Readiness to Adopt the Internet of Things at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

• Published in: Proceedings of the International Conference on e-Learning (Online) pp. 256 - XVI
• Main Authors: Motala, Ismaeel, Padayachee, Indira
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidmore End Academic Conferences International Limited 01.07.2018
• Subjects: Collaboration; Colleges & universities; Communication; Cybersecurity; Data integrity; Educational Resources; Electronic devices; Flexible connections; Higher education; Higher education institutions; Information technology; International conferences; International law; Internet of Things; Learning; Literature Reviews; Network security; Pedagogy; Protocol (computers); Qualitative research; Research Methodology; Sensors; Students; Teaching; Teaching Methods; Technology adoption; Trends; South Africa
• ISSN: 2048-8882; 2048-8890

Information and communication technology is evolving, and students are currently living through a digital transformation. Higher education institutions need to keep up with the latest trends in ICT technologies to advance pedagogy growth and progress. One of the emerging trends in the world of computing is the Internet of Things (IoT). It involves the interconnection of internet capable devices to increase communication and openness of information, which can help transform and enhance teaching and learning styles in higher education. The purpose of the study was to understand the perceived benefits, as well as the technological and environmental barriers of adopting the IoT approach in higher education. The study adopted a quantitative approach and was underpinned by an adaptation of the TOE framework. The findings revealed there was significant agreement on the benefits of IoT, namely remote flexible connection, increased communication with the students and increased student creativity for teaching and learning. The findings also revealed that the IoT approach does have some technological barriers in terms of internet capability and network security, as well as challenges such as data privacy and protection. These challenges could be overcome by maintaining a secure and reliable Wi-Fi connection, and adherence to the laws, standards and protocols set out by ICT regulatory bodies. The findings also suggested a positive relationship between perceived IoT benefits and willingness to adopt IoT among academics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.