Contexts of smart learning environments

Abstract

Considering the importance of education and learning for the development of creativity and sustainability of a city, smart learning environments (SLE) could be regarded as a response to the needs of the new knowledge society. This chapter aims to analyze smart learning environments in a broader way by integrating both formal and informal learning, as well as physical and virtual spaces in city learning scenarios. After proposing the definition of smart learning environments, we analyze the six aspects of smart learning environment which are: learning resources, learning tools, learning communities, teaching communities, ways of learning and ways of teaching. We also propose a system model and TRACE3 functional model of smart learning environments. Finally, we analyze the five typical smart learning environments in a smarter city: “self-learning”, “inquiry learning”, “learning in doing”, “learning in working”, and “classroom learning”.