Bringing tools and resources to communities everywhere: 5G-enabled education

As the next generation of wireless, 5G promises to help close the digital divide in education and open exciting new learning opportunities for students and teachers at every level. Delivering fast and reliable broadband to rural and underserved urban communities is a pressing need that came into focus during the pandemic. Students with access to remote classroom experiences were ahead of the game compared to students without reliable broadband connectivity. 5G can help level the playing field and close the achievement gap.

Broader access to virtual learning experiences and remote, interactive teaching methods
With broadband connectivity that’s reliable, plus extremely low latency (minimal delay in data transmission), content and learning experiences can move far beyond the walls of the classroom to provide:

• Remote collaboration among students and teachers using virtual lessons
• Shared interactive experiences, including Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
• Personalized learning experiences

When smart devices are interconnected with minimal or almost no bandwidth loss, teachers can save time with administrative tasks, like attendance monitoring and gathering students’ feedback. Also, students can download instructional videos, even full-length HD video documentaries, in seconds vs. minutes or hours using 4G.
5G technology addresses the real-time interaction that is crucial for remote learning activities and student-teacher collaboration. Fixed Wireless Access or FWA uses 5G to offer extremely high-speed connections in areas where fiber-optic cable internet may be too costly to install, such as rural communities.

How VR/AR and hybrid learning promote equity
Virtual reality and augmented, once used primarily in the entertainment industry, are playing a role in understanding-based learning. For example, VR can “place” students in the classroom virtually, from wherever they are, or take them into outer space to view the planets. 5G VR/AR can allow medical students to perform dissections virtually and help colleges and universities facilitate virtual face-to-face interactions among educators and students.

From kindergarteners entering school to graduate students completing advanced degrees, today’s students are comfortable interacting with digital media in every aspect of their lives, including education. 5G can open the way to richer learning experiences, digital equity, and smart campuses, helping students succeed, wherever they’re located.