International Journal of Smart Technology and Learning (9 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Challenges for teachers in integrating ICT into geography teaching and promoting map reading skills in secondary schools in Namibia  
  by Angala Abisai Himulayi, Muhammad Rafi 
  Abstract: The study examines how teachers face challenges in integrating ICT into geography classes and promoting map reading skills in secondary schools in Namibia. A qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews was used to survey 15 geography teachers in Outjo, Kunene Region, Namibia, and the data was analyzed using NVivo software. The results showed that geography teachers need ICT-based classrooms, effective learning management systems, and computer training programs. The results also highlighted barriers such as lack of resources, technological infrastructure, and teacher training, including pedagogical skills to apply ICT in geography teaching. Research suggests that Namibia's Ministry of Education needs to improve technology integration in classrooms by offering professional development workshops, updating policies, and providing sufficient ICT resources to bridge the digital divide.
  Keywords: challenges; geography; ICT; map reading; digital skills; Namibia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2024.10067483
   
  
• Unveiling the Social Media Surveillance Research: Themes, Ethics, and Global Implications  
  by Md. Nurul Islam  
  Abstract: This systematic bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of social media surveillance. It explores key themes, methodologies, and scholarly contributions in the field, highlighting its multidisciplinary nature. Notably, the study delves beyond technology, addressing ethical, privacy, and civil liberties concerns associated with monitoring online activities and social networks. The themes identified in the literature encompass ethical considerations, political and social implications, algorithmic biases, and the role of social media in public health and disease surveillance. The importance of international collaboration and shared ethical standards to tackle global challenges related to social media surveillance is emphasized. It informs future academic research by identifying knowledge gaps and emerging trends. Policymakers can use these insights to craft ethical guidelines and policies, while industry practices can adopt responsible data usage measures. Public awareness and education initiatives benefit from a deeper understanding of the implications of social media surveillance.
  Keywords: : Ethical Considerations; Multidisciplinary; Algorithmic Biases; Global Collaboration; Privacy Concerns.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2024.10067484
   
  
• The effect of video-based tool approach on facilitating socioemotional regulation skills in CSCL environments  
  by Tayebeh Sadegh 
  Abstract: This study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a video-based tool to facilitate socioemotional regulation in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments Drawing upon the theoretical framework of socially shared regulation of learning, with a specific focus on socioemotional regulation, the study investigated the major socioemotional regulation components in challenging situations within CSCL The research questions examined the socioemotional challenges that occur, how students implemented socioemotional regulation strategies during these challenges, and how the video-based tool facilitated the recognition of socioemotional challenges and the need for regulation The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing rating-scaled items and qualitative data collection methods The findings contributed to the understanding of
  Keywords: CSCL; reasoning ability; regulated learning; Socioemotional challenges; socioemotional strategies.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2024.10067485
   
  
• Algerian Students’ Satisfaction with Using ICT in Higher Education: The Application of the Technology Satisfaction Model  
  by Rebahi Hadjer, Muhammad Rafi 
  Abstract: Research has shown that students have the potential to benefit from the incorporation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) into their environment. However, there has been limited research on how students are actually using technologies and what factors influence their satisfaction with these technologies. This study aims to explore the use of ICT, with a focus on learning satisfaction, among Algerian students at a university. A field study was conducted to gain familiarity with quantitative data and information. A sample of the university's students was chosen and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to see how satisfied they were with using ICT facilities, and thus provide insight into the way other universities may take advantage of the results obtained through the Technology Satisfaction Model (TSM). This study concludes that students’ satisfaction depends on their CSE, perceived ease of use (PEU) and usefulness of ICT and then provides some recommendations. First, responsible authorities should implement new technology across all levels of education to offer training and capacity-building programs for students.
  Keywords: information and communication technologies; SEM; higher education.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2024.10067486
   
  

Special Issue on: Higher Education Role in Building Smart Citizens in Rural Africa

• Fused Multimodal Biometric Authentication for an Open Distance Learning Environment Online Examination  
  by Prince Yaw Owusu Amoako, Ernest Mnkandla 
  Abstract: The recent development of digital sensors such as cameras and scanners for capturing images and sound analysis systems for voice verifications has contributed significantly to authentication mechanisms in many applications The validation of students’ identity during examinations in an open-distance electronic learning (ODeL) environment continues to pose challenges As a result, much attention has not been given to the implementation of authentication techniques in this area to prevent a third party from dictating answers at an unnoticeable location to an agent during an examination This paper proposes a fused multimodal biometric authentication model based on facial recognition, voice recognition, and keystroke dynamics An experiment conducted on Moodle learning management system (LMS) on a client-server platform for 220 diverse students and 25 imposter students indicated prediction accuracy of 90% with a false acceptance rate (FAR) of 1 11% and false rejection rate (FRR) of 3 8% The results show significant improvement.
  Keywords: Fused Multimodal Biometric; Authentication; Online Examination.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2023.10059328
   
  
• Geographical Information Systems, a Smart Technology to Optimise Social Studies Undergraduates Education: An Appraisal  
  by Favour Atubi 
  Abstract: Using theoretical and empirical review, the author appraised the importance of using Geographic Information Systems resources as a smart technology for optimizing the teaching of Social Studies trainee teachers at the higher level of education. The need to bring in innovation and teach the course differently in higher institutions necessitated this paper. Geographical Information Systems a novel and multi-disciplinary technology that compute and display geographical information in a visual form, seems poised to achieve this objective. This smart technology can be harnessed in bringing new dimension to how undergraduates in teacher education learn and perceive Social Studies. Therefore this article is an attempt to highlight the positive effect Geographical Information System can have on Social Studies teacher training programme. Furthermore, the appraisal of related and empirical literature, showed that the benefits of Geographic Information Systems to Social Studies are numerous. They include enriching Social Studies course content; applying technology to understanding social issues; using data of large magnitude; giving a holistic picture of social issues faced globally; promoting activity based learning
  Keywords: Geographic Information Systems; Smart Technology; Optimize; Higher Institutions; Social Studies; Undergraduates and Appraisal.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2024.10061025
   
  
• Smart education: Opportunities, challenges and future of traditional education  
  by Emeka J. Chukwuemeka  
  Abstract: The landscape of education has witnessed a shift from the traditional system of education to smart classrooms. This paper argues that traditional education remains an integral part of the teaching and learning process while exploring the opportunities of smart education and traditional education. Smart education leverages cutting-edge technologies such as AI, VR, and the IoT to enhance the learning experience, making it more personalized, interactive, and accessible. However, the integration of smart education into traditional systems is not without its challenges such as privacy concerns, the need for teacher training and so on. This study delves into these challenges, providing insights into how they can be addressed to maximize the benefits of smart education. The paper draws a conclusion by outlining how smart education can effectively be integrated with traditional education using various strategies while recommending further empirical and comparative studies that will measure its effect on learning outcomes.
  Keywords: smart education; traditional education; challenges; opportunities; smart learning; technology integration; technologies; Innovation; teaching; learning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2024.10061026
   
  
• A Pedagogical Smart Learning Environment (PSLE): Mobile Transitioning at Home a Constructivism Theory in Ghana  
  by Muhideen Sayibu, Issah Iddrisu, Jamal Mohammed, Sulemana Iddrisu, Akintunde Yinka Tosin, Ekene Francis Okagbue 
  Abstract: This study examines smart child literacy aims to nurture smart-citizens with a constructivism approach of mobile learning, and simultaneously contribute to the pedagogical smart learning environment (PSLE) through smart play learning (SPL) at home. A convenient cross-sectional approach was employed for analysis of constructs. A sample population of 25 parents were interviewed through telephonic conversations and 20 through community interactivity over a period of 6 months, while, 20 kindergarten instructors were observed and questioned. The results showed that PSLE is a favorable for children preschool, caregiving, and SPL linked with cognitive learning. Smart apps found a significant cognitive development of children’s reasoning, while SPL showed a significant of smart-citizens in CogL. In light of these, age was controlled over caregiver’s mediation associated with children CogL. We recommend PSLE at home with smart apps, caregiving in child and building smart-citizens in Africa. Parents should guide preschooler’s interactivity with SLP constructive pedagogy.
  Keywords: Smart-play Learning (SPL); Pedagogy Smart Learning Environment(PSLE); Caregiver; Childcare; Cognitive Learning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2024.10061027
   
  
• Equipped for the Future Model as a tool for harnessing lifelong learning in Ghana and South Africa  
  by Samuel Amponsah, Michael Agyemang Adarkwah, Madumetja Jayson Ledwaba 
  Abstract: Ghana and South Africa are African countries located on the two opposite ends of Independence from British colonial rule. Ghana was the first African country to obtain independence in 1957 while South Africa’s independence from the apartheid regime was in 1994. Ghana post-independence pushed for a mass literacy education campaign and South Africa pushed for a racially inclusive education system. This study focuses on the 16 generative skills in the Equipped for the Future (EFF) model and how they can be applied in both countries to harness lifelong learning. The EFF Model is fundamental to modern Ghana and South Africa amid the transition to the fourth industrial revolution. In achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 of promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, this study would interpret the model and its applicability in both Sub-Saharan countries. Lifelong learning demands a more learner-centred, environmentally-friendly, skills-based education that meets the needs of contemporary society.
  Keywords: Communication; Decision-making; Education; Equipped for the Future model; Interpersonal; Lifelong learning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2024.10061028