Evaluation of an IoT-based e-learning testbed

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masafumi Yamada ◽  
Miralda Cuka ◽  
Yi Liu ◽  
Tetsuya Oda ◽  
Keita Matsuo ◽  
...  

Purpose This paper aims to present the design and implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based e-learning testbed using Raspberry Pi mounted on Raspbian operating system (OS). Design/methodology/approach The testbed is composed of five Raspberry Pi B+ computers. The experiments are carried out in the department floor considering an non line of sight (NLoS) environment. Single constant bit rate (CBR) flows were transmitted over user datagram protocol (UDP), and data were collected for five metrics: throughput, packet delivery ratio (PDR), hop count, delay and jitter using the Iperf. Findings The implemented testbed was evaluated using experiments. The experimental results showed that the nodes in the testbed were communicating smoothly, and by using attention value, the learner concentration is increased. Research limitations/implications The performance of the Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) protocol was analyzed in a floor environment considering the NLoS scenario. However, this testbed can be implemented to other protocols also. Originality/value Because of the opportunities provided by the internet, people are taking advantage of e-learning courses, and enormous research efforts have been dedicated to the development of e-learning systems. To date, many e-learning systems are proposed and used practically. However, in these systems, the e-learning completion rate is low. To deal with this problem, an IoT-based e-learning system was implemented to increase the e-learning completion ratio by increasing the learner concentration.

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahid Farid ◽  
Rodina Ahmad ◽  
Mujahid Alam ◽  
Atif Akbar ◽  
Victor Chang

Purpose The purpose of this study is to propose a sustainable quality assessment approach (model) for the e-learning systems keeping software perspective under consideration. E-learning is becoming mainstream due to its accessibility, state-of-the-art learning, training ease and cost effectiveness. However, the poor quality of e-learning systems is one of the major causes of several failures reported. Moreover, this arena lacks well-defined quality assessment measures. Hence, it is quite difficult to measure the overall quality of an e-learning system effectively. Design/methodology/approach A pragmatic mixed-model philosophy was adopted for this study. A systematic literature review was performed to identify existing e-learning quality models and frameworks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with e-learning experts following empirical investigations to identify the crucial quality characteristics of e-learning systems. Various statistical tests like principal component analysis, logistic regression, chi-square and analysis of means were applied to analyze the empirical data. These led to an adequate set of quality indicators that can be used by higher education institutions to assure the quality of e-learning systems. Findings A sustainable quality assessment model for the information delivery in e-learning systems in software perspective has been proposed by exploring the state-of-the-art quality assessment/evaluation models and frameworks proposed for the e-learning systems. The proposed model can be used to assess and improve the process of information discovery and delivery of e-learning. Originality/value The results obtained led to conclude that very limited attention is given to the quality of e-learning tools despite the importance of quality and its effect on e-learning system adoption and promotion. Moreover, the identified models and frameworks do not adequately address quality of e-learning systems from a software perspective.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Scholtz ◽  
Mando Kapeso

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors of m-learning approaches which can be used for enterprise resource planning (ERP) system training and to propose a theoretical framework for m-learning of ERP systems. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review of several theories relating to success factors for mobile learning (m-learning) and electronic learning (e-learning) are analysed and a theoretical framework of success factors for m-learning of ERP systems is proposed. Two field studies are undertaken to identify the features of e-learning and m-learning systems which users enjoyed and which related to the factors identified in the theoretical framework. The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to evaluate the acceptance, usefulness and perceived ease of use (PEOU) of the two systems evaluated in the field study, the openSAP e-learning application and the SAP Learn Now m-learning application. Findings – The results confirmed several of the theoretical elements identified in the framework and the m-learning system was rated positively for PEOU and perceived usefulness (PU). The findings confirmed other studies showing the importance of the quality of course content in e-learning and m-learning projects. Research limitations/implications – The empirical study was limited to a small number of participants in higher education. However, a deeper understanding of the factors influencing m-learning for ERP systems was obtained. Practical implications – The study provides a valuable practical contribution because the framework can be used in the improved design of an ERP m-learning approach, which in turn can lead to an improvement in ERP training and education programmes and ultimately ERP project success. Originality/value – Several studies propose the use of m-learning systems. However, research related to the factors impacting on m-learning projects for ERP system training is limited. The paper presents original work and the results provide a valuable contribution to several theories of m-learning.


2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aisha Yaquob Alsobhi ◽  
Khaled Hamed Alyoubi

PurposeThrough harnessing the benefits of the internet, e-learning systems provide flexible learning opportunities that can be delivered at a fixed cost at a time and place to suit the user. As such, e-learning systems can allow students to learn at their own pace while also being suitable for both distance and classroom-based learning activities. Adaptive educational hypermedia systems are e-learning systems that employ artificial intelligence. They deliver personalised online learning interventions that extend electronic learning experiences beyond a mere computerised book through the use of intelligence that adapts the content presented to a user according to a range of factors including individual needs, learning styles and existing knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel adaptive e-learning system called dyslexia adaptive e-learning management system (DAELMS). For the purpose of this paper, the term DAELMS will be employed to describe the overall e-learning system that incorporates the required functionality to adapt to students’ learning styles and dyslexia type.Design/methodology/approachThe DAELMS is a complex system that will require a significant amount of time and expertise in knowledge engineering and formatting (i.e. dyslexia type, learning styles, domain knowledge) to develop. One of the most effective methods of approaching this complex task is to formalise the development of a DAELMS that can be applied to different learning styles models and education domains. Four distinct phases of development are proposed for creating the DAELMS. In this paper, we will discuss Phase 3 which is the implementation and some adaption algorithms while in future papers will discuss the other phases.FindingsAn experimental study was conducted to validate the proposed generic methodology and the architecture of the DAELMS. The system has been evaluated by group of university students studying a Computer Science related majors. The evaluation results proves that when the system provide the user with learning materials matches their learning style or dyslexia type it enhances their learning outcomes.Originality/valueThe DAELMS correlates each given dyslexia type with its associated preferred learning style and subsequently adapts the learning material presented to the student. The DAELMS represents an adaptive e-learning system that incorporates several personalisation options including navigation, structure of curriculum, presentation, guidance and assistive technologies that are designed to ensure the learning experience is directly aligned with the user's dyslexia type and associated preferred learning style.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-27
Author(s):  
Jiemin Zhong ◽  
Haoran Xie ◽  
Fu Lee Wang

Purpose A recommendation algorithm is typically applied to speculate on users’ preferences based on their behavioral characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of recommendation systems by collecting related journal articles from the last five years (i.e. from 2014 to 2018). This paper aims to study the correlations between recommendation technologies and e-learning systems. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews the relevant articles using five assessment aspects. A coding scheme was put forward that includes the following: the metrics for the e-learning system, the evaluation metrics for the recommendation algorithms, the recommendation filtering technology, the phases of the recommendation process and the learning outcomes of the system. Findings The research indicates that most e-learning systems will adopt the adaptive mechanism as a primary metric, and accuracy is a vital evaluation indicator for recommendation algorithms. In existing e-learning recommender systems, the most common recommendation filtering technology is hybrid filtering. The information collection phase is an important process recognized by most studies. Finally, the learning outcomes of the recommender system can be achieved through two key indicators: affections and correlations. Originality/value The recommendation technology works effectively in closing the gap between the information producer and the information consumer. This technology could help learners find the information they are interested in as well as send them a valuable message. The opportunities and challenges of the current study are discussed; the results of this study could provide a guideline for future research.


Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdi Bohlouli ◽  
Omed Hassan Ahmed ◽  
Ali Ehsani ◽  
Marwan Yassin Ghafour ◽  
Hawkar Kamaran Hama ◽  
...  

PurposeMany people have been dying as a result of medical errors. Offering clinical learning can lead to better medical care. Clinics have conventionally incorporated direct modality to teach personnel. However, they are now starting to take electronic learning (e-learning) mechanisms to facilitate training at work or other suitable places. The objective of this study is to identify and prioritize the medical learning system in developing countries. Therefore, this paper aims at describing a line of research for developing medical learning systems.Design/methodology/approachNowadays, organizations face fast markets' changing, competition strategies, technological innovations and accessibility of medical information. However, the developing world faces a series of health crises that threaten millions of people's lives. Lack of infrastructure and trained, experienced staff are considered essential barriers to scaling up treatment for these diseases. Promoting medical learning systems in developing countries can meet these challenges. This study identifies multiple factors that influence the success of e-learning systems from the literature. The authors have presented a systematic literature review (SLR) up to 2019 on medical learning systems in developing countries. The authors have identified 109 articles and finally selected 17 of them via article choosing procedures.FindingsThe paper has shown that e-learning systems offer significant advantages for the medical sector of developing countries. The authors have found that executive, administrative and technological parameters have substantial effects on implementing e-learning in the medical field. Learning management systems offer a virtual method of augmented and quicker interactions between the learners and teachers and fast efficient instructive procedures, using computer and Internet technologies in learning procedures and presenting several teaching-learning devices.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors have limited the search to Scopus, Google Scholar, Emerald, Science Direct, IEEE, PLoS, BMC and ABI/Inform. Many academic journals probably provide a good picture of the related articles, too. This study has only reviewed the articles extracted based on some keywords such as “medical learning systems,” “medical learning environment” and “developing countries.” Medical learning systems might not have been published with those specific keywords. Also, there is a requirement for more research with the use of other methodologies. Lastly, non-English publications have been removed. There could be more potential related papers published in languages other than English.Practical implicationsThis paper helps physicians and scholars better understand the clinical learning systems in developing countries. Also, the outcomes can aid hospital managers to speed up the implementation of e-learning mechanisms. This research might also enable the authors to have a role in the body of knowledge and experience, so weakening the picture of the developing country's begging bowl is constantly requesting help. The authors hoped that their recommendations aid clinical educators, particularly in developing countries, adopt the trends in clinical education in a changing world.Originality/valueThis paper is of the pioneers systematically reviewing the adoption of medical learning, specifically in developing countries.


Author(s):  
Sibel Somyürek ◽  
Peter Brusilovsky ◽  
Ayça Çebi ◽  
Kamil Akhüseyinoğlu ◽  
Tolga Güyer

PurposeInterest is currently growing in open social learner modeling (OSLM), which means making peer models and a learner's own model visible to encourage users in e-learning. The purpose of this study is to examine students' views about the OSLM in an e-learning system.Design/methodology/approachThis case study was conducted with 40 undergraduate students enrolled in advanced programming and database management system courses. A Likert-type questionnaire and open-ended questions were used to obtain the students' views. System usage data were also analyzed to ensure the richness and diversity of the overall data set.FindingsThe quantitative data of the students' views were analyzed with descriptive statistics; the results are presented as graphics. The qualitative data of the students' views were examined by content analysis to derive themes. These themes are organized into four subtopics: the students' positive views, their negative views, their improvement suggestions and their preferences about using similar OSLM visualizations in other e-learning systems. The students' subjective views are discussed in the context of their recorded interactions with the system.Research limitations/implicationsCompetition due to seeing peer models was considered by participants both as positive and negative features of the learning system. So, this study revealed that, the ways to combine peer learner models to e-learning systems that promote positive competition without resulting social pressure, still need to be explored.Practical implicationsBy combining open learner models with open peer models, OSLM enhances the learning process in three different ways: it supports self-regulation, encourages competition and empowers self-evaluation. To take advantage of these positive contributions, practitioners should consider enhancing e-learning systems with both own learner and peer model features.Originality/valueDespite increasing interest in OSLM studies, several limitations and problems must be addressed such as sparsity of data and lack of study of different contexts and cultures. To date, no published study in this area exists in Turkey. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by examining OSLM features in an e-learning system from the perspectives of Turkish students by using both their system interaction data and their subjective views.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Soumendra Kumar Patra ◽  
Bijaya Kumar Sundaray ◽  
Durga Madhab Mahapatra

Purpose To overcome the spread of the noble coronavirus, the lockdown was imposed on March 25, 2020 by the Government of India which adversely affected the education system in the country and changed the traditional classroom teaching to online teaching. This paper aims to explore the factors encouraging university teachers to use and adopt e-learning systems during the COVID-19 pandemic and to find out the major challenges faced by them in adopting e-learning systems in Odisha, an Indian State. Design/methodology/approach The population of this study was teachers of different universities in Odisha, India. An online questionnaire was administered to collect data from the teachers of the state who were involved in the e-learning system for taking their online classes during the COVID-19 situation. During the study 610 valid responses were processed for data analysis. The results of the analysis were presented through factor analysis, t-test and structural equation model. Findings The findings revealed three major factors as user-friendly, convenient and performance encouraged teachers to use and adopt e-learning systems. The results also identified major challenges such as accessibility to the internet, information and communication technologies literacy and skills and technological support, faced by university teachers in adopting e-learning systems. Research limitations/implications The findings of the study have suggested that the university authorities can develop an effective e-learning system to support their teachers for the continuance of education and learning opportunities. The insights of this study can help the regulatory authorities of higher education to redesign policy and infrastructure for promoting effective e-learning systems. Originality/value Many studies have been conducted in relation to e-learning during COVID-19. However, this is a unique study that identifies supporting factors and addresses the challenges faced by university teachers in adopting an e-learning system.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabraz Nawaz Samsudeen ◽  
Rusith Mohamed

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that might influence the intention and use behaviour of e-learning systems by students in state universities in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical model for this study was primarily drawn from unified theory of acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). Exogenous variables included performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, work life quality, hedonic motivation, internet experience and facilitating condition, and their influence on behavioural intention and use behaviour were studied. Instrument was developed using validated items from past literature. Data for this quantitative study were collected from undergraduate and postgraduate students from 15 Sri Lankan state universities by self-administering and Web-form during second quarter of 2018. Structural equation modelling was used to see the insights from the valid data using IBM’s SPSS 25 and AMOS 22. Findings Results of the confirmatory factor analysis and subsequent evaluation of the structural model confirmed the proposed hypotheses, and it was found that constructs of UTAUT2 have a significant impact on and play an important role in behavioural intention to use and use behaviour of e-learning system by state university students in Sri Lanka. Originality/value The adoption of an e-learning system in Sri Lankan state universities is fairly low. Hence, investigation of what determinants might be contributing for adoption is important to enhance the learning experience of students and help them improve their knowledge. This paper contributes by delineating the factors that influence the acceptance and use of e-learning systems by students of state universities in Sri Lanka.


2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
GopalaKrishnan T ◽  
P Sengottuvelan

Purpose – The ultimate objective of the any e-Learning system is to meet the specific need of the online learners and provide them with various features to have efficacious learning experiences by understanding their complexities. Any e-Learning system could be much more improved by tracking students commitment and disengagement on that course, in turn, would allow system to have personalized involvements at appropriate times in order to re-engage learners. Motivations play a important role to get back the learners on the track could be done by analyzing of several attributes of the log files. This paper aims to analyze the multiple attributes which cause the learners to disengage from an online learning environment. Design/methodology/approach – For this improvisation, Web based learning system is researched using data mining techniques in education. There are various attributes characterized for the disengagement prediction using web log file analysis. Though, there have been several attempts to include motivating characteristics in e-Learning systems are adapted, presently influence on cognition is acknowledged mostly. Findings – Classification is one of the predictive data mining technique which makes prediction about values of data using known results found from different data sets. To find out the optimal solution for identifying disengaged learners in the online learning systems, Naive Bayesian (NB) classifier with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is used which will classify the data set and then perform the independent analysis. Originality/value – The experimental results shows that the use of unrelated variables in the class attributes will reduce the accuracy and reliability of a any classification model. However, the hybrid PSO algorithm is clearly more apt to find minor subsets of attributes than the PSO with NB classifier. The NB classifier combined with hybrid PSO feature selection method proves to be the best feature selection capability without degrading the classification accuracy. It is further proved to be an effective method for mining large structural data in much less computation time.


2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 738-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edda Tandi Lwoga ◽  
Mercy Komba

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that predict students’ continued usage intention of web-based learning management systems (LMS) in Tanzania, with a specific focus on the School of Business of Mzumbe University. Specifically, the study investigated major predictors of actual usage and continued usage intentions of e-learning system, and challenges of using the e-learning system. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 300 third year undergraduate students, with a rate of return of 77 per cent. A total of 20 faculty members were also interviewed. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was utilized in the study. Findings – The results show that actual usage was determined by self-efficacy, while continued usage intentions of web-based learning system was predicted by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, self-efficacy, and actual usage. Challenges for using web-based LMS were related to information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure barrier, LMS user interface was not user friendly, weak ICT policies, management and technical support, limited skills, lack of awareness, resistance to change, and lack of time to prepare e-content and use the e-learning system. Practical implications – The study findings are useful to e-learning managers and university management to identify important factors and develop appropriate policies and strategies to encourage long-term usage of e-learning systems for future studies and lifelong learning. Originality/value – By using UTAUT in the context of continued usage intentions and the integration of an additional construct (“self-efficacy”), the extended UTAUT model fits very well in the web-based learning systems in Tanzania, in particular where such studies are scant. The findings can be used in other institutions with similar conditions in investigating the continued usage intentions of e-learning systems.


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