Healthy and Inclusive Learning Spaces

As the father of three neuro-diverse children, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that classroom conditions can have on learning.

Tackling Sensory Overload and Boosting Air Quality for Student Success

Small, overcrowded and noisy classrooms can be a real challenge for those who struggle with sensory overload.^[1] A struggling child may act out simply because they lack the strategies or awareness of how to manage themselves in an overwhelming environment, impacting their education experience and outcomes.

Additionally, numerous studies have demonstrated the linkage between carbon dioxide levels and attentiveness.^[2] It is also well-identified that carbon dioxide levels are a measure of room ventilation.^[3] There’s much that can and should be done to ensure the learning space is not only safe but healthy and inclusive for all children.

Classroom technology has evolved dramatically over recent years. Until now, much of this has been centered around digitizing the rooms with, for example, Wi-Fi, digital projectors, screens, digital whiteboards, and casting devices. In doing so, this has also introduced more complexity for educators and increased the cost to school systems in managing and maintaining these complex environments.

Seamless Technology Integration and Real-Time Environmental Insights

Cisco Collaboration Devices have changed the classroom technology paradigm by not only digitizing but also consolidating and simplifying the classroom technology and the educator experience, as well as being easy to deploy, manage, and monitor. Furthermore, with embedded environmental sensors, fundamentals like ambient noise levels, air quality (TVOC), humidity, and temperature can be centrally monitored without additional technology, infrastructure, or specialized installations. The Cisco Meraki MT15 sensor builds upon this to monitor carbon dioxide levels, also with the benefit of not requiring dedicated infrastructure – the MT15 uses the existing Cisco Meraki MV Intelligent Cameras or MR access points as IoT gateways, both of which are widely deployed in schools around the world.

Every child deserves a safe and healthy learning environment that gives them every opportunity to reach their potential. I want to see my children succeed; I don’t want them to struggle further because the classroom doesn’t provide the inclusive learning space every child deserves. Cisco has the technology to power inclusive learning for all. Contact us to learn how we can make this happen.