An Exploratory Study of the Relationship between Smart Learning and Smart Work: The Use of Personal Laptops by Graduate Students in a Smart Campus Environment

Abstract

The importance of smart learning (SL) has been emphasized in schools. Additionally, the significance of smart work (SW) in improving business performance has gained much attention among industries. From theoretical, technological, and environmental perspectives, SL and SW are somewhat similar. Therefore, a case study was performed to find a way to link SL and SW, and a linking model was proposed for this purpose. Because laptops are considered a pivotal element in the technological aspect of SL, graduate students' use of personal laptops in classes (Bring Your Own Laptop, BYOL) was investigated. The results showed that the students reacted positively to the idea of using personal laptops in class and that they expected to learn IT skills more effectively this way. They listed being able to study even after class and the easy accessibility of relevant data as the strengths of BYOL. However, they cited the heaviness of the laptops and occasional loss of focus during classes as the weaknesses of BYOL. Thus, this study showed the possibility of that students who experience SL can perform better in an SW situation. Therefore, if a policy is enacted that allows students to efficiently use laptops, a greater number of educational achievements will be attained on smart campuses and, subsequently, a greater number of smart workers will be produced.