Definition, framework and research issues of smart learning environments - a context-aware ubiquitous learning perspective

Gwo-Jen Hwang

doi:10.1186/s40561-014-0004-5

Abstract

The rapid progress of mobile, wireless communication and sensing technologies has enabled the development of context-aware ubiquitous learning (u-learning) environments, which are able to detect the real-world learning status of students as well as the environmental contexts. Accordingly, appropriate information can be provided to individual students in the right place and at the right time. However, researchers have indicated that, to support students to learn in real-world contexts in smart ways, more factors need to be taken into account when designing and developing learning systems. In this paper, the definition and criteria of smart learning environments are presented from the perspective of context-aware ubiquitous learning. A framework is also presented to address the design and development considerations of smart learning environments to support both online and real-world learning activities. Moreover, some emerging technologies that might facilitate the development of smart learning environments as well as the features and criteria of smart learning are addressed. Finally, research issues related to smart learning are provided.

Highlights

Making learning systems smart has been the objective of many researchers in both the fields of computer science and education
Research issues of smart learning As mentioned in the above sections, smart learning is a new concept of technologyenhanced learning. It is more than integrating the criteria and functions of intelligent tutoring systems and context-aware ubiquitous learning systems; the following research issues are raised to acknowledge the presence of the “smart learning” conception: (1) Development of implementation frameworks of smart learning environments: The rapid advancement of digital technologies (e.g., Augmented Reality (AR), computer vision, speech recognition, mobile and wearable technologies) and analytics technologies provides various possibilities of implementing smart learning environments based on different educational purposes and from different perspectives of pedagogical theories
It can be foreseen that the development and evaluation of smart learning systems with new mobile and sensing technologies will be the main focus for researchers from the fields of computer science and educational technology

Summary

Introduction

Making learning systems smart has been the objective of many researchers in both the fields of computer science and education. Owing to the advancement and popularity of mobile, wireless communication and sensing technologies, researchers have attempted to provide personalized learning guidance or support in real-world learning environments.

Results

Conclusion