Online learning, broadband networks and the future of education

Aimee Rullo, Business Development Manager heading up the Education segment in North America, Nokia

Online learning was the only option for millions of students during the most challenging phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the experience was clearly a positive one for many. According to Best Colleges’ Online Education Trends Report for 2022, 60% of remote learners say they are likely to enroll in online courses or programs after their campuses return to in-person learning.

The wholesale shift to online learning at the start of the pandemic highlighted the magnitude of the digital divide in education and forced K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to rethink their network infrastructures. However, it also prompted many institutions to embrace digital and broadband applications that brought benefits such as greater inclusivity for disabled students, global learning opportunities, new ways to collaborate, and more flexible approaches to learning.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, institutions are searching for ways to use digital technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance classroom activities and present captivating new online learning opportunities.

Learning in virtual spaces with AR, VR, and the metaverse

Some colleges and universities are using AR and VR technologies to develop immersive learning environments in the metaverse. By eliminating physical barriers, the educational metaverse could enable students to examine great works of art, tour the Great Barrier Reef to learn about climate change, or explore a digital twin of the human body without leaving their desks. The metaverse also makes it possible for students and instructors to meet and collaborate in virtual spaces.

Applications based on AR can also provide opportunities for students to develop critical technical skills in a risk-free environment. For example, students could use AR/VR instruction tools to practice and get real-time feedback on skills such as performing surgery, flying an airplane, or maintaining mining equipment. Haptic technologies and holographic images could complement these tools by simulating the look and feel of a scalpel, control yoke, or torque wrench.

"The wholesale shift to online learning at the start of the pandemic highlighted the magnitude of the digital divide in education and forced K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to rethink their network infrastructures"

AR/VR technologies and the educational metaverse can also support rich learning experiences for younger students. K-12 schools could use the metaverse to take students on virtual field trips or provide them with immersive STEM, physical education, or language learning experiences. These experiences may find a willing audience among the many K-12 students who regularly explore virtual worlds using applications such as Minecraft, Animal Crossing, and Roblox.

Adaptive learning enabled by artificial intelligence

Educators at all levels use AI and machine learning applications to help students achieve their objectives. In K-12 schools, teachers can use these applications to introduce adaptive learning and ensure that students receive instructions and resources matching their unique needs, knowledge, and capabilities. Colleges and universities can take adaptive learning a step further with AI-driven tutors and chatbots that provide students with highly personalized learning experiences.

AI-driven algorithms can also support gamification and game-based learning applications that make lessons more fun and engaging. Gamification applications allow teachers to use game elements such as points, goals, or badges to motivate students and increase participation. Game-based learning applications let teachers add game principles such as competitions and role-playing to learning activities to help students develop new skills and knowledge.

Networks for the digital campus and beyond

Broadband networks have a vital role to play in helping educational institutions realize the potential of online learning and digital technologies such as AR/VR, AI, and the metaverse. Institutions need networks that will ensure that every student can access and benefit from these technologies.

Private wireless networks based on standardized 4G/LTE and 5G cellular technology make it easier for institutions to meet the demands of innovative education technologies. These networks combine fast, high-bandwidth connectivity with scalable multi-user capacity, ultra-reliability, strong security, pervasive coverage, and seamless mobility. They are easy to deploy and can operate in a free or shared spectrum, including the lightly licensed Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band.

Fixed–wireless access (FWA) networks enable institutions in rural areas to support online learning. They can be combined with private wireless networks to meet the performance demands of more advanced digital applications.

IP/optical and microwave transmission networks complement wireless access. They enable educational institutions to increase capacity for data-intensive applications, adapt to new traffic patterns created by online learning, and bring connectivity to students’ homes over longer distances. Optical local area networks (LANs) provide campuses with fiber networks that can deliver gigabit speeds.

By providing teachers and students with access to advanced education technologies and the broadband connectivity needed to power them, K-12 schools, colleges and universities will be able to close the digital divide and provide richer and more enjoyable learning experiences.

Artificial Intelligence

Gamification

Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality

Machine Learning