The fifth generation of mobile networks is not just a world revolution. The technology also promises an evolution in connectivity. In the long term, many changes are expected in all areas, and expectations are high with 5G in education.
The possibilities are many and range from improving online instruction to applications of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) . The distance will be shortened by more fluid connections and simulations that will bring teaching closer to real situations, without the limits of physical distance between people.
Check out in detail, in this article, everything that is expected for the education sector with the implementation of 5G, and find out how CERTI will get involved with this novelty.
5G technology: what is the potential for innovation
The performance of mobile communication with the advent of 5G connection tends to leverage many technologies. The characteristics of the new connectivity standards will strengthen high definition media and image and audio collections.
Also included in the sum are the transfer and processing of large amounts of data. With this, experiences will become more realistic and discussions via video conferences will be more fluid.
The digital transition will be based on a set of tools such as cybersecurity applications, cloud computing, data center, security and productivity resources.
New business models are also expected with the improvement of the relationship between man and machine, and even machine-to-machine (M2M, or machines for machines). With the ease of disseminating knowledge, an ecosystem of new businesses and opportunities must be fostered.
In the specific case of the educational environment, the processes will be accelerated as an effect of the benefits provided by 5G. Find out what they are in the following topic.
Advantages of 5G over other mobile networks
5G technology has a quality gain in several aspects when compared to 4G. She will check:
• latency (device response time to a connection) between 1 to 10 milliseconds (ms), compared to the current rate that varies between 30 and 50 ms with 4G;
•download rate with a capacity of up to 10 Gbps, while 4G serves from 300 Mbps to 1Gbps;
•upload speed of more than 1 Gbps, with the maximum reached by 4G being 50 Mbps;
•lower energy consumption;
• connection density of 1 million devices per square kilometer;
•greater range of signal, being able to reach remote areas and without internet.
•All these gains make up a promising scenario for the employability of innovations, encouragement of educators and inclusion of underserved portions of the
population.
New phase for distance education
Suddenly, the pandemic boosted this learning model with the difficulties and limitations of equipment, without any prior planning.
As a result, teachers and students had to improvise, and we can say that this essay demonstrated the potential of this form of teaching.
The synchronous and asynchronous relationship between students and teachers added to the use of smart devices form the composition of virtual environments better prepared for remote teaching. Complex and dynamic objects can be created and will be able to interact online.
It will also be a gain to incorporate disciplines related to music, gymnastics, dance and psychomotor teachings with the support of Virtual Reality.
5G will bring a new panorama with the agility and favoring mechanisms such as the “Tactile Internet”. The concept corresponds to the technology called “TIC-TOC”, in which the sending and receiving of information happens at the same speed as human perception.
Teaching flexibility with 5G in education
The US Association of Higher Education Maintainers released a balance sheet showing a significant increase in interest in Distance Learning (EAD) courses.
In 2020, before the pandemic, 60% of the people interviewed intended to seek only face-to-face courses. After the uncertainties brought about by the spread of COVID-19, only 22% of respondents said they were interested in face-to-face courses. 78% of people started to consider the possibility of studying at a distance.
But it is not just the pandemic that is responsible for this new perception of remote teaching. Flexible hours are a great advantage, and this modality tends to keep growing. By 2023, the entity expects that distance learning enrollments will exceed the number of enrollments in on-site courses.
5G in education should further enhance and democratize this training possibility.
Research and innovation
With the reduction of expenses in educational institutions — in the long term —, there is a chance for new horizons for investments in study projects.
Another point that will add quality to this educational front will be the strengthening of multimedia instruments. Imagine that it will be much easier to have access to large collections of knowledge with high definition audio, data and video.