Education and technology walk hand in hand and it’s hard to have one without the other. Educating the younger generation and getting them interested in science and engineering, fuels technological advancement and gives it a future. And vice versa. Technology helps schools develop new programs and incorporate cool gadgets into the learning process. We’ll definitely name a few gadgets that can be very helpful for both high schools and junior high.
1. Signal boosters
So we are starting with a rather controversial point. Before we get into it though, let’s see what
device we are dealing with here. When do you need a signal booster? Basically in two
situations:
1. When your outside signal is very weak. If your mobile reception is 1-2 bars and
interrupted calls and very poor mobile internet is the norm. In this case, you will
get a pretty good inside signal with the help of a booster, if all the antennas are
positioned correctly.
2. If the outside signal is ok, but you have problems inside the building in particular
areas. In this case, you might need different types of antennas. If you are looking
for good mobile signal boosters Australia has lots to offer, as well as the UK, US,
and many other countries.
A signal booster is basically a piece of equipment that will take care of faulty mobile and 4G
reception. Do kids need internet in school? We could say no and argue that point of view, but
there are lots of arguments to support that claim as well. The Internet is first and foremost a tool
that will allow them to get any information they need. The role of school here is to teach them
how to get reliable information and basically how to find ‘the diamond in the dust’. How to be
responsible when it comes to social media and how to be ‘cyber-literate’.
2. 3D printers
It’s hard to overestimate the importance of a 3D printer at schools. It will trigger interest in STEM
fields, stimulate the student’ imagination, and help them see the results of their hard work. And it
doesn’t have to be some over the top device, a simple, even a cheap 3D printer will do the trick
and give your students a motivation to come to class that day. Plus, a lesson involving 3D
printing can incorporate a few disciplines at once: Math, physics, chemistry, design, visual arts,
etc. It’s immensely fun to experiment with this device. It gives the students a chance to see what
technology can do and to participate in the process.
Another argument in favour of having a 3D printer at school is you can actually print things
necessary for the school maintenance. Need new hangers in the classroom? No problem! New
pot for the plants? That can easily be a fun class project. Be creative and you will see the kids’
eyes light up too!
3. Tabletop stoves
Ok, this is a little bit unorthodox for a list like this, as this in no way a new gadget! But having
mandatory cooking classes at school is essential. Let us explain why. Half of the world is facing
a health crisis because of obesity levels and related illnesses. Not all the kids have access to
home-cooked meals, not all adults can cook a meal from scratch. Now, naturally, this problem
has to be solved on many different levels, but having knowledge on how to cook a simple and
quick meal from basic ingredients is a must for today’s kids, regardless of their gender, so they
can have healthier habits as adults. So many schools dismiss this issue, while the situation is
dire as it is.
We all know that many parents are busy working 2-3 jobs sometimes and cannot physically
manage to cook at the end of the day, or furthermore, teach their kids how to do it. So they rely
on take-out restaurants and fast food. That’s understandable. But this creates a vicious circle.
How to break it? Teach the kids at school of course! This is a skill they can bring to their homes
and busy parents can rely on their kids for help around the house. We have to show our children
that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a delicious lunch or dinner. That knowledge and
skill will stay with them for long and hopefully get passed on to their kids.
4. Lab equipment
As the schools grow bigger and accept more students, they need more funding. But sadly, that’s
not always the case. So before the school decides to purchase a smart-board or a smart table,
they should really consider putting the emphasis on lab equipment. Microscopes, necessary
chemicals, magnetic stirrers, thermometers, etc. You would be surprised how many schools are
still missing basic science lab equipment. How can you get kids interested in science if you can’t
even demonstrate simple reactions properly? But unfortunately the management hardly ever
considers it a priority.
This short list can go on and on, but our goal was to demonstrate how can things change
drastically with the right equipment and teachers with an optimistic and adventurous mindset.
Naturally, a few devices are not an answer to the educational crisis, but they are a solid starting
point for local management to lean on.
