Empowering learning process in secondary education using pervasive technologies

Abstract

In this paper we present an approach to employing pervasive technologies, such as IoT and mobile technologies, in secondary education. The goal is to develop a comprehensive methodology, IoT infrastructure and a mobile application that would enable secondary students to test their knowledge in interaction with a smart environment. We have developed a series of assignments that students solve using the Android application empowered with augmented reality that interacts with various QR codes, sensors, and actuators placed in a smart classroom. The evaluation of the developed system was done with the students of the Secondary School of Economics in Belgrade, Serbia. Students from the experimental group, after solving assignments using the developed mobile application in interaction with the smart learning environment, have tested their knowledge via an IoT test and filled out a questionnaire, while students in the control group solved the test in a traditional way. The results show that it is possible to increase the level of students' knowledge by integrating IoT and mobile technologies in the learning process. In addition, the results show that students are ready and interested in using pervasive technologies within their formal education.