The role of the Internet of Things in the Educational System during the Corona Pandemic

Abstract

One of the biggest consequences of the Coronavirus outbreak in Iran and the world was universities and schools' closure. The threat of closure of educational institutions turned it into a golden opportunity to use the Internet of Things to learn and progress. This paper aims to compare traditional education and IoT-based education in learning and student participation in the classroom. A questionnaire was prepared and distributed among students participating in both educational systems to conduct this descriptive study. The data extracted from 400 returned questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods using SPSS and MATLAB software. The paper results showed that the scores obtained by students in IoT-based tests were higher than traditional tests. The percentage of students' attendance and participation in the classroom in the IoT-based education system showed a considerable increase. The midterm exam scores, homework scores, online and quizzes, the final exam for the IoT-based and traditional education system was 2.39 ± 0.51, 2.02 ± 0.78, 2.50± 0.44, 5.20 ± 1.86 and 1.69 ± 0.83, 1.18 ± 1.05, 1.55±0.63, 3.70 ± 2.26 respectively. Statistical analysis of the results showed a significant difference in the scores of students who participated in the IoT-based educational system from students who traditionally participated in classes (P <; 0.05). Given the brilliant results of using IoT-based education and also some of the advantages of traditional education, it can be concluded that the combination of the two education systems can cover the weaknesses of IoT-based and traditional education methods, and students can benefit from IoT-based and traditional training at the same time.