Internet of Things (IoT) implementation in learning institutions: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Internet of Things (IoT) is a computing concept facilitating the management of collaborative activities from one central area. Millennial learners, growth in enrolment numbers in universities, and the need for equity and quality learning necessitate the use of IoT technologies in education. The focus of this paper is to examine IoT implementations in learning institutes, their application areas, the themes presented, the models and methodologies used, and the benefits. This study concentrated on publications from 2008 to 2017. The outcomes revealed that the utilization of IoT for tracking and tracing a learner’s attendance had been one of the application areas of IoT in education. This study further categorized the papers and presents novel research opportunities based on concentrated themes and areas that had not been fully exhausted. Most research studies employed qualitative methods, with a few utilizing a quantitative approach with surveys. Research themes exhibited a shortcoming in other important themes, such as the models and methodologies used for implementing IoT. Finally, the results of this study agree that IoT implementation could help solve some issues in learning institutions like equity and quality learning. The results from this research also provide a base for future research works on the successful implementation of IoT in learning institutions.