International Journal of Smart Technology and Learning (5 papers in press)

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