What is a SMART student?
SMART students use intelligent educational devices. These devices are used in the classroom, enhancing students' learning environments and processes in both virtual and physical contexts. SMART students are often encouraged to use SMART devices that are communicative and supportive of experiential learning. IoT in SMART devices use sensors, actuators, cameras, RFID tags, RFID readers, and wearables (Terzieca et al., 2022). IoT device software are a great tool as they are help monitor, gather, process, analyze, and manage educational and environmental data.
Devices SMART Students Use:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Gamification and Interactive Learning
Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtial Reality (VR)
Project-Based Learning
Cloud Computing and IoT
SMART devices enable students to enhance their personalized learning outcomes. SMART students contribute towards ideal pedagogy and teaching strategies.
In 2024, there are 5 trends in SMARTS classrooms:
1) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
There is a significant use of AI in smart classrooms where the use of computer systems and software are exercised to complete tasks in "reasoning, learning, and decision making." (8 Smart Classroom Equipment for Better Teaching in 2024, 2024)
ability to improve personalized learning
intelligent tutoring systems
automated grading and assessment
data-driven insights
2) Gamification and Interactive Learning
The mechanics of gamified learning, increased student motivation, and a form of a digital reward system encourages learning in smart classrooms.
increased motivation and engagement
improved learning outcomes
enhanced collaboration and social interaction
3) Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)
Both (AR) and (VR) are stimulators that immerse students in created, manipulative, realistic and interactive simulations/environments.
enriched learning experience
increased student engagement and curiosity
improved learning outcomes and retention
4) Cloud Computing and IoT
Cloud computing and IoT use remote servers and networks to store, process, and access data and applications over the Internet.
enhanced accessibility and scalability
increased efficiency and productivity
improved security and reliability
5) Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning allows for students to achieve consistent learning goals and strategies that involve inquiry and real-word themes.
increased student ownership and agency
enhanced relevance and connection
(Top 5 Smart Classroom Trends in 2024, n.d.)
Check out the video on how to use VR effectively in classrooms! Frank has highlighted 5 aspects of the Metaverse that would allow students to fully immerse themselves in a virtual environment: (Learning and Technology with Frank, 2021)
1) Passive VS Immersive environments
2) Documentaries
3) Time travel and perspective-taking
4) Historical events and people
5) Mind and fitness
To encapsulate the main benefits of VR and AR, the device helps improve retention with multi-sensory experiences. This virtual stimulus activates the neurological processes of memory and comprehension. Making learning more meaningful as students apply and transfer their virtual learning to real-world situations.
Other benefits of VR & AR: (Top 5 Smart Classroom Trends in 2024, n.d.)
immersive learning using IoT-enabled VR/AR headsets
provide realistic scenarios
physically contribute to build students' understanding of subjects and topics
explore and interact with different places, cultures that my be inaccessible
increase curiosity, interest, imagination with experiential learning
practice critical thinking, problem-solving with simulated challenges and perspectives
Wearable devices are the new middle ground for cellular technology being used in classrooms. Wearable devices such as SMART watches allows of cellular communication, talk and text, and functions but as an alternative to cell phones. They are deemed to be "less distracting", multi-use, practical, and allow tracking via GPS. SMART watches also allow for device pairing and Cloud uploading. SMART watches are compatible for students to use in schools and for personal use. Therefore, with school and parental controls.
It is a hybrid device that is controlled, either running with or without Wi-fi, using an iOs or Android app. Other benefits include: (Lee, 2024)
video calls
connected at school and home
less gaming due to screen size
easily manageable
most affordable piece of device
smart phone alternative
SOS button
built-in games for fitness
From “The Best Smartwatches for Kids” by Lee. 2024, The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartwatch-for-kids/). 2024 by Wirecutter.
Figure 1: 4 considerations when choosing a smart watch
Figure 2: A chart, comparing the functions available on smart watch variations versus cell phone options
What is RFID? RFID stands for "radio frequency identity card." A part of SMART security, RFID systems have the ability to track attendance and all student-related activity. SMART classrooms now have automated attendance tracking through RFID-enabled student ID cards.
also know as "contactless student cards"
high accuracy
modern form of attendance tracking
Multi-fuctional cards for access control, and cashless transactions
more affordable than other security/attendance systems like finger-scanning, iris scanning, facial recognition
Smart textbooks are E-books with embedded IoT sensors for interactive learning experiences. They are a new form of digital resources that can be made available to students digitally compared to traditional paper-based textbooks. E-books are electronic enabling:
adaptive learning programs provided with E-book
practice reading skills with digital content
more efficient methods to search content
digitally accessible
enables inquiry through online learning
Video Transcript is available here: https://www.ted.com/talks/jason_rugolo_welcome_to_the_world_of_audio_computers/transcript?subtitle=en
Earbuds do amazing things that are reacting and adapting to the world: (TED, 2024)
increasing volume for hard of hearing
isolating speakers in crowded rooms for hard of hearing
turning down individual things (like a baby crying or construction work)
immediate language translations delivered in the voice of the speaker (thanks to AI)
Present Implications
SMART devices and systems have advanced in their technologies as they use AI, IoT to improve functionalities in student learning.
SMART systems allow students to adjust their individual devices to their needs, improve efficiency, and accessibility (Azeem, 2023):
automating routine tasks, like scheduling appointments, setting reminders, and controlling appliances
increased productivity and a more efficient use of resources
make it easier for people with disabilities to access and interact with technology
voice-activated assistants help with speech, learning needs/disabilities with designations, visual or hearing impairments, and/or limited mobility, control their devices better
SMART devices cater to student demand in terms of fun, what they are familiar with, and new ways to interpret learning at schools. SMART devices can personalize experiences (Azeem, 2023):
use AI systems to recommend sources and ideas based on their individual preferences and behaviour
trackers for past performance (user data)
smart games that encourage learning, practice, and assessment
suggest personalized programs/activitives based on user goals and
Future Implications
5G networks and the growth of edge computing are enabling faster and more reliable connectivity for IoT devices
5Gg may suggest a pattern of how data will be handled where we are using more IoT sensors and facilitating real-time processing and analysis
But there are still concerns...
The use of AI and wearables are dominating the world of IoT
We as users are still conflicted when it comes to our privacy and safety
The growth of AI and machinе-lеarning infiltrates other professions and sectors outside of school such as healthcare and retail
Thе requirement for homogeneity, all things "Cloud," to allow flawless data exchange bеtwееn devices
The risk of exploitation by the industry