Exploring Bluetooth Beacon Use Cases in Teaching and Learning: Increasing the Sustainability of Physical Learning Spaces

Sion Griffiths, Man Sing Wong, Coco Yin Tung Kwok, Roy Kam, Simon Ching Lam, Lin Yang, Tsz Leung Yip, Joon Heo, Benedict Shing Bun Chan, Guanjing Xiong and Keru Lu
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Sion Griffiths: Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Man Sing Wong: Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Coco Yin Tung Kwok: Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Roy Kam: eLearning Development and Support Section, Educational Development Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Simon Ching Lam: School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Lin Yang: School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Tsz Leung Yip: Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Joon Heo: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
Benedict Shing Bun Chan: Department of Religion and Philosophy, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
Guanjing Xiong: Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Keru Lu: Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 15, 1-17

Abstract: Considering the surge in e-learning growth over the last decade and the proliferation of mobile devices in the Bring Your Own Device generation, this paper reviews selected use cases of Bluetooth beacons in educational situations. We review the contribution of Bluetooth beacons to a mixed pedagogy that uses digital and physical learning spaces, and we discuss the pilot deployment of Bluetooth beacons at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, to enhance physical learning spaces. Our work represents one of the first deployments of Bluetooth beacons in a university teaching and learning capacity and provides a starting point for others attempting to utilise beacon-enabled location-based services to enhance learner experiences. The widespread adoption of beacon technology in educational institutions has not yet occurred, and the most common usage of beacon transmitters and systems in education is for attendance-taking and dissemination of teaching material. Mobile applications are constantly being developed to utilise the location-based services provided by beacons to enhance student learning and effectiveness. This paper also discusses the sustainability benefits of beacon systems, especially in the contexts of smart campus and smart city development.

Keywords: bluetooth beacon; location-based service; smart campus; teaching and learning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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