Design and Implementation of a SMART Learning Environment for the
Upskilling of ICT professionals in Mauritius
Abstract
Teaching and Learning confined to within the four walls of a classroom
or even online Learning through Massive Online Courses (MOOCs) and other
Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS) are no longer seen as the
optimal approach for competency and skills development, especially for
working professionals. Each of these busy learners have their own
training needs and prior knowledge. Adopting the one-size-fits-all
teaching approach is definitely not effective, motivating and
encouraging. For some learners, the content might be too easy and for
others, it might be too difficult. This is why this research presents
the use of SMART Learning Environment that makes use of Intelligent
Techniques to personalise the learning materials for each learner. It
has been observed that on one hand the country is not able to provide
the required number of IT professionals with the desired skills and on
the other hand, the number of unemployed graduates in areas other than
IT is increasing. This mismatch in skills is becoming a pressing issue
and is having a direct impact on the ICT Sector, which is one of the
pillars of the Mauritian Economy. This research, therefore, besides
proposing a novel approach to learning, also attempts to address an
issue of national importance. The major findings of this research were
that personalisation of learning materials through the use of a SMART
Learning Environment can be used to address the training needs of
Cybersecurity professionals in Mauritius, by offering a more effective,
engaging and motivating learning experience.