The Effectiveness and Privacy Preservation of IoT on Ubiquitous Learning: Modern Learning Paradigm to Enhance Higher Education

• Published in: Applied sciences Vol. 13; no. 15; p. 9003
• Main Authors: El-Haggar, Nahla, Amouri, Lobna, Alsumayt, Albandari, Alghamedy, Fatemah H., Aljameel, Sumayh S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.08.2023
• Subjects: Analysis; Distance learning; E-learning and M-learning; Education, Higher; Educational technology; Internet of Things; internet of things (IoT); Online instruction; Privacy; security; Social networks; U-learning; ubiquitous learning environments (ULEs)
• ISSN: 2076-3417; 2076-3417
• DOI: 10.3390/app13159003

The progress made in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has played a crucial role in turning the Internet of Things (IoT) into a reality. IoT is an emerging technology that refers to networks of interconnected and Internet-enabled objects equipped with sensors, processors, and actuators that interact with each other to create significant collaboration and interaction environments. The field of education is one of the areas where IoT can be applied. However, the implementation of IoT poses security and privacy risks, such as unauthorized access, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and interference with wireless signals where IoT devices collect a significant amount of data, including user’s personal information like identity, location, and daily behavior. Therefore, it is crucial to protect users’ privacy in IoT applications. The innovative Ubiquitous Learning Environments (ULEs) have been created by ubiquitous computing technologies (mobile, wireless, network), which provide learners with learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom in both the real and virtual worlds. Ubiquitous learning (U-learning) is an emerging technology as a result of the tremendous technological revolution of ICT. U-learning is a novel learner-centered approach that aims to enhance learning, motivation, and creativity by utilizing innovative technology and IoT. U-learning enables learners to access the appropriate learning content, collaborate with the right learning partners, and engage in self-learning at the right time and place in a ubiquitous computing environment. To support learners in developing their social skills, in this study a framework for implementing the ULE based on the Internet of Things is designed, which consists of three main layers: perception, network, and application. The article explores the effects of IoT on education and how U-learning, which incorporates IoT to enhance learning experiences, has the potential to replace traditional classroom learning. Furthermore, the article addresses privacy preservation measures for different layers within the IoT environment and ULE. A framework for implementing the ULE model is in progress, which is a part of our future work.