The FAA recently made small drones easier to use commercially; however, many don’t know that in May 4, 2016 the FAA also provided guidance for their educational use freeing faculty and students to more fully embrace this new technology. Drones are a popular and affordable technology that can draw students into careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). They can easily be used to creatively teach mathematics, electronics, programing, materials and battery and optical engineering in addition to business subjects such as marketing, finance, and management. The science behind flight is much easier to teach when students can apply the lesson in a lab just outside their classroom, and it’s here that small rural universities have an edge.
Small rural universities have the open space that drones require to operate, a large advantage over their urban counterparts. Importantly, drones can give students the practical experience they need by helping the local agricultural, construction, photography, and business community.
In short, drones are here to stay and small rural universities are well positioned to serve their students and communities by fully embracing this technology.