internet of things as a tool for enhancement of...

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International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET)

Volume 10, Issue 05, May 2019, pp. 48–62, Article ID: IJMET_10_05_006

Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/ijmet/issues.asp?JType=IJMET&VType=10&IType=5

ISSN Print: 0976-6340 and ISSN Online: 0976-6359

© IAEME Publication

INTERNET OF THINGS AS A TOOL FOR

ENHANCEMENT OF EDUCATION

ADMINISTRATION AND DELIVERY

A. M. Alalade

Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University,

Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

J. O. Ejemeyovwi

Department of Economics and Developmental studies, Covenant University,


E. E. Ekong

Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University,


D. Adeyemo

Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University, Ota,

Ogun State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

In recent times and as far as technological advancement goes, the Internet of

Things is the trending topic in the world. Internet of Things popularly called IoT is the

internetworking of interconnected devices over the internet to enable interaction

between those devices without any human interference. Cisco predicts at least 50

billion of such devices to be available by the year 2020. This leaves a huge gap as to

the appropriate awareness and literacy of the world as a collective to be receptive of

the massive IoT technology overhaul coming in the nearest future. This paper gives a

little insight into the basics of IoT, its core fundamentals, its architecture and

furthermore contributes to knowledge the application of IoT to the education sector.

Considering the number of connected devices expected to be produced, it is expected

also that sufficient amount of personnel are trained in IoT systems adequately to meet

with the rising demand.

Key words: Internet of Things, Connected Devices, Sensors, and Education.

A. M. Alalade J. O. Ejemeyovwi E. E. Ekong and D. Adeyemo


Cite this Article: A. M. Alalade J. O. Ejemeyovwi E. E. Ekong and D. Adeyemo,

Internet of Things as A Tool For Enhancement of Education Administration and

Delivery, International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 10(5),

2019, pp. 48-62.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/issues.asp?JType=IJMET&VType=10&IType=5

1. INTRODUCTION

The phrase "Internet of Things" or “IoT” is commonly heard of and used in today's world and

very few are strangers to the concept of IoT and it is very important because it represents the

first real evolution of the internet. IoT technology differs from past innovations as it is

ubiquitous, and encourages solutions to be intelligent and autonomous and its achievements

are already ground-breaking. According to the journal [1] the Internet of Things (IoT) is a

global physical network which connects devices, objects and things seamlessly to the Internet

infrastructure to communicate or interact with the internal and the external environment, for

the purpose of exchanging information. Another definition is IoT is a system of

internetworked computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or

people that are tagged with unique identifiers with the ability to send data over networks

without necessarily depending upon human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction [2]

IoT is the interconnection of several devices on a network to the internet that can exchange

information without any necessary human interference. IoT has been breaking grounds, due to

accomplishments in telecommunications such as the expansion of broad bands, IPv6 protocol,

and the possibility of nanotech being incorporated into countless electronic devices,

irrespective of the size. The internet of things allows people and devices to be connected

anytime, across any distance and with anyone through the use of any path/network and any

service. Example of things in IoT include, a sugar level monitor implant, biochip

transponders, built-in automobile sensors for low pressure alerts in tires, or essentially any

natural body or man-made item that can be designated an IP address and be equipped with the

ability to send and receive data over a network [2]. IoT enables people and things to be

connected anytime, at any place with anything and anyone, ideally using any path/network

and any service.

Figure 1 Definition of Internet of Things

Source; http://www.iotworkshops.in/definition-of-iot

http://www.iotworkshops.in/definition-of-iot

Internet of Things as A Tool For Enhancement of Education Administration and Delivery


This article is divided into five main sections. The next section presents the relevant

technology for IoT in education. In Section 3, we conduct a technical review on previous

works on IoT in education. We discuss some of the applications of IoT in education and

lastly, in Section 4 and 5 we conclude the paper.

2. RELEVANT TECHNOLOGY FOR IOT IN EDUCATION

2.1. Building blocks of IoT

At the very core of IoT, there are four building blocks very important to the general

functioning and implementation of the internet of things. They are the Sensors, Processors,

Gateways and Applications [3].

2.1.1. Sensors

Sensors make up the top-most layer of IoT-compliant devices; from the Internet of Things,

sensors make up the things. The main function of sensors is to gather data from their

surroundings and environment or send data to their surroundings in form of actuators. Sensors

have to be able to actively collect data in real-time. They should be able to work

autonomously but still be influenced by input from the user. Examples of sensors include

temperature sensors, air humidity sensor, motion sensors, etc. Sensors are attached to devices

that have each a different IP address so they can be specifically identified over vast and

multiple networks.

2.1.2. Processors

The processor is the brain and center of an IoT system. Its major function is collecting

captured data from the sensors, process them and extract only the useful data from the bulk of

the raw numerous data collected by the sensor. It can be said that the processor gives the

sensor data intelligence [4]. The processor is also responsible for security via encryption and

decryption because of how sensitive sensor data is. Processors are embedded hardware

devices like microcontrollers that are mounted in the end user devices. Common types of

processors used in IoT are Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.

2.1.3. Gateways

Gateways are the devices that control how processed data is routed and also send the data to

their intended destinations for appropriate utilization. Gateways are the devices responsible

for the back and forth communication of data in IoT, it is responsible for network connectivity

in IoT. Some examples of gateways are LAN, WAN, etc.

2.1.4. Applications

Applications are responsible for appropriate utilization of the data collected, processed and

selected. Applications are controlled by end users or specific personnel and are the delivery

points for specific and unique services. An example of an IoT application is a home system

automation app.

2.2. IoT Architecture layers

It should be noted that there are different proposed standards for IoT architecture but in this

paper, treats a very widely accepted and standard architecture. The four major layers in IoT

are; the physical layer, the network layer, service management layer and application layer [3].

2.2.1. Physical and connectivity layer

At this layer, we start with the things themselves in the form of sensors and actuators. This

layer is responsible for the sensing of data, its collection, processing and storage. The storage

provided on the device is for very limited significant data, the bulk of the data is either

discarded or sent to the cloud for further processing

[4]. This layer also consists of



connectivity technologies responsible for communicating data between two or more devices

thereby enabling Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. It is also responsible for

communicating data from the device to the gateway. Examples of devices on this layer are

RFID tags, WSNs, Bluetooth LE etc.

2.2.2. Network layer

This layer is solely in control of routing data from the physical and connectivity layer to the

cloud and application layer. It consists of the gateways IoT needs to transport data over

different networks. There are numerous network protocols used in IoT, all these protocols are

aggregated in this layer.

2.2.3. Management service layer

This layer handles data management which consists of data analytics, stream analytics, and

security analytics. The requirement of data management is to select valuable information from

the quantum of raw data captured by various sensors to generate actionable data i.e. data with

real value [4]. This layer is also responsible for the swift response in certain cases where data

needs to be quickly processed and a particular action carried out. On this layer also exists;

data mining, text mining, service analytics, etc.

2.2.4. Application layer

This layer makes up the uppermost layer of IoT architecture and is the reason for the

execution of the intended use of the collected data. Some examples of IoT applications are; e-

health, smart home automation, etc.

Figure 2 Building blocks of the IoT Architecture layers

2.3. IoT technologies for communication

The very core functionality of IoT lies in the ability of devices to exchange information

without any necessary human interference, this phenomenon is tagged Machine-to-Machine

(M2M) communication [4]. To enable M2M communications, some connectivity technologies

have to be utilized, some already existing, others developed to meet the challenges faced with

IoT. Some of these technologies include; RFIDs (Radio-Frequency Identification), WSNs

(Wireless Sensor Network), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee, LTE-A (Long Term

Evolution-Advanced), etc.



2.3.1. RFIDs

In the context of IoT, RFID tags are used mainly as information tags capable of exchanging

and sharing data between themselves. This interaction between RFID tags are autonomous

needing no form of alignment by being in the same line of sight (LoS) or having physical

contact. It utilizes Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) which uses wireless

technology. AIDC involves mechanisms that automatically pin-point objects, draw out

valuable information from them, and access their computer systems without the need of

human tampering [5].

2.3.2. WSNs

Wireless sensor networks or WSNs as they are commonly called are configurations of

independent nodes utilizing wireless technology and whose communications happen over

limited frequency and bandwidth [5]. The independent nodes in WSN are; the sensor,

microcontroller, memory, radio transceiver and the battery. Basically what a WSN does is to

acquire data via the sensor node, process it to filter out valuable data and send it wirelessly

over a distance to another device or to its intended destination.

2.3.4. Bluetooth-LE

Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) is the same as the well-known Bluetooth technology which

utilizes the 2.4GHz wireless communications protocol but advantageous over it as it is a low-

power version [6]. It is fashioned particularly to handle communications that extend to not

over 100 meters. It is more appropriately fitting for devices which only transmit minimal

amounts of data in surges. Examples of devices that use this technology include; fitness

trackers, wearable health, among many others.

2.3.5. ZigBee

This technology also utilizes the 2.4GHz wireless communication frequency band just like the

BLE, the major difference is that ZigBee has a longer range of 100 meters more than BLE and

also has a slightly lower data rate of about 250kbps compared to the 270kpbs of BLE. ZigBee

was fashioned for building and home automation devices, such as light controls [6]. Another

similar technology that operates like ZigBee is Z-wave which uses the same technologies and

protocols as ZigBee.

2.3.6. LTE-A

LTE Advanced or LTE-A, possesses a significant upgrade to LTE technology in the form of

an increase in its coverage radius, and a reduction in its latency and a raise in the throughput.

LTE-A gives IoT an exceptional boost in power through expansion of its functionality within

a larger coverage area with its most notable applications being vehicles, Unmanned Aerial

Vehicles (UAV), and similar communications [6].



Figure 3 The IoT Connectivity

2.4. IoT and cloud computing

Cloud computing refers to a means of accessing data and programs from a centralized pool of

computer resources that can be ordered and consumed on demand [4]. The sensors in

“Things” collect so much data that it has been tagged “Big Data” and an end device will

usually have very limited processing to account for the device‟s portability. Also due to the

portability and compactness of the device, the storage is also very limited and cannot store all

incoming real-time data from the sensors. This is where cloud computing comes in, the cloud

provides more than enough computer resources which can be used on demand by IoT devices

for remote processing and storage of big data. The cloud also houses some applications

designed for very specific uses, in the sense that on collecting certain data input from IoT

devices, certain outputs are instantly generated and sent back to the end user. IoT devices

connect to the cloud via gateways. The advent of cloud computing is a major factor in the

wide implementation of IoT today.

2.5. IoT and big data analytics

One core expectation of an IoT system is its seamless and efficient productivity in a very

timely manner. I will explain this sub-topic with an example; a motion sensor is set up in a

room to detect all movements in and out of a room, for every passing second the sensor

records whether there is movement or not, say 1‟s for movement and 0‟s for no movement.

This goes on in real-time for every 60 seconds, in every 60 minutes, in every 24 hours every

day. This accumulated over a period of a week or even a month is a lot of data and will be too

much to be process on the housing device thus the data is sent to the cloud. On the bulk of

information getting to the cloud, this is where big data analytics comes in. Big data analytics

refers to advanced analytics techniques used for very large data sets whose size and type is

beyond the ability of traditional relational databases to capture manage and process. This data

can be as much as Terabytes or even range to Zettabytes and they have three characteristics,

high velocity, high volume and high variety [7]. The advanced analytics techniques used

include; text analytics, machine learning, predictive analytics, data mining, statistics and

natural language processing. The results of these techniques lead to faster and better decisions

of machines.



3. THEORETICAL ANALYSIS ON PREVIOUS WORKS ON IOT IN

EDUCATION

[8], discussed the significance and utilizations of IoT in education. Moreover, the approach

taken in the paper tried to present the recent research works, problems associated and the

impact of IoT on education in the future. IoT technology is discussed as being a strong pillar

for the forward-movement of education at all levels from the elementary schools all the way

to the university pedagogy from student to teacher, classroom to campus, the whole of

education benefitting from this technology. This journal categorized IoT as can be applied to

different sectors of academia, which were;

IoT-based Smart classroom; this involved the use of IoT devices and technology for

lecturing and learning processes in academic organizations all over the world which provides

new innovative approaches to education and classroom management. Examples of IoT devices

found in a classroom to further education include; Interactive Whiteboards, Tablets and

Mobile devices, Student ID Cards, 3-D Printers, Wireless door locks, Temperature Sensors,

Security Cameras, Electric Lighting, Smart HVAC systems, Attendance Tracking Systems,

Room Temperature Sensors, etc.

IoT-based Smart lab

IoT-based Smart Campus

This paper concluded by pointing out the benefit of the inclusion of technology, majorly

IoT in education having paved the way for new and cutting-edge ideas, to bring ease and an

elevated standard in the lives of both students and teachers with the only disadvantage being

the security and privacy concerns accompanied with IoT systems.

According to [9], “IoT” can be defined as a new paradigm providing anytime and

anywhere access to information in innovative approaches, bringing people, processes, data

and things together in unique ways. This paper analyzed the effects of using IoT mechanics

on an administrative system in engineering education via a pragmatic and technical method.

On conduction of the research, it could be drawn that the incorporation of the new IoT

technologies into lecturing and learning advertently raised the effectiveness of education in

engineering in the case study considered, it also guaranteed that knowledge would be retained

over a very long time and also, skills developed would be well-suited to providing solutions

necessary to tackle real world problems.

The major impact of the IoT based learning environments is that the traditional teacher

and student roles change significantly. Students can gain access to their courses or laboratory

exercises any time they want to and from anywhere. This way, the online training is

immediate, cost effective and easily affordable. Furthermore, they can review lectures, engage

in conversations, voice comments or participate in note sharing with one another to help

expedite learning between numerous individuals in groups. The paper pointed out that with

IoT incorporated in education, the key to success is in students‟ ability to concentrate and to

effectively use their time [9].

IoT is described as a tsechnological revolution that enables pervasive interaction between

objects, people and environments in [10]. This paper analyzed how IoT is modifying

academic institutions tremendously by the insertion of embedded sensors in devices,

integration of cloud computing, augmented and virtual reality, wearable computing

technologies and big data. It also looks out how several metrics of the academic environment

can be quantified and analyzed to give valuable information. The authors also looked at how

IoT has paved the way for new interactions between the students, teachers and the

environment in academic organizations. This research as conducted, based on the recent IoT

ventures in education, four categories in the utilization of IoT in academics came about;



improvement of lecturing and learning, classroom access control, energy management and

real time ecosystem monitoring, and monitoring student‟s healthcare.

In [11], IoT is seen as an interconnection of devices involving not just a small-scale

amount of robust computing devices such as computers, laptops, and tablets, but rather, a

large-scale amount of devices, which are not necessarily as robust, such devices could

include; wrist-watches, light bulbs, heat regulators among many others. This paper took a

particular university as a case study (Riga Technical University) and described how IoT, a

gravitational and somewhat new technology, is utilized there for educational purposes.

[12], took a unique approach in the integration of IoT devices into education. The paper

first described Wearable Computing as the incorporation of IoT devices such as smart

watches and smart glasses that allows users to communicate with devices either on their

clothing, underneath it or on top of it. The focus of the paper was on integrating wearable

technology into e-learning structures, so that ubiquitous learning could be achieved through,

interaction of the devices and collaborative work. An integration model capable of achieving

this was proposed. This proposed model consists of the physical wearable technology

infrastructure, the software that runs the devices and then a cloud computing platform.

Wearable devices and software differ according to their purposes from when a student uses

them or when a teacher uses them. The Cloud computing platform performs the function of an

intermediary between the students and teachers in a classroom. The platform is comprised of

web services, storage, management interfaces and LMS. The major goal of this cloud

computing infrastructure is to collect data from the students and lecturers, and to convey

particular teaching materials to desired devices. It is also used to accomplish authentication

and authorization of each user and enable them access desired learning courses or sessions

thus enabling lecturers have direct control over students and their experience whilst offering

their courses/programs.

Examining the research carried out in [13], IoT is simply illustrated as a networked

connection of physical objects. This paper is aimed at the coalition of two very different super

and disruptive technologies, IoT and cloud computing and how they can be integrated to make

Education very seamless and effective. Cloud computing is described as the delivery of on-

demand computing resources including software ranging from applications to hardware such

as data centers over the Internet. This paper also discusses IoT and the means in which the

Cloud provides all required facilities like infrastructure, platform, and software. The paper

highlighted the key major benefits of incorporating cloud IoT paradigm in education;

Augmented Learning Experiences and Results

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

More Secure Campus Designs

A description of IoT as an inter-network of all different kinds of electronic devices

embedded with sensors, IoT software, etc. connected to the Internet, in compliance with ITU's

Global Standards Initiative. The authors of this paper observed the enormous gap in the

number of IoT trained personnel available as compared to 50 billion devices predicted to be

connected via IoT by 2020. The authors discussed IoT in e-Learning and instructional design,

building knowledge of staff on IoT systems, six skills for the utilization of IoT, Internet of

Learning Things (IoLT), potentials of IoT to revolutionize education, and also to improve

student engagement in academics and overall student performance [14]

[15] states that IoT is a revolutionizing process in various phases of our daily life. IoT

technologies vary enormously from former innovations as they are pervasive, and bring about

more autonomous and intelligent solutions. The installation and utilization of IoT systems in

academic organizations will improve outcomes of learning by delivering more elegant



learning programs, enhanced practicable productivity, and by gaining real-time, actionable

perception into the levels of academic engagement and performance of the students. This

study was conducted to discover the outcomes of IoT in academics and how to magnify its

perks and also minimize the dangers involved with the system. Supplementary endeavors

were essential to achieving the total capabilities of IoT systems and technologies, hence, this

paper presented findings about the effects of IoT on tertiary education i.e. universities. There

is enormous potential for higher academic organizations; if well planned, that will establish an

epidemic through successful application by the whole body of an academic institution.

Furthermore, this paper shows evidences about the future of IoT in the academia during in the

nearest future, which was obtained from a few research organizations and enterprises. The

authors concluded the paper by outlining the potential risks and pitfalls with IoT in education.

[16] elaborates on the problems of IoT to say that much of the time is wasted while

entering the classroom in queue, students picking up their own materials, sit up and down

while answering to questions and it makes very much difficult for teachers to handle huge

number of students without any technology. As stated by the author, on an average, an

American student spends about 1025 hours each year just for following instructions given to

him/her. Connected devices and emerging trending technologies will help teachers to focus on

student‟s learning needs rather than wasting time for managing large group procedures

because of which they cannot give enough time for developing some extra qualities in

students. Connected devices would definitely help teachers to transform classroom

experience. This paper consists of some practical scenarios of about how I.O.T can be

implemented for a better classroom experience and how teachers can focus on student‟s skills

and which will help to save the time of both.

In [17], IoE is defined as the next step in the evolution of smart objects-interconnected

things in which the line between the physical object and digital information about the object is

blurred. Some key elements in the area of IoE were discussed such as;

The effect of connecting unconventional devices on learning

The enhancements of mobile devices, their availability, how they have made 24/7 connectivity

a reality, and how developing economies can profit from it.

The invention of virtual and augmented reality, cloud computing, Big data analytics, wearable

computing devices and how they all integrate with IoE.

The interconnection between people, data, processes and things and how to exploit the value

of this interconnection.

This paper concluded that “IoE" brings people, process, data, and things together and this

interconnection makes networked connections more significant and invaluable than ever,

making information actionable thus creating new applications, richer experiences, and

remarkable economic opportunities for academics.

As stated in [18], IoT is a modern paradigm which is trending and rapidly expanding,

because of groundbreaking achievements in telecommunications such as the speed of broad-

band technology, IPv6 protocol and the integration of nanotechnology into numerous

electronic devices, from mobile devices to home and office appliances to vehicles, to heavy

factory machinery, etc. The authors describe the idea of the Internet of Objects as the

integration of all these connected objects into a network, so interaction with them from the

internet can exist and successively give data in real-time (we gain instantaneous knowledge of

their status and features) and furthermore grant uninterrupted communication with the users.

The authors proposed a model that enables student‟s interaction with some particular sets of

physical objects around them. Every single one of these objects is associated with one or more

other virtual objects granting access to information enabling the student to attain fulfilment in



learning, as to understanding the workings, the utilization, etc. This system used was built

with several technologies such as RFID tags, QRCODE tags, NFC readers, Tablet PCs,

Samsung Galaxy S3 Smartphone using NFC technology, Nokia 700 using NFC technology,

Wi-Fi, and a Web Server containing the augmented objects, designed in such a way that

students using reading devices could scan tags placed on several “IoT” devices, receive

information on tasks required of them to do. This system delivers associated augmented

objects that utilize engineered video or animations portraying devices at work to the mobile

devices while the student interacts with the various objects. In essence, these augmented

objects elaborates the workings and operation of every hardware component, their installation,

etc. The results obtained from the experiment conducted shows that the Internet of things

(objects), put into practice as a support to teaching systems, boosts with solid evidence, the

performance of all the students academically. In addition, the utilization of real objects and

their association as a learning and teaching asset by means of the Internet of Objects expedites

substantial and purposeful learning.

[19] states that the global distribution of mobile and pervasive computing in smart things

ushers in the concept of IoT which offers new outlines for learning mechanisms. This paper

presented a basic design for intercommunication and a set of models that were created and

were also justified as part of a primordial framework of an IoT system in a learning

environment. The major focus of the paper was on a specific technology for the distribution of

IoT recognized as Near Field Communication (NFC) and it surveys some early outlines and

applications to be implemented in environments for learning. Models were created in the

framework of the MOSAIC Project, with the use of a NOKIA 6131 NFC mobile phone and

RFID tags. The models constituted touching notes, touching cabinets, and touching campuses

which could be interacted with via intercommunicative NFC panels. To use these panels, a

mobile phone has to touch the surface and exchange data only by touching with the phone.

The NFC intercommunicative Panel makes use of the Bluetooth and NFC of a phone. NFC

provides the touch and Bluetooth provides communication. In essentiality, the paper

established that because of the ubiquity of mobile phones, and students always in possession

of these phones, total incorporation of IoT into learning could be made possible by the use of

these with the NFC technology the devices possess.

[20] proposed an application framework for the integration of IoT environment with

Learning Management System (LMS) seeing how IoT could be applied seamlessly in

ubiquitous learning environments. LMS as described by the authors is an online learning

platform with lot of components to learn in an effectual manner. This paper aimed at creating

an IoT environment using QR Code, NFC and Raspberry Pi3 to enable effectual

intercommunication with the LMS to equip learners to obtain information for grasping a

learning actualization on understanding the environment. There were three diverse

frameworks created respectively for the Admin Role, the User Role and the Course Creator

Role. In essentiality, the LMS was exhibited as an IoT object and made accessible via NFC

and QR code. This experiment waived the issue of achieving effectual communication

between tutors and students by the application IoT systems using NFC and QR code. The

results the experiment show significant usability and also compelling appreciation on the total

expectancy of the users.

The research work carried out in [21], proposes that students‟ interaction and

collaboration i.e. their attention to learning is measured with the aid of an IoT-based

interoperable model to achieve convenience. With the emergence of multiple learning styles,

methods of assessment also have to be developed to ensure active engagement of the students

and optimum performance thereof. This paper focused on developing the IoT-based

interoperable model for analysis of different students‟ response to e-Learning. The model



comprised remote video lectures students had to login to access, an attention scoring

algorithm, its workflow, and a mathematical formula that smartly assesses each student‟s

learning experience once logged in. the physical setup for the model included a data collection

program, the webcam able to able to collect face and eye patterns while student were

streaming lectures to study learning behaviors. The collected data then stored in a dataset for

added evaluation. The analyzed and derived results of the datasets can then further be

integrated into newer e-Learning styles to assess students learning behaviors and response to

the learning style.

[22] also focused on the application of IoT specifically on medical education. The authors

state that Case-Based Learning (CBL) is now an effectual learning system for students in

medical education which is essentially for persistent patient cases and also utilization of the

concepts of flipped learning and IoT together with CBL will enhance learning capacity by

provision of real evolutionary medical cases A framework was proposed; an IoT-based Flip

Learning Platform (IoT-FLiP), in which an IoT model is used to reinforce flipped-CBL in a

cloud domain supported with the most advanced level security and privacy systems for

sensitive medical information. This incorporation of IoT in CBL is made possible because

sensor devices can now be acquired cheaply and can be in very small sizes. Also,

advancements in flipped learning make CBL a genuine possibility for medical students‟

pedagogy. Real-time information from IoTs objects in the form of wearable devices on the

patients are aggregated to produce a real-world case for the medical experts and students

using an Interactive Case-Based Flipped Learning Tool (ICBFLT). The ICBFLT is being built

around on the CBL practices in use. All of these collected data from the ICBFLT enables

students develop certainty in their decision making, and adeptly improves synergy in the

medical learning ecosystem.

4. APPLICATION OF IoT IN EDUCATION

4.1. IoT in education enhancement

The internet in general has influenced education in many ways including but not limited to,

creation of innovative works, publishing and storing of research works, laboratory

experiments, smart experiences in a classroom, etc. With the advent of IoT, not only can

learners capture and analyze data, they can make that data do something – e.g. trigger a

reaction when a given threshold is reached [23]. Since IoT is a collection of a vast amount of

smaller, more defined devices and sensors connected mostly wirelessly to each other and then

to the Internet, these devices broaden existing education internet applications and services and

allow the creation of new ones [24].The IoT application in education aims to establish an

ecosystem in which students and teachers can achieve a deeper, pragmatic-based

understanding of their environs and can activate changes through the utilization of the IoT.

There are two ways IoT has influenced education, from easy accessibility of any one over any

network from any device popularly called “Ubiquitous Connectedness” and the actual

incorporation of different end user devices (things) into education.

4.2. Ubiquitous connectedness and education

The invention of the internet has been a very disruptive influence on Education as anyone can

access the internet from anywhere, via any device over any network; this is “Ubiquitous

Connectedness” in a nutshell. Ubiquitous Connectedness is the reason why a student in Africa

can partake in an online class in the USA in real-time. This disruptive technology made

education outgrow its traditional methods and embrace a more seamless and effective

approach. Ubiquitous connectedness also provides a bypass to traditional and conventional

teaching methods as now, instead of the use of lecture rooms for administering lectures,



virtual meeting places for lecturers and students can be arranged over the internet and

transference of knowledge still carried out effectively. Nowadays, with the bulk of the world‟s

population now in possession of internet accessible phones and schools providing Wi-Fi

networks for staff and students, education has truly been made ubiquitous and more

interactive.

4.3. IoT in various sections of academia

IoT being the interconnection of numerous devices physically, which are autonomous in

operation over different networks, provides different physical applications in the Information

and Communication technology field across various sections. The internetworking of each

physically enhanced sector leads to a more unified structure.

4.3.1. IoT in the classroom

In recent times, classes now make use of a very powerful teaching platform called Smart

Boards. Smart boards incorporate IoT perfectly into the classroom. It helps the teachers to

explain lectures more easily with the help of online presentations and videos. Also, interactive

tools such as educational games and exercises are made possible via smart boards and this

goes a long way in effective education in students. Web-based tools and programs help to

teach the students better in real-time as compared to the pre-existent chalkboards. Smart

technology enables teachers and students surf the web, edit videos and share exercises and

assignments during lectures. Smart marker is another way IoT is incorporating into education.

A smart marker consists of a normal marker and a receiver. The Smart marker receiver

captures everything being written as it is being written, and then delivers the captured data it

in real time to a remote app on the user‟s PC or smartphone. To start a new document, the

user presses a round button in the center of the receiver, and a fresh page instantly launches in

the app. Another game-changing incorporation of IoT in education involves the use of smart

cameras in a classroom. Smart cameras are used to record classes so students can partake in

classes virtually in real-time. They are autonomous in the sense that they upload recorded data

without any interference thereby enabling real-time participation.

4.3.2. IoT in the library

Many schools already use RFID tags to keep track of library books, or other pieces of

inventory checked in and out by teachers and students. Access cards for entering the school

library building also makes use of RFID technology incorporated in the identity card. With

the use of cameras placed strategically in the library and pressure pad sensors installed

underneath walkways in the library, movement around the library can be monitored and

insight into commonly researched areas can be provided so as to enable the library better

suited to catering for those needs. Also a new technology by the name of Magic Mirror is on

the rise and is very assistive in the library environment [25]. When any piece of literature

located within the library is held up to the magic mirror, on the screen, all information as

regards that literature is displayed, information such as; Title, Author, publishing date, all

other similar literature on the particular study, all other works by the same author, etc.

4.4.3. IoT in academic research

Academic research is very vital to institutions and nations as a whole, it is commonly said that

without research, there is no progress or breakthrough. At one point or another, every scholar

must be faced with one or more research problems. IoT being a disruptive technology that it

is, has broken into every sector of life making tedious and cumbersome processes somewhat

easy. IoT being the installation of various sensors depending on what needs to be sensed,

incorporates this into research perfectly. In fields like Biology and Geography where wildlife

needs to be monitored or climate change as the case maybe, instead of being subjected to

harsh conditions for hours on end, devices with IoT capability can be used instead i.e. sensors,



smart cameras, actuators that store data in a remote location. Ubiquitous connectedness which

is also a form of IoT makes online publications and research very ground-breaking.

4.4.4. IoT in e-Learning

IoT has continued to achieve and transform e-Learning and is anticipated to usher in more

connectedness, smart classrooms and smarter campuses as time goes on. One unique property

of a smart campus is the capability to capture and synchronize notes from lecture rooms to

school servers. In such a smart situation, the lecture room, geared up with smart cameras and

recorders can record the lectures autonomously and transfer them to the servers on

completion. The idea of scribblings written on boards being captured to create an image of the

notes that gets transferred could also be a possibility in the nearest future.

4.4.5 IoT in academia security

School administrators are always seeking out ways to make the school environs very much

secure and guarded as it of very high importance for all shareholders in the academic sector.

The utilization of IoT to monitor students and other academic personnel drastically improves

safety and security on many levels. GPS trackers fitted on academic transportation vehicles

can provide transmitted data that can assist parents, guardians and staff to conveniently be

aware of the location of their children at all times, wherever they may be. All of this

information collected from various IoT devices assist the academic staff in process of decision

making during urgent situations take drastic action like notification of appropriate security

specialists should the need arise.

5. CONCLUSION

Information and communication technology (ICT) has been empirically proven to have

impact on human development and agriculture sector [26, 27]. The utilization of ICT

technology in academics, particularly IoT, in the field of education has paved the way for new

and innovative concepts to enhance simplicity, betterment and effectiveness to the activities in

the academic environment. The enhancements IoT has incorporated into education cannot be

overstated and it will only get better. IoT stands to alter drastically the way academia works,

and improve student performance and engagements in many fields and at whatever level. The

applications of IoT in academics are boundless and is already evident in many smart schools

in the present day. Moreover, as far as learning applications go, there is still so much to be

unraveled. In the remote future, mining and refining the data gathered from IoT sensors will

definitely improve safety, security and bolster the learning environment for the tutors and the

students.

Of all sectors in which IoT has been implemented, education has been the slowest to catch

which for many is a belief that there is still many ground-breaking heights to reach. Research

is being conducted in designing more advanced and state-of the-art IoT-centered teaching

programs which include smart classrooms, smart labs and entire smart campuses. Though the

advantages of IoT in education are uncountable, there is still some major disadvantages that

counters it all, the issue of privacy and security. Research is still on-going so as to put those

concerns to rest permanently and in the long-term, techniques will be ushered in to deal with

all these challenges. Another disadvantage of IoT devices is the requirement for enormous

amounts of capital investments. Hence, ICT investments are necessary because the

profitability will definitely surpass the deficiencies in the future [27].



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This paper is a research work from the collaboration between a faculty in the Department of

Economics and Development Studies and postgraduate students of the department of

Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University. Hence, suggestions and

comments from the faculty are acknowledged. In addition, the authors appreciate publication

support from Covenant University Centre for Research, Innovation and Development

(CUCRID).

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