During the first of three VIBE events in July on the future of education, four experts in education technology got together to discuss the challenges and opportunities schools are facing in light of COVID-19. Their talk touched on technology solutions that educators rely on to connect with and engage remote students, and that also address their health.
The panel included:
- Marci Powell, chair emerita of the United States Distance Learning Association
- Jay Bosch, AVI-SPL director of business development for state/local government and education
- Cindy De Ianni, West U.S. regional GEM, sales, Poly
- Adam Sowers, manager, consultant relations, Western region, NEC
They also looked at on-campus solutions that can connect a classroom-based educator with those in the same room as well as distance-learning students. Other topics included:
- CARES Act funding
- Steps schools can take to prepare for distance learning this coming semester
- The role and capabilities of digital signage to deliver mass notification
- Supporting immersive experiences like labs in a remote environment
- Solutions from Poly and NEC for online and in-person learning and messaging
One of the key takeaways for me was the need for K-20 education to step up and meet the demands of next-generation learners so they can seamlessly transition into the workplace. Powell discussed the kind of technology and tactics that schools can use as part of this effort, including augmented and virtual reality, 5G networks, 8K resolution, and gamification.
You still have a couple of chances to be a part of this informative series, as AVI-SPL is hosting one on Tuesday, July 21, and on Thursday, July 23.
