The inclusion of technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT) in the curriculum, has become increasingly relevant in Brazilian education. With constant technological advances, it is essential that schools adapt their training to prepare their students for the demands of the job market and for changes in society in general.

Many Brazilian schools are already including specific disciplines such as programming and robotics, in addition to using technology in other teaching areas. These disciplines have proven to be increasingly important, as technology, including IoT, is present in almost all areas of our lives, from work to leisure.

The discipline of programming, for example, is an increasingly valued skill in the job market, and can be applied in several areas such as software development, application creation, games, among others. In addition, programming can help students develop skills such as problem solving, logical thinking, and creativity. The robotics discipline can be seen as a practical way to learn programming. Students learn to create robots and program them to perform specific tasks, such as following a line or avoiding obstacles. Furthermore, robotics can be a fun and interesting way to learn about physics, mathematics and other areas of knowledge.

More than technology-specific subjects, many schools are using technology in other areas of teaching. The use of tablets and other electronic devices can make the learning process more interactive and dynamic. Students can access educational videos, animations, and games that help anchor content.

The Challenges for Technological Education in Brazil

Technological education in Brazil faces some important challenges that need to be faced so that students can have quality training and be prepared for the future.

One of the main challenges is the lack of adequate infrastructure in many schools and universities. Many institutions do not have computer labs or quality internet access, making it difficult to teach technology subjects and preventing students from using technology effectively in the learning process.

In addition, many schools still do not have teachers trained to teach technology subjects. It is important that teachers are up to date with new technologies and know how to use them in a pedagogically appropriate way. Without this, students may end up learning inappropriately or insufficiently. Another important challenge is the lack of investment in research and innovation. Technological education needs to be aligned with the needs of the labor market and the demands of society in constant change. This requires investments in research and innovation for the development of new technologies and teaching methodologies. Finally, technology education also faces challenges regarding equity and inclusion. Many students do not have access to technology at home and depend on the school for access to it. This can create inequalities in the learning process, as some students have access to more advanced technologies than others.

To overcome these challenges, it is necessary to invest in infrastructure and teacher training, in addition to promoting research and innovation in technological education. It is also important to ensure equitable access to technology for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background. With these actions, technological education in Brazil can be a way to form a society that is better prepared for the challenges of the future.

Brazil Offers a Strong Market in the Technology Sector – With an Emphasis on IoT

Despite the challenges faced by technology education in Brazil, the country has a constantly growing job market for technology professionals. The technology industry has stood out as one of the most dynamic sectors of the Brazilian economy, with numerous national and multinational companies operating in various areas, from software development to hardware and electronics. The information technology sector is one of the most employing in the country, with a growing demand for trained professionals in areas such as programming, databases, information security and systems analysis. In addition, the growing adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain has created job opportunities in more specialized areas, such as digital agriculture and industry 4.0. These areas are becoming increasingly technological and require a skilled workforce to work with the advanced technologies being adopted.

In digital agriculture, IoT has been used to collect data and monitor crops, allowing more accurate and efficient decision-making. Sensors, drones and other technologies are used to collect data on climate, soil, plants and animals, analyzed in real time to ensure productivity and reduce costs. In addition, digital agriculture has also created demand for professionals who can work on the development of specific technologies for the sector. For example, the development of software and applications for crop monitoring, intelligent irrigation systems and automated harvesting technologies.

In industry 4.0, IoT has been used to connect machines and equipment in an intelligent network, allowing for more efficient and personalized production. Sensors and monitoring systems are used to collect data on machine performance, analyzed to identify possible failures and optimize production. It has also created demand for professionals who can work on the development of specific technologies for the sector, such as robotics and automation systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The Industry 4.0 Scenario in Brazil

Industry 4.0 is a global trend that has gained strength in Brazil in recent years. The fourth industrial revolution brings with it the use of advanced technologies such as the internet of things, big data, artificial intelligence, robotics, among others, which enable the creation of more intelligent, efficient and personalized production processes.

In Brazil, industry 4.0 has gained more strength in sectors such as automotive, food and beverage, cosmetics and oil and gas. Companies such as Volkswagen, Natura, Ambev and Petrobras are already adopting industry 4.0 technologies in their operations.

A successful example is Volkswagen do Brasil, which implemented a series of industry 4.0 initiatives at its plant in São Bernardo do Campo. The company embraced advanced manufacturing, using technologies such as collaborative robots, monitoring systems and real-time data analysis to improve factory efficiency and productivity. As a result, the company was able to reduce maintenance costs by up to 20%, increase the production of one of its models by 40% and reduce energy consumption by up to 10%.

Another successful example is Natura, which uses industry 4.0 to create a personalized experience for its customers. The company has adopted the use of technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence to analyze each customer's profile and offer customized products to meet their specific needs.

Ambev also uses industry 4.0 in its operations, adopting technologies such as sensors and real-time monitoring systems to improve the efficiency and quality of the beer production process. As a result, the company was able to reduce machine setup time by up to 60% and increase production process efficiency by up to 40%.

Industry 4.0 brings with it great opportunities for Brazil, and technological education is essential to take advantage of them. Companies that embrace advanced technologies such as the internet of things, artificial intelligence and big data have a significant competitive advantage over those that do not. This creates a growing demand for professionals trained in areas such as programming, robotics and other advanced technologies.

Therefore, it is essential to prepare students for the demands of the job market and for the constant changes in society in general. Schools that include technology in the curriculum offer specific disciplines in areas such as programming and robotics, in addition to using technology in other areas of education. Students who learn to deal with advanced technologies will be prepared to work with industry 4.0 technologies, which are becoming increasingly relevant to the job market.

Technological education is an opportunity for Brazil to create a highly qualified workforce in areas related to industry 4.0. With this, the country can attract investments in sectors that use advanced technologies and become a center for the development of innovative technologies. Schools that include technology in the curriculum are preparing students for the demands of the job market and for the constant changes in society in general, which can lead to an increase in the competitiveness and profitability of companies that adopt advanced technologies.