like the IoT, cloud computing, sensors, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Today, digital technologies and IoT devices can combine to create a ‘smart classroom’; this could include tools like a smart whiteboard, a tablet for taking notes, or a digital textbook.
When asked, the majority of Scottish citizens were optimistic about the potential of IoT and digital technologies, with 85 per cent overall believing such technology will enhance the education experience.
Looking at the results by region, respondents in the Highlands were least enthusiastic, with a lower than average (76 per cent) number answering in the positive.
To what extent do you think IoT and digital technologies could enhance the education experience?
The research also looked at the potential for digital technologies to enhance the education experience of those with disabilities or additional support needs.
Examples of such technology include specially designed devices and software, and accessible online courses.
All respondents were overwhelmingly positive on this question, with 91 per cent believing these kinds of technologies can enhance education for this group of students.
To what extent do you think digital technologies (e.g. specially designed devices and software, online remote learning) could enhance the education experience of those with disabilities or additional support needs?
Thinking about the biggest potential benefits of digital technology and IoT devices in education, respondents identified the ability to help deliver more interactive learning (60 per cent) and to facilitate distance and remote learning (56 per cent) as the top two.
Again, in the Highlands, the sentiment was less positive on this question, with a fifth (20 per cent) stating they don’t see any benefits of digitalisation in education.
This sentiment is one we expect to see change as government programmes (see box out) bring greater connectivity to Highland communities through a full-fibre network.
What do you think are the biggest benefits of using digital technologies and IoT devices in education?
A new project will bring gigabit-capable services to 152 sites in the Highlands by March 2021. As part of Capita’s Scotland-wide SWAN programme, the project will bring transformational gigabit-speed services to schools, libraries, offices, hospitals, and university campuses. The sites across Inverness, Fort William, Thurso and Wick will be connected to a newly built full fibre network.
This project is the result of a collaboration between the Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, NHS Highland, the University of the Highlands and Islands, and the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS).
These Scottish public sector organisations have given Capita the role of delivering these gigabit-capable services, with CityFibre set to construct the fibre network connecting the sites. Full fibre provides the infrastructure required to develop new digital services and smart city applications such as smart traffic controls and HD CCTV. Improved connectivity will transform the provision and access of public services, while also accelerating investment in the region by future-proofing its digital capabilities.
Drew Hendry MP, SNP, Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, said, “The potential for Inverness and the wider Highlands really is enormous through improved productivity, inward investment and innovation. Instead of following, we will be at the forefront of the digital opportunities and that is certainly cause for celebration.”
Leader of The Highland Council Councillor Margaret Davidson commented, “This is the first step in what will make the Highlands one of the best-connected regions in the UK. This will ultimately draw millions of pounds of investment to local communities and benefit both businesses and the wider population.”