Whether they’re a teen working toward a career in aviation, or a teacher using drones to teach physics and geometry, students learn the importance of collaboration, flexibility, and self-learning. This type of work culture, says Gartner, fosters alignment between leaders and employees.
Schools that teach students for jobs in unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, are recognized by the FAA’s UAS-CTI program. The course covers practical flying training, upkeep, uses, applications, privacy issues, and federal regulations.
1. Drones are the Future
Drones have established themselves as game-changers in the business world, with companies like Amazon testing drone-based delivery services and construction technology startup Veerum using 3-D modeling and thermal imaging to create “digital twins” of sites to validate construction work. But the impact of drones isn’t limited to just businesses – schools, too, are incorporating these tools into the curriculum and offering students skills that can be used for years to come.
One way schools are providing new opportunities to students is by incorporating drones into courses that teach photography, videography, and digital media production. This gives students hands-on experience capturing aerial footage and the ability to experiment with different angles, lighting conditions, and camera settings – all important aspects of creating engaging content. Additionally, integrating drones into STEM classes can also expose students to careers they might not have considered before. For example, a drone course could inspire a student to pursue a career in aviation or engineering if they have always been interested in flying and design.
Another way drones are opening doors is by allowing students to become licensed commercial pilots through education programs. These programs, which typically include both classroom-based instruction and hands-on drone flights, can prepare students to pass the FAA’s Part 107 exam and become certified drone pilots. These certificates are an essential step in the journey to becoming a professional drone operator.
In addition to training students in drone flight operations, many schools are offering courses on how to build and maintain drones. This type of class teaches students the skills they need to start a side hustle or even a full-time drone business. It’s also a great option for students who might not have the financial resources to purchase their own drone or those who may be unsure if this is the right career path for them.
The most popular use of drones among our student participants is the desire to learn more about how drones are being used in public safety and construction. They are particularly fascinated by the new visual perspectives (e.g., top-down view and bird’s eye view) that drones can provide and how these technologies are being leveraged in life-saving public safety operations. Similarly, student drone developer participants are most excited by the potential for leveraging drones for more efficient delivery of goods and services.
2. Drones are the Future of Photography
Photographers and filmmakers use drones to capture stunning aerial images and video footage. The technology is fast becoming a staple in the field. Aerial shots add a cinematic touch to movies, TV shows, and commercials. They also provide valuable information that is impossible to get on the ground. For example, a drone can be used to take detailed pictures of a pile of dirt or other site materials so that a contractor can gauge how much material they have on hand before ordering more. Alternatively, a drone with an infrared camera can be flown over a construction project to check for heat loss in the building.
Photojournalism is another field that has embraced drone photography. Aerial shots allow journalists to gain a unique perspective on events and places that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach. For example, Tomas van Houtryve won the 2015 Infinity Award for Photojournalism for his series Blue Sky Days, which provides a bird’s-eye view of people gathering for picnics and other community activities in various parts of America. Drones are also making it possible to document other kinds of events that would be difficult or impossible to cover with a traditional camera, such as political protests and natural disasters.
Real estate agents are increasingly using drones to advertise their properties. According to MLS statistics, homes listed with aerial photographs are seventy percent more likely to sell.
Aerial photography can also be useful in other types of commercial work, such as environmental monitoring, construction, and disaster response. It is a powerful tool for providing accurate, timely, and cost-effective data that can be used to make better decisions and drive business outcomes.
Drone technology is constantly evolving. As new features and capabilities are added, they will continue to revolutionize how businesses and individuals use photos and videos. For example, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies can be combined with drone footage to create immersive experiences that will change the way we interact with aerial images and videos.
If you’re thinking about getting into drone photography, it’s important to find a professional training provider that can help you become a licensed and proficient pilot. Look for a school that offers comprehensive courses on drone technology and aviation regulations. It’s also important to choose a course that provides practical hands-on experience and access to an alumni network, which can open doors to opportunities in the industry.
3. Drones are the Future of Education
Drones are a key part of the curriculum for STEM education in schools. Students are learning critical thinking and teamwork skills as they build and program drones for educational applications. Educators are also finding that drones help teach kids the importance of coding. The idea of writing code may seem intimidating to younger students, but when they use drones to write their own programs, it becomes less intimidating.
In addition, drones can be used to teach the basics of mathematics. Math is an essential part of drone programming, so when students work with drones, they are flexing their mathematical skills as they design the algorithms needed to make their drone function. It’s an excellent way to get students excited about math and encourage them to develop a love for science and technology.
As the demand for drones in various industries increases, there will be an increased need for trained teachers who can effectively integrate drone technologies into the classroom. Some schools are offering specialized training to their teachers to assist them in developing their knowledge and confidence with drone technology. Others are partnering with industry leaders in the field to offer a drone academy that is designed to provide a complete and effective learning experience.
For example, Steve Wozniak’s new K-12 education program has partnered with industry-leading drone solutions provider Draganfly to offer an online academy for elementary school students. This partnership will give students an immersive, real-life experience that will prepare them for future careers in the tech industry.
Drones are becoming more and more integrated into the daily operations of many industries, from capturing aerial footage for real estate promotions to assisting in search and rescue missions and creating 3-D maps for architects and construction companies. The introduction of drones into the classroom can prepare students for these jobs and increase their competitiveness when entering the job market.
Moreover, drones can also be used to promote curiosity and creativity in the classroom. As drones are so versatile, they can be manipulated in multiple ways to create unique projects that challenge the brain and stimulate intellectual growth. This helps students become creative thinkers and fosters a love of STEM at an early age, which can set them up for success throughout their lives.
4. Drones are the Future of Business
The business world is catching on to the potential of enterprise drones. Despite their limited use just a few years ago, drones are now being used in every industry, from construction and real estate to insurance and law enforcement. These small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can capture data in a way that is both cost-effective and less time-consuming than traditional methods. They can also be more precise and accurate than human observers. With the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating global logistics concerns, UAVs offer a viable alternative to vehicle-based transport networks for last-mile delivery.
Drones are also being deployed in emerging markets for humanitarian purposes. For example, in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa where infrastructure is sparse and distances are great, e-commerce firms such as Jumia are partnering with drone delivery companies like Zipline to address on-demand product delivery. In addition to reducing delivery costs, this new mode of transport is also decarbonizing the transport sector.
Aside from these exciting applications, drones can gather important information that businesses can use to make decisions. For instance, they are being used to monitor crop health, improve resource management, and increase yields. Additionally, they can be used to assist in disaster recovery and aid search and rescue operations.
Those interested in becoming certified as drone pilots can take courses at colleges and universities that offer drone training programs. Depending on their interests and professional experience, students can pursue careers in fields such as real estate, photography, film production, and more. In addition, drone classes can help individuals prepare for the new workforce requirements being driven by technological changes.
San Jacinto College offers a series of drone classes, including flight operations and build courses that give students the skills to become certified commercial drone operators. These courses are ideal for business professionals who want to expand their skill set or start a new career path, particularly for those in industries like construction, real estate, petrochemical, and non-destructive testing or who work with the public on a regular basis.
Aside from drone flying, the program allows students to learn how to post-capture video and photo editing software. This helps them transform their drone footage into captivating visual narratives that will enhance their portfolio. By combining this knowledge with the technical proficiency gained through drone flight training, students are able to take their vision and translate it into a successful, fulfilling career.
