The need for rapid digital transformation in education has come to the forefront like never before. Responses by education systems worldwide to the COVID-19 pandemic have surfaced the need to make long-term, sustainable changes.
It is clear that learning at all levels must be more connected, digitized and efficient.
- TECHNOLOGY is imperative to share information in ways that keep students engaged—whether they are in physical or virtual classrooms
- Learning in the future will require INCLUSIVE ACCESS to consistent, high-quality experiences regardless of location
- Better FLEXIBILITY will be necessary to ensure continuity amid any setbacks or potential disruptive events
Many lower and higher education institutions are evaluating returns to classrooms that they’ve already made or are prepping the transition back to classrooms, often as a mix of online and in-person instruction. In efforts to drive continuity in learning, the adoption of online video conferencing, learning-management platforms and virtual assessment tools has skyrocketed. The use of these tools will be a table-stake in the future as the impact of digital technologies has already reshaped education forever.
More widespread implementation of online curriculums is an opportunity to improve the quality and reach of education—to make it more inclusive and equitable for all.
Modern and future education will be founded on student engagement wherever learning takes place. In the recent exponential growth in adoption of online learning technologies, video and content have played a pivotal role in teacher-student connection, yet audio has been taken for granted and the benefits of high-quality audio have been greatly overlooked.
In a recent Microsoft survey of educators, more than 50% said “keeping students engaged digitally” and “student participation” are the top challenges in remote learning.
The need for better connectivity through robust, intelligent audio devices has never been greater. However, many educators and students are currently participating in remote learning under challenging circumstances. Regardless of location, basic computer audio often leads to broken experiences. Low-cost consumer-grade headsets typically deliver sub-par audio with frustrating experiences. Consumer-grade headsets additionally have questionable durability, limited IT support and manageability.
As education and technology decision-makers prepare for the future of learning, crisp, clear audio must be a high priority. Business-grade headsets must be part of the education toolset for every student and instructor. Better Sound experiences require certain considerations for each environment – in-classroom, virtual, or blended. Better audio experiences also require consideration for the differing needs across student and instructor demographics from K12 through higher education.
A choice of wearing styles, multiple connectivity options, comfort, sound safety, consistent audio high performance, durability and manageability are key factors in choosing headsets to help students to become immersed in their learning interactions and materials.
There has never been a greater need or a better time to close the digital divide that exists today in education. Now is an ideal opportunity for innovation and improvement to transform the future of learning.
Superior audio experiences foster inclusion, improved focus and knowledge retention regardless of where learning takes place.
A majority of education institutions are already leveraging or plan to leverage rich media online platforms as part of their long-term educational programs. Yet, these leave room for improvement. High-quality headsets more effectively connect students and educators to those online environments and to each other. Do not compromise performance, quality and support for small savings now that will assuredly cost you more later.
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