A research framework of smart education

• Published in: Smart learning environments Vol. 3; no. 1; pp. 1 - 17
• Main Authors: Zhu, Zhi-Ting, Yu, Ming-Hua, Riezebos, Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 31.03.2016; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: 21st Century Skills; Academic Achievement; Authentic Learning; Cognitive Style; Computers and Education; Cooperative Learning; Education; Educational Change; Educational Development; Educational Environment; Educational Equipment; Educational Facilities Improvement; Educational Technology; Electronic Learning; Individualized Instruction; Influence of Technology; Informal Education; Information technology; Intelligence; Learner Engagement; Learning; Learning Analytics; Literature Reviews; New technology; Wireless networks; Smart pedagogy; Personalized learning; Smart computing; Smart learning environments; Smart learners; Smart education; Seamless learning
• ISSN: 2196-7091; 2196-7091
• DOI: 10.1186/s40561-016-0026-2

The development of new technologies enables learners to learn more effectively, efficiently, flexibly and comfortably. Learners utilize smart devices to access digital resources through wireless network and to immerse in both personalized and seamless learning. Smart education, a concept that describes learning in digital age, has gained increased attention. This paper discusses the definition of smart education and presents a conceptual framework. A four-tier framework of smart pedagogies and ten key features of smart learning environments are proposed for foster smart learners who need master knowledge and skills of the 21 st century learning. The smart pedagogy framework includes class-based differentiated instruction, group-based collaborative learning, individual-based personalized learning and mass-based generative learning. Furthermore, a technological architecture of smart education, which emphasizes the role of smart computing, is proposed. The tri-tier architecture and key functions are all presented. Finally, challenges of smart education are discussed.