Survey on Context-Aware Pervasive Learning Environments

Teemu Henrikki Laine,Mike Joy

doi:10.3991/ijim.v3i1.680

Abstract

Context-aware pervasive learning environments consist of interconnected, embedded computing devices such as portable computers, wireless sensors, auxiliary input/output devices and servers. Until this study there has been no survey that has evaluated and presented information regarding these environments. In this paper, we conducted a survey to identify the commonly used technologies, methods and models behind these systems, and evaluated the role of mobile devices in the reviewed papers. As a result, we made five observations: (i) RFID was the most common sensor technology; (ii) several learning models were suggested, but none was validated properly; (iii) client-server architectures are prevalent in the systems and mobile devices were used most commonly to represent information; (iv) most of the systems supported multiple simultaneous users, but few facilitated virtual communication; and (v) possible roles for physical environments in pervasive learning systems are: contexts for learning, content for learning, and system resources. Evidence indicates that suitable learning models have yet to be validated, and that more roles of mobile devices could be emphasised.

Highlights

Mobile learning, or m-learning, has become popular and is currently being intensively researched
Research Questions In this survey we focused on articles presenting research outcomes that included a design, implementation, evaluation or test of a context-aware pervasive learning environment
The evidence presented in Observation 1 suggests that RFID is the most prevalent sensor technology used in pervasive learning environments, in part due relatively cheap price of RFID tags and readers (150€), compared to the cost of a basic wireless sensor node of at least 300€

Summary

Introduction

M-learning, has become popular and is currently being intensively researched. According to [15], a pervasive learning environment is a setting in which students can become totally immersed in the learning process They further note that pervasive computing is an immersive experience which mediates between the learner's mental (e.g. needs, preferences, prior knowledge), physical (e.g. objects, other learners) and virtual (e.g. content accessible with mobile devices, artefacts) context. Reference [14] regard a pervasive learning environment as a collection of mobile users, mobile services, mobile devices, contexts and policies, while [12] state that in pervasive learning, computers can obtain information about the context of learning from the learning environment in which embedded small devices, such as sensors, pads and badges, communicate together Common to these definitions is the interplay of intelligent technology and context in which the learner is situated (i.e. context-awareness). Pervasive learning environments are based on environments with embedded intelligence in the form of sensors, tags and interaction devices

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion