Ubiquitous Learning Concept

The emergence of coronavirus in the year 2019 in Nigeria marked the advancement in the application of new technologies in education. The fact that learning in the traditional classroom was not practicable for a long time made way for alternative ways of learning which technology made possible. It is indeed a paradigm shift in approaches and pedagogies of teaching and learning. One of the alternative ways of learning is Ubiquitous learning. Ubiquitous learning is an innovative pedagogy enhanced by technology (Emenike, 2018). It is learning taking place outside the confinement of the classroom and beyond the boundary of the timetable.

The concept of ubiquitous learning simply means learning taking place anywhere and anytime made possible using ubiquitous devices (new technologies). Among the characteristics of ubiquitous learning include are, accessibility, interactivity, permanency, and a host of others. Ubiquitous learning devices include laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other technologies like user interface, internet connection, mobile communication systems, and others that make the interactions seamless.

the advantage of ubiquitous learning includes but, not limited to the following; learning takes place anywhere at any time and not necessarily within the four walls of a classroom, many students can take part in the learning at the same time without the problem of overcrowding or large class size, continuous learning is possible beyond the boundary of timetable. Also, it encourages the building of an online community.

An example of a ubiquitous learning concept in practice is the Learning Management System (LMS). LMS is a web-based educational platform, an new technology approach to education. LMS is excellent when talking about students' engagement. The University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria developed a LMS during the covid-19 era for teaching and learning. It embedded mobile learning as well as a virtual learning environment. A virtual learning environment is a web-based platform where lecturers lecture online via videos, audio, zoom, and links. LMS implements course materials, quizzes, forum, and various interactions while the students access the course content through mobile devices. LMS provides effectiveness in lesson delivery as it allows lecturers to plan their courses, facilitates communication and interactions between teachers and students and between students. Assessment is also effective and efficient through LMS as both student and teacher get prompt feedback

In conclusion, ubiquitous learning is the answer for the yearning for innovative approaches to teaching and learning in this digital age and has potential prospects for the future.