Integrating IoT Technologies with Open Educational Resources (OER) for Enhanced Learning Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Consequently, this research focuses on the blended application of IoT with OER within college students learning in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. As more education is moving to the online setting, this study examines if there is an improvement in learning achieved through the integration of open educational resources with Internet of Things-based educational appliances. Two groups of students were surveyed: those studying traditionally in face-to-face classes before the pandemic and those studying online during the pandemic. In the 2019 survey, out of the 912 students who responded, while in the 2021 survey, 1018 students responded. They found that an overwhelming number of students across the two groups felt that OER particularly the open online courses and the open-access textbooks were more advantageous during the pandemic. The current study revealed that distance learners benefited most from OER as supplementary sources of material as opposed to traditional learners where OER was deemed relevant for examinations and tests. Each group, however, mooted some concerns about the nature and range of OER that is available in the market. The findings show that IoT adaptation in combination with OER can solve the challenges students face in different learning conditions while increasing education access and quality during crises.