Teaching methods have seen a progressive transformation in the past few years. As the focus shifted to teaching and learning advanced STEM skills, new technology is being introduced in school and classroom setups.
Science classrooms, in particular, are becoming interactive spaces where children can engage with advanced devices to carry out experiments. Data loggers are among the devices gaining recognition in such academic areas as science classrooms in schools.
But how are Data Loggers used in a science classroom? Here we discuss data loggers and their utilization in schooling and the field of science.
What is a Data Logger?
A data logger is an electronic device used to monitor and record data by using its sensors. Data loggers are especially useful for assessing and controlling air purity, humidity, temperature, and pressure parameters. Different industries such as healthcare, automobile, and food manufacturing use data loggers to enhance and regulate their facilities.
Types of Data Loggers
Many different kinds of data loggers are available in the market. Some of the most common types of data loggers are:
USB Data Logger
A USB data logger is used for manual offloading of information. It provides low-cost deployment that comes with an easy setup. USB data loggers have internal sensor models that assist in monitoring the logger location while external sensor models allow precise sensor arrangements that measure desired parameters.
USB loggers are connected to a computer using a USB interface. Data loggers used in submersible water monitoring activities include features for waterproof data shuffles.
Bluetooth-enabled Data Logger
A Bluetooth-enabled data logger is used for offloading data via Bluetooth or through an internet gateway. These data loggers are compact, portable, and reusable. They also offer the additional benefits of wireless data transmission to devices such as laptops or mobile devices placed within a range of 100 feet.
These data loggers are used mainly for monitoring hard-to-reach or limited access areas. It allows users to view data in a graphical format and download and store files in a cloud interface.
Web-based Data Logger
Web-based data loggers provide real-time data access through the internet. They can be accessed remotely and offer alarm notifications. The data can be obtained through Ethernet communications, Wi-Fi, or cellular communications to the system.
All the data collected by the logger can be transmitted to a secure web server using these systems. Any user on the server can retrieve and view this Data. This configuration is done through external plug-in sensors and wireless sensors.
How are Data Loggers used in primary schools?
With a more robust approach to learning, science classrooms accommodate technology to enhance students’ learning experience. Data loggers are used in schools for carrying out experiments. They are convenient alternatives to time-consuming methods for measuring experiment parameters.
Data loggers make science experiments repeatable and straightforward without involving any tedious processes. Students can assess the readings on the data loggers in real-time while the experiment takes place. Instead of worrying about losing data due to conventional equipment, students can now take readings without much hassle and pay attention to the essential parts and concepts of the experiment.
From Boyle’s law experiment to measuring the pH of different liquids, students can engage with real-life experiments and experience the beauty of science. Data logger sensors can be used to monitor the sound, light, air pressure, temperature, and many other factors that would otherwise be complicated to monitor and control.
A variety of data loggers are specially designed for schools. Many of these student-friendly data loggers come with detachable sensors.
Why should schools switch to Data Loggers instead of using traditional sensors?
Traditional sensors such as thermometers can show constant fluctuation in their reading and require continuous attention for gaining accurate readings. A data logger, however, works independently and automatically. It keeps a log of all the readings over time. It can also retain records of even the slightest reading alterations and therefore provides precise information.
Another advantage of using a data logger is that it stores all information, so if the student misses a reading, they can quickly look for the data after the experiment. Moreover, software allows students to use the collected data and represent it in the form of a graph or a table. The data loggers serve as intelligent technology for experimentation, analysis, and documentation.
Data loggers in Colleges and other Professional Fields
Data loggers can cater to the requirements of numerous industries all around the globe. Along with use in science classrooms and schools, secondary schools, higher education sectors, colleges and universities also use the device to perform experiments.
Research students from fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics use data loggers to monitor their experiments. They often program these loggers to capture measurements for each second, or even nanosecond, without any break.
Data Loggers in Healthcare
Other than the academic and research sectors, data loggers are used by other industries to look after different parameters. A very common and recent example is that of Covid-19 vaccines, which are sensitive to temperature.
According to Dickson, if there is any slight difference in the adequate temperature of the storage or transportation facility, the vaccines will lose their efficacy. Therefore, the medical and healthcare sectors use data loggers to regulate temperatures for keeping pharmaceutical supplies, blood, and even organs safe for patients.
Data Loggers in the Automotive Industry
The automobile industry uses data loggers to keep a check on emission rates. Logistics and food manufacturing companies use data loggers to maintain an optimal supply and storage facility environment.
Many more industries benefit from the use of data loggers, and the market is growing at a rapid rate. Science, in general, is using data loggers for various applications, and the devices are getting smarter by the day.
The current education system encourages students to walk in line with technology and employ it in ways to further experiment, learn and create. Using advanced devices like a data logger in a science classroom allows students to engage with technology instead of struggling with old equipment.
Moreover, data loggers are a great way to introduce children to computing and technology right from their primary years of education. They will have the facilities to store data and use it for multiple purposes without any difficulty.
Using a data logger will not only prepare students for numerous upcoming advancements but will also equip them with the critical ability and technical skills to handle more technologically advanced devices in the future.
