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What is a SMART Classroom?
IoT devices contribute to a more efficient educational process and learning environment. SMART classrooms can range in budget, quality of devices, types of devices (learner-centred, teacher-centred, or both), practicality, and the amount of IoT devices being used. SMART classrooms often enable device usage as part of the educational process, also known as the intelligent educational system (IES). IES allows for participating classrooms to be a part of a "smart teaching-learning process" (Terzieca et al., 2022).
SMART classrooms are now trending in the education field. There seems to be a push or a form of streamlining happening across public school systems, all over the world. In fact, many tech companies want to sell the idea of an ideal SMART classroom. Teachers are also buying into the efficiencies that SMART classrooms have to offer.
The following marketing ideals are pursued by technology conglomerates: (8 Smart Classroom Equipment for Better Teaching in 2024, 2024)
technology encourages students' involvement
students already prefer and come equipped with technological literacy
the investment in IoT and SMART devices are worthwhile
SMART classrooms transform modernized classrooms to a new level of communication with students
From “The Role of Internet of Things in Smart Education” by Terezieva. Todorova, 2022, IFAC, 55(11), 110 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.11.017). 2022 by ScienceDirect PapersOnline.
The figure above breaks down the role of IoT in a smart classroom, differentiating how essential it is for both IoT functions and IoT devices to work together. IoT makes for smart educational objectives from the capacity of every device used and when re-thinking about student roles.
From “The Role of Internet of Things in Smart Education” by Terezieva. Todorova, 2022, IFAC, 55(11), 111 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.11.017). 2022 by ScienceDirect PapersOnline.
The Figure above clearly organizes how IoT is placed in a learning setting, with its technological purpose, educational objectives, and IoT users involved in the process.
Interactive Lessons
Accessible education
Innovation and engagement
Time Saving
Smart classrooms allow for:
Interactive Lessons
gamification
digital role with participation
displayed teamwork, problem-solving skills
encourage student-to-student interaction with teacher faciliation
Accessible education
adapt lessons to learning needs, language translation
different reading levels and writing levels
Innovation and engagement
experience learning with ed tech tools
create virtual displays of work, brainstorming, prodcued work
Time Saving
reduce lesson-planning
pre-made resources
reduce printing with digital display
instant
Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs)
Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs)
Interactive whiteboards, also known as (IWBs) display interactive lessons with built-in software. IWBs engage student learning with video-conferencing and ready-to-go IoT functions including: (Technologies, 2021)
browser content
SMART notebook
ink annotation
visual-audio display
online and accessible teaching material and applications
IWBs are very useful for all types of student needs, classrooms and age groups. IWBs do not require subscription as the purchase of technology already comes with a range of IoT functions. IWBs have had a headstart in its technological development as it was invented in the 1990's. Therefore, IWBs now come in various budgets and serve mobile teaching and learning, connecting classrooms in and out of school. More recent IWB models have immensely changed the game in SMART classrooms:
connects to student devices
App-based
remote learning, assessment
engage student voice, collaboration, brainstorming
device agnostic screen sharing via Miracast, Google Cast, Apple, Airplay
IWB panels aid in multi-point gesture functions:
Drag and drop features of new media in to critically engage students
integrated AI-feature to convert handwritten text into computer-generated text
multi-device convenience
(8 Smart Classroom Equipment for Better Teaching in 2024, 2024)
Adaptive Lighting
Adaptive Lighting
IoT lighting can adjust the light quality, brightness, and colour to student needs. Studies have shown that lighting has a significant role in learning as mocking natural light provides optimal learning conditions (Terzieca et al., 2022). Student performance can be enhanced up to 25%, increasing:
learning acquisition
concentration
motivation
engagement in learning process
SMART classrooms eliminate the lighting problems that often occur in regular classrooms, such as insufficient or excessive light and/or intrusive colours. Poor lighting also inhibit student perception.
Changing lighting with class needs seems like a basic concept but is an effective approach towards students' emotional needs. Colour changes adapt to students' regulation and self-awareness skills, impact their:
calmness
creativity
discussions
groupwork
movement breaks
Imagine the lights dimming when the volume of the class reaches a certain level, or automatically dimming with a video presentation. Even the blinds of the room could close to match...
SMART adaptive lighting is already being used as a strategy in special education classes and programs. This would be a new step towards universally designing classrooms for all learners and guide teachers with environmental supports to better manage behaviours of all students, designated or not (Lekan-Kehinde & Asoko, 2021)
Air Quality Monitoring and Temperature Control
Air Quality Monitoring and Temperature Control
IoT devices are multi-facet. SMART classrooms that have air quality sensors and monitoring, prioritize students' health and adjust to the classroom settings. Many of these devices were implemented after COVID-19 as a precaution. Although results have determined that there is a necessity to maintain healthy airflow and to consider student well-being in classroom learning.
These 3-1 monitor systems have significant benefits, including: (Safetyline Jalousie, 2022)
learning acquisition
concentration
Air ionizers are released to attach to unhealthy particles. The process of air purification, CO2 monitoring, and reducing air pollution.
It's obvious that if a classroom is either too hold or cold, students start to get agitated and uncomfortable. That's when SMART classrooms come in. IoT classrooms have solutions against distraction from study and activities. Classrooms need a balance of oxygen and moisture in the air to maintain energy and focus (Terzieca et al., 2022). Specifically, if "humidity below 30% is unfavourable for skin, eyes, throat due to dryness."
Interactive Notebook/Pad
Interactive Notebook/Pad
Did you know that there are two types of interactive notebooks? There are physical pad devices and cloud-based, online notebooks. These interactive notebooks allow for students to work exclusively. The benefits include reducing teaching workload, centralizing student work and progress, in one spot without having to rely on paper, located work, or photocopies (8 Smart Classroom Equipment for Better Teaching in 2024, 2024).
Smart Security
Smart Security
(RFID Readers and Tags)
SMART school security uses IoT sensors, actuators, cameras, data collectors, cloud computing AI and machine learning algorithms Terzieca et al., 2022). These intelligent security systems are popularized in schools and campuses. RFID readers and tags, check the locations of students, belongings, and track access to classrooms and other facilities. SMART security has the ability to monitor student activity.
Present Implications
There are so many positive implications of a smart classroom that allow for a more inclusive education. Neurodiverse students may benefit from the range of technologies offered in a smart classroom. These smart functions allow for visual, interactive, and connective functions that support individual learning needs. Smart classrooms are interactive and require student skillset in usability, engaging students in modern and digital adaptations (ClassVR, 2022).
Listed above are just a few of the significant educational tech tools used to equip students with skills needed in innovative school settings.
Future Implications
As IoT advances, it keeps classrooms innovative, creative and fresh. The only drawback is the need to upgrade software, technical programming, or the need to purchase new equipment for optimum collaboration. Once classrooms have a taste of SMART functionalities, the future seems unlikely to go back to simpler ways and away from utilizing audio-visual teaching strategies:
global knowledge
experiential learning
Schools and institutions already agree that future implications of SMART classrooms are most efficient and the "future of education" (Top 5 Smart Classroom Trends in 2024, n.d.).
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