Enhanced engineering education using smart class environment
Introduction
Smart class can be defined as a class equipped with modern technologies such as 3G and 4G, interactive learning, uninterrupted audio and video transmission, and recording and uploading the lecture in a website. 3G technology, which relies on broadband internet access, can provide easy access to the Wi-Fi networks. However, the speed of the connected is decreased if the number of simultaneous users is increased heavily. On the other hand, 4G technology uses TCP/IP and provides better services in the area of video and multimedia transmission. It improves the 3G technology in terms of speed, performance, reliability, portability, compatibility, and fault tolerance. 4G technology is more secure than its 3G counterpart (Hosny, 2007, Wentzel et al., 2005).
The widespread use of smart phones and tablet PCs makes them a good choice for learning as well (Andreu et al., 2011, Shamim Hossain et al., 2014). Both the e-learning and the m-learning (mobile learning) can now be simultaneously used in a physical or virtual classroom. On example of the advantages of e-learning is to use the smart class facility, such as, E- podium to record the lecture materials in real time environment. An instructor can record while he is lecturing in the class. After recording the lecture, the instructor can upload it on the special Learning Management Services (LMS), which are readily available and utilized by most universities around the world. The LMS system is equipped with platforms like blackboard, WebCT, etc. Once the lecture is uploaded, it can be viewed and listened through mobiles or computers connected to the Internet. The viewers must login to access the materials.
One of the problems associated to this system is that the lectures cannot be viewed or the participants cannot interact simultaneously with the lecturer. Therefore, it can be regarded as a one-way traffic. To solve this problem, smart classroom concept equipped with enhanced technology can be considered. This technology can be well utilized in co-learning environment. There are several learning frameworks that have been developed before (Lytras, 2010, Lytras, 2011, Mohamed, 2013, Shamim Hossain et al., 2009, Shamim Hossain and El Saddik, 2008); however, these frameworks do not utilized the latest eLearning technology in the form of a smart classroom.
The rest of the paper is organized as follows. Section 2 gives an overview of the existing e-learning and m-learning facilities; Section 3 presents a possible enhancement to the learning system; Section 4 gives an example of a tutorial system using the enhanced system, and finally, Section 5 draws some conclusions.
Section snippets
An overview of a smart class using LMS
The current system utilizes the LMS technology, which involves software applications for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of e-learning programs. In the case of King Saud University (KSU), the university has carefully chosen an LMS system that is consistent with the University’s long-term goals and best addresses the academic needs of the students.
One of the most important benefits of LMS is its user-friendly features. Stu-dents can login to the system anywhere and
Enhancement to the existing learning system
LMS systems are software applications that provide university faculty and students with online training programs, virtual classrooms and online lectures and seminars. It can facilitate online educational opportunities, such as electronic exams, online video courses and supplemental sessions and lectures, as well as direct communication with course administrators and professors.
The current problem of the existing system is that it cannot provide simultaneous interaction between the students and
Case study: digital signal processing course
The enhanced technology of the learning system can be explained through a core engineering course, which is digital signal processing (DSP). DSP is a mandatory course in the electrical and electronics engineering, and to an extent in the computer engineering curriculum. This course mainly deals with sampling, quantization, A/D converter, different transformation such as Fourier transform and z-transform, filter design, application of DSP in speech and image processing, and hardware
Conclusions
One of the main outcomes of any learning system is to ensure the delivery and attainment of quality educational programs. An enhanced learning system is necessary for favorable recognition in any discipline. In this paper, the authors have tried to detail a smart classroom environment facilitated with enhanced technology for an uninterrupted lecture over multi-class. The enhanced technology includes real-time mixer, streaming of the server, multi-screen display, rotating angle cameras, highly
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia under grant number RGP-VPP-228.
References (13)
- et al.
Inclusion strategy for mobile technology in the classroom: experience at the Universidad de Tarapacá
Ingeniare. Revista Chilena De Ingeniería
(2011) - El Saddik, A., Shamim Hossain, M. (2006). Multimedia content repurposing. In Borko Furht (Ed.). Encyclopedia of...
- E-podium, King Saud University (2010)....
- Hosny, W. (2007). Power engineering mobile education technology. In proceedings of university power engineering...
- LMS, King Saud University (2010)....
- Lytras, Miltiadis D. (2010). From the special issue editor: information systems research for a sustainable knowledge...
Cited by (48)
Research on multimodal based learning evaluation method in smart classroom
2023, Learning and MotivationPractice-Based Learning Using Smart Class: A Competency-Based Model in Undergraduate Radiology Education
2022, Academic RadiologyCitation Excerpt :There is still a lack of experiments in model construction integrated with well-organized concepts and methods. Smart class is a high-tech teaching environment enriched with learner-centric, interactive, and digital devices, enabling the instructors to deliver effective, efficient, and engaging courses (24,25). It could act as a customizable platform that flexibly implants various e-learning tools, which consequently offers a user-friendly environment to construct a hybrid model of undergraduate radiology education.
Understanding socio-technological challenges of smart classrooms using a systematic review
2021, Computers and EducationCitation Excerpt :Other aspects of personalized learning are based on incorporating concentration levels (Kim, 2018), personalizing activity completion (Anil & Moiz, 2019), assuring fulfilment of the minimal study objectives through appropriate learning paths (Temdee, 2019), and supporting flexibility for e-learning based on users' personal timeframes (Park & Hyun, 2014). However, the premise for personalization varies with arguments for focus on the needs of the students (Allawi et al., 2014), knowledge management suggestions (Kalaiselvi & Jayashri, 2017), digital artifacts based on user profiles (Gaeta et al., 2015), AmI (Leonidis et al., 2010), and context-aware and adaptive preferences (Yau et al., 2002, pp. 233–238). Some proposals for learner-driven personalization include customization of learning schedules (Cheong & Koh, 2018), use of blogs (Aldulaimi et al., 2018), and control of the learning processes that involve selecting teachers, courses, assessment criteria, and use of technology (Kinshuk et al., 2016).
Smart home: Highly-educated students' acceptance
2020, Technological Forecasting and Social ChangeCitation Excerpt :For example, smart education using Information and Communication Technology could change the way of teaching and learning (Roslina et al., 2017). According to Alelaiwi et al. (2015) the spread of 3G and 4G technologies and the development of devices such as Smartphones or tablets promote the implementation of smart class environment. Learners can be connected from home and Smart education can provide them with more comfort, efficiency and flexibility.
Smart Classroom: A Review and Research Agenda
2024, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management