Our environments are made up of the places we frequent throughout life. Most of us have a home, a job, and have gone to school. With the advent of the internet, many of these classic environments are evolving to accommodate a world that is becoming evermore interconnected. Here’s a look at how everyday spaces are integrating new technologies.
At Home
Like the vacuum cleaner and microwave, kitchen appliances were slow to evolve after their domestic debuts in the fifties. Only now with the advent of appliances being “smart” are we seeing new innovations in the kitchen. Everything at home from the fridge, security system, to the tv now come in “smart” options allowing devices to connect with each other and be accessed remotely.
Homes now have options to be built or retrofitted into being more sustainable. It is already common to see homes fitted with solar panels, providing power not only to homeowners but also providing excess power to their cities. New innovations in material science are creating solar panel “film” that can adhere to existing windows, providing homes and buildings more more aesthetic ways to capture clean energy.
In the Classroom
Education is an area that has infinite benefits to reap since the dawn of the internet. Less than three decades ago it was rarity for a school to have a computer. Today, it is a rarity for a school not to have one. Learning is no longer limited to books and chalkboards. Creative new channels for learning are now being found through virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing, and game-based learning.
Virtual and augmented reality adds a dimension of interactivity that is previously unprecedented. Instead of simply looking at a page of a history book, students will soon be able to virtually visit different places and times. Similarly, 3D printing offers the ability to add tactile experience when studying complexities such as molecules. A 3D printer also gives students the opportunity to learn about custom manufacturing and design.
Game-Based Learning is a brilliant new technique in teaching that combats student’s ever shortening attention spans. This method concentrates on interactivity and “gameplay” in learning. By incentivising students to “win” better grades, school will be less like pulling teeth and more like playing while learning.
Cloud computing is an important next step in optimizing how students do their work. Although a futurist classroom is on the cusp of reality, kids today can still use excuses like “my dog ate my homework”. With cloud computing, students can efficiently turn in work, check into classes, and have discussions without their dog’s hungry involvement.
Building Efficiency into our Infrastructure
Many changes are not only happening inside but outside as well. Our infrastructure is due for a technological makeover. Many cities have begun to offer hubs for free wifi. Many parks now offer charging stations and wifi. In New York passengers can now take advantage of free internet service in select subway stops, increasing productivity for workers during their commute time.
Building materials themselves are going through their own evolutions. Solar Roadway is a company manufacturing solar powered hexagonal road panels. This year, the first road of this kind will be installed into a section of route 66.
Innovators such as Elon Musk are introducing concepts such as a completely solar roof. Creating an option for solar panels as a permanent fixture as opposed to temporary modular panels is the first step of many to building efficiency and sustainability into our environments.
Many more advances in every field are beginning to grow in coevolution with our age old environments. Increasing efficiency and connectivity is making the world a smaller and more convenient place. Like archeologists admiring the engineering of Roman aqueducts, we will one day look back at this time and marvel at the progress and creativity our ingenuity has brought to fruition. The world we live in today is literally, ‘the state of the art’.
