The Internet of Things

Companies like IBM are building “Smart Cities” based on distributed sensors in roads, pipe, etc, providing feedback to control systems.  This is part of a general emerging market called the Internet of Things (IoT) where heretofore inanimate, mute objects are becoming part of an intelligent, active, behind-the-scenes conversation.  So what about “Smart Schools”, where the all of the tools, resources, furniture and infrastructure of a school get involved in the learning conversation?

Opportunity Statement

While relatively few physical objects might seem like immediate candidates to be given a useful IoT voice, currently wired systems including learning software and hardware are waiting to be heard.  Enabling and collecting those voices, and organizing the conversation, presents a set of opportunities in classroom management, school management, security, etc.

Prediction Source(s)

Gartner – The Internet of Things

Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll