Potential of beacons to enhance teaching and learning in stationary education.

Abstract

Dynamic technological progress is actively influencing the shape of modern education. Inventions that are constantly appearing on the market are often adapted to the needs of schools. One of the technologies that shows special potential in didactics is beacons. Beacons are small devices that can be used for communication, navigation and researching the recipient’s behavior. These functionalities are used in the education process, enabling the creation of completely new learning experiences. According to research, they can be successfully used in the classroom, during the formal learning process, as well as in various institutions, such as in informal transfer of knowledge, for example in cultural institutions. These sensors can contribute to the creation of a dynamic space for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, which will automatically respond to the individual needs of the recipient. The main goal of this article is to present the possibility of using beacons in the context of stationary education. The considerations were based on a review of the available literature. The work draws attention not only to the problems of the sensors themselves, but also to the possibility of their cooperation with other technologies. The collaboration of technical tools may contribute to the creation of more comprehensive solutions and, as a result, an increase in the quality and efficiency of the education process. However, as the analysis shows – beacons can be a promising technology in education, but their use is niche. Perhaps in future years, there will be more such solutions that will enable a more accurate assessment of these sensors. The author intends to continue her research to support the adoption of the described technology in Polish educational institutions.