Integrating IoT and Artificial Intelligence in Smart Classrooms: A Pathway to Enhance Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes in Higher Education
Justino Lourenço, Ispgaya, Avenida dos Descobrimentos, 333 - Vila Nova de Gaia - Portugal (Portugal)
José Morais, ISPGAYA (Portugal)
Catarina Lucas, ISPGAYA (Portugal)
Joana Paulo, ISPGAYA (Portugal)
Abstract
The rapid convergence of IoT-enabled smart classroom infrastructure with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as machine learning algorithms and support chatbot is poised to transform the university learning environment by enhancing student engagement, participation, and academic outcomes. IoT sensors embedded in modern classrooms can continuously collect data on environmental conditions and student behaviors, while machine learning algorithms analyze these data streams to detect engagement patterns or learning challenges in real time. This insight allows for timely, personalized pedagogical interventions, as early experiments show that AI analytics can help instructors identify disengaged or at-risk students and provide targeted support. Complementing this data-driven approach, AI-powered support chatbots function as 24/7 virtual tutors or assistants, instantly answering questions and guiding students through coursework. Their interactive, conversational nature has been shown to boost student motivation and participation by making learning more personalized and enjoyable. Together, IoT-driven smart learning environments and intelligent AI agents create a responsive educational ecosystem that adapts to individual learner needs and fosters active learning. Although this integration is still in its infancy, theoretical frameworks and preliminary trials suggest immense transformative potential, positioning the combination of IoT and AI as a promising avenue for future research in improving university-level learning experiences. This works plans to present the foundations for the development of a new framework.
|
Keywords |
IoT; Smart Classrooms; Artificial Intelligence; Student Engagement; Machine Learning; Chatbots. |
|
REFERENCES |
[1] Aljaraideh, Y. (2019). Students’ perception of the role of chatbots in learning: Advantages and limitations. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 14(3), 158–169. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v14i03.10183 [2] Bond, M., & Bedenlier, S. (2019). Facilitating student engagement through educational technology: Towards a conceptual framework. Journal of Interactive Media in Education, 2019(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.5334/jime.528 [3] Prieto-Blázquez, J., Villalba, M. T., & García-Peñalvo, F. J. (2021). Smart classrooms: An innovative teaching space for higher education. Sustainability, 13(1), 245. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010245 [4] Qadir, J., Ali, A., ur Rasool, R., & Al-Fuqaha, A. (2020). Artificial intelligence in education: Promise and implications for teaching and learning. IEEE Access, 8, 87025–87045. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2992342 [5] Zawacki-Richter, O., Marín, V. I., Bond, M., & Gouverneur, F. (2019). Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education: Learning, assessment and administration. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0171-0 [6] Lourenço, J., Morais, J., Lousã, M., & Sá, S. (2023). Chatbot as a new lecturing tutor: Challenges in lecturing and in cybersecurity. In 17th International Technology, Education and Development Conference (INTED2023 Proceedings) (pp. 1920-1926). IATED. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2023.0543 [7] Lourenço, J., Milczarski, P., Lucas, C., Paulo, J., Morais, J. (2024). Mathematics Course Lecturing: AI Platform as an Enabler. In: Arai, K. (eds) Advances in Information and Communication. FICC 2024. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 920. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-53963-3_3 [8] Lourenço, J., Pereira de Morais, J. C., Paulo, J. B., & Lucas, C. (2025). Artificial intelligence as a diagnostic tool in education: Enhancing personalization and learning outcomes. In EDULEARN25 Proceedings, 17th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (pp. 9354-9361). IATED. https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2025.2410 [9] Lourenço, J., Lucas, C., Morais, J., Becker, J., & Silva, A. (2023). Tutoring higher education mathematics students through intelligent learning software. In Proceedings of EDULEARN23: 15th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (pp. 3462-3467). IATED. https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2023.0947 |
New Perspectives in Science Education




























