Waking Up In the Morning (WUIM): A Smart Learning Environment for Students with Learning Difficulties

• Main Authors: Polyxeni Kaimara, Ioannis Deliyannis, Andreas Oikonomou, Emmanuel Fokides
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
• Series: Technologies
• Subjects: smart learning environments; differentiated instruction; universal design for learning; cognitive theory of multimedia learning; gamification of learning; transmedia learning
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7080/9/3/50

Effectiveness, efficiency, scalability, autonomy, engagement, flexibility, adaptiveness, personalization, conversationality, reflectiveness, innovation, and self-organization are some of the fundamental features of smart environments. Smart environments are considered a good learning practice for formal and informal education; however, it is important to point out the pedagogical approaches on which they are based. Smart learning environments (SLEs) underline the flexibility of eclectic pedagogy that places students at the center of any educational process and takes into account the diversity in classrooms. Thus, SLEs incorporate pedagogical principles derived from (1) traditional learning theories, e.g., behaviorism and constructivism, (2) contemporary pedagogical philosophy, e.g., differentiated teaching and universal design for learning, (3) theories that provide specific instructions for educational design, e.g., cognitive theory of multimedia learning and gamification of learning. The innovative concept of transmedia learning is an eclectic pedagogical approach, which in addition to learning principles, blends all available media so far. WUIM is a transmedia program for training independent living skills aimed primarily at children with learning disabilities, which emerged from the composition of pedagogical theories, traditional educational materials and cutting-edge technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, and art-based production methodologies. This paper outlines the development of WUIM, from the prototyping presented at the 4th International Conference in Creative Writing (2019) to the Alpha and Beta stages, including user and expert evaluations.