Research Article

Smart learning management: Key factors in implementing practical project in schools

Lan Thi Nguyen 1 2 , Theeradej Manakul 2 3 , Kittiya Suthiprapa 1 2 , Sangeun Han 4 , Kulthida Tuamsuk 1 2 *
More Detail
1 Department of Information Science, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, THAILAND2 Smart Learning Innovation Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Thailand3 Department of Information Studies, Burapha University, Chonburi, THAILAND4 Faculty of Information, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CANADA* Corresponding Author
Contemporary Educational Technology, 18(3), 2026, ep662, https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/18688
Published: 30 May 2026
OPEN ACCESS   233 Views   57 Downloads
Download Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

Smart learning management in schools refers to the integration of various elements designed to enhance learning experiences, promote student engagement, and support improved educational outcomes. This study aimed to examine key factors associated with the implementation of smart learning management in practical projects conducted in schools participating in a smart learning initiative through collaboration between a university and partner schools. The research employed a quantitative cross-sectional survey design involving school administrators and teachers from schools under the Secondary Education Service Area Office in four northeastern provinces of Thailand: Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Data were collected through questionnaires from 72 school administrators and 79 teachers. The findings indicate that several dimensions are perceived as important for the implementation of smart learning management, including executive leadership, teacher readiness and motivation, policy and promotional support, and student readiness and motivation. The results also highlight the importance of comprehensive school preparation, such as clear policies, adequate technological infrastructure, supportive learning environments, and effective school management. These findings provide insights into key conditions that support the implementation of smart learning initiatives and may help guide schools and policymakers in strengthening smart learning practices in educational settings.

CITATION (APA)

Nguyen, L. T., Manakul, T., Suthiprapa, K., Han, S., & Tuamsuk, K. (2026). Smart learning management: Key factors in implementing practical project in schools. Contemporary Educational Technology, 18(3), ep662. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/18688

REFERENCES

  1. Aas, M., & Vennebo, K. F. (2023). Building leadership capacity in school leadership groups: An action research project. Educational Action Research, 31(2), 348-365. https://doi.org/10.1080/09650792.2021.1934710
  2. Aas, M., Vennebo, K. F., & Halvorsen, K. A. (2020). Benchlearning–An action research program for transforming leadership and school practices. Educational Action Research, 28(2), 210-226. https://doi.org/10.1080/09650792.2019.1566084
  3. Al-Muqbil, N. S. M. (2024). Impact of metaverse technology on academic achievement and motivation in middle school science. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 8(10), Article 91. https://doi.org/10.3390/mti8100091
  4. Bates, A. W. (2022). Teaching in a digital age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning (3rd ed.). Tony Bates Associates. https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev3m/
  5. Bećirović, S. (2024). Examining learning management system success: A multiperspective framework. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 11675-11699. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12308-0
  6. Benita, F., Virupaksha, D., Wilhelm, E., & Tunçer, B. (2021). A smart learning ecosystem design for delivering data-driven thinking in STEM education. Smart Learning Environments, 8, Article 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-021-00153-y
  7. Bhatt, S., Bhatt, A., & Thanki, S. (2021). Analysing the key enablers of students’ readiness for online learning: An interpretive structural modeling approach. International Journal of Education and Development Using Information and Communication Technology, 17(4), 105-130. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1335754
  8. Chen, C. C., Wu, M. C., & Wu, T. T. (2018). Discussion on the teaching and learning innovation of higher-order thinking. In Wu, TT., Huang, YM., Shadiev, R., Lin, L., Starčič, A. (Eds.), Innovative technologies and learning. icitl 2018. lecture notes in computer science, vol 11003 (pp. 609-615). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99737-7_65
  9. Cheung, S. K., Kwok, L. F., Phusavat, K., & Yang, H. H. (2021). Shaping the future learning environments with smart elements: Challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 18, Article 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00254-1
  10. Chuaphun, P., & Samanchuen, T. (2024). Exploring success factors and relationships in virtual learning using ISM and fuzzy MICMAC analysis. Heliyon, 10(7), Article e28100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28100
  11. Chun, J. (2021). A study of relationship of academic self-efficacy and higher-order thinking, problem solving ability of university students in learner-centered learning. The Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 12(6), 2317-2332. https://doi.org/10.22143/HSS21.12.6.163
  12. Denessen, E., Hornstra, L., van den Bergh, L., & Bijlstra, G. (2022). Implicit measures of teachers’ attitudes and stereotypes, and their effects on teacher practice and student outcomes: A review. Learning and Instruction, 78, Article 101437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2020.101437
  13. Duffy, G., Robinson, G., & Templeton, M. (2025). An analysis of the policy drivers and legal frameworks associated with school exclusion in Northern Ireland. Policy Futures in Education, 23(1), 48-66. https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103241227484
  14. Even, U., & BenDavid-Hadar, I. (2025). Teachers’ perceptions of their school principal’s leadership style and improvement in their students’ performance in specialized schools for students with conduct disorders. Management in Education, 39(1), 5-18. https://doi.org/10.1177/08920206211054654
  15. Gaganao, R. D., Discar, R. N., & Fabillar, I. N. L. (2022). E-learning readiness of teachers in the new normal education: The case of national high schools in Eastern Samar. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 11(3), 1040-1048. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v11i3.22542
  16. García-Tudela, P. A., Prendes-Espinosa, P., & Solano-Fernández, I. M. (2021). Smart learning environments: A basic research towards the definition of a practical model. Smart Learning Environments, 8, Article 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-021-00155-w
  17. Genie Dessie, H. (2024). The relationship between teachers’ engagement in school-based continuous professional development and their readiness for change in the Injibara City administration primary schools of Ethiopia. Education, 3-13, 54(4), 944-957. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2024.2378872
  18. Giattino, T., & Stafford, M. (2019). Governance for learning ecosystem. In J. J. Walcutt, & S. Schatz (Eds.), Modernizing learning: Building the future learning ecosystem (pp. 317-337). Government Publishing Office. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED603521.pdf
  19. Gómez-Trigueros, I. M., Ruiz-Bañuls, M., Esteve-Faubel, J. M., & Mareque León, F. (2024). Teacher motivation: Exploring the integration of technology and didactics in the narratives of future teachers. Social Sciences, 13(4), Article 217. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13040217
  20. He, P., Guo, F., & Abazie, G. A. (2024). School principals’ instructional leadership as a predictor of teacher’s professional development. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 9, Article 63. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-024-00290-0
  21. Kaiser, H. F. (1974). An index of factorial simplicity. Psychometrika, 39(1), 31-36. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02291575
  22. Khodabandeh, F., & Mombini, A. (2024). Exploring the effect of augmented reality technology on high school students’ vocabulary learning, personality traits, and self-efficacy in flipped and blended classes. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 16027-16050. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12486-5
  23. Khodadad, D. (2023). Creating a supportive and effective learning environment for engineering students: Pedagogical strategies, engagement, and enhanced outcomes. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy, 13(8), 33-50. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v13i8.41755
  24. Kinshuk, Chen, N.-S., Cheng, I.-L., & Chew, S. W. (2016). Evolution is not enough: Revolutionizing current learning environments to smart learning environments. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 26, 561-581. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-016-0108-x
  25. Kishabale, B. (2021). Theorising and modeling interface design quality and its predictive influence on learners’ post adoption behaviour in e-learning course environments. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, 17(1), 100-122. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1285654
  26. Kondakci, Y., Beycioglu, K., Sincar, M., & Ugurlu, C. T. (2017). Readiness of teachers for change in schools. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 20(2), 176-197. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2015.1023361
  27. Kong, S. C., Chan, T. W., Huang, R., & Cheah, H. M. (2014). A review of e-Learning policy in school education in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Beijing: Implications to future policy planning. Journal of Computers in Education, 1, 187-212. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-014-0011-0
  28. Kyambade, M., Namatovu, A., & Male Ssentumbwe, A. (2025). Exploring the evolution of artificial intelligence in education: From AI-guided learning to learner-personalized paradigms. Cogent Education, 12(1), Article 2505297. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2505297
  29. Lee, K. W. (2020). Learning management knowledge: Integrating learning cycle theory and knowledge types perspective. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 19(2). https://doi.org/10.5465/amle.2016.0029
  30. Lee, S. M., & Trimi, S. (2018). Innovation for creating a smart future. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 3(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2016.11.001
  31. Light, D., & Pierson, E. (2012). Highlighting changes in two Russian schools with successful one-to-one laptop programs: Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod case studies. Center for Children and Technology, Education Development Center, Inc. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED543175.pdf
  32. Liu, J., Liu, Z., Wang, C., Li, X., & Xu, Y. (2024). Key factors and mechanisms affecting higher-order thinking skills of primary and secondary school students in the smart classroom environment. Current Psychology, 43(11), 9651-9664. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05136-5
  33. Lu, K., Yang, H. H., Shi, Y., & Wang, X. (2021). Examining the key influencing factors on college students’ higher-order thinking skills in the smart classroom environment. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 18, Article 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-020-00238-7
  34. Luo, Y. (2024). Enhancing educational interfaces: Integrating user-centric design principles for effective and inclusive learning environments. Applied and Computational Engineering, 64, 192-197. https://doi.org/10.54254/2755-2721/64/20241427
  35. Maryani, I., Latifah, S., Fatmawati, L., Erviana, V. Y., & Mahmudah, F. N. (2023). Technology readiness and learning outcomes of elementary school students during online learning in the new normal era. Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction, 13(2), 45-49. https://doi.org/10.47750/pegegog.13.02.06
  36. Nguyen, L. T., Kanjug, I., Lowatcharin, G., Manakul, T., Poonpon, K., Sarakorn, W., Somabut, A., Srisawasdi, N., Traiyarach, S., & Tuamsuk, K. (2023). Digital learning ecosystem for classroom teaching in Thailand high schools. Sage Open, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231158303
  37. Nuniek Rahmatika, S. (2020). Students’ readiness to learn in a five-day school policy in the public senior high school of Yogyakarta. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(11), 5005-5014. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.081101
  38. Osmani, S., & Tartari, D. (2024). The impact of digital technology on learning and teaching: A case study of schools in Durrës, Albania. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 14(6), Article 193. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2024-0165
  39. Öznacar, B., & Parlaktepe Gaziler, S. (2017). Evaluation of school executives’ and teachers’ views related to school executives exhibition leadership behaviors. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, (Special Issue for IETC), 972-983. https://www.tojet.net/special/2017_11_1.pdf
  40. Polatcan, M., Bellibaş, M. Ş., & Apaydın, Ç. (2025). Cultural and psychological dynamics in school leadership: The moderating role of trust in the relationship between teachers’ cultural values and their expectations for paternalistic leadership. European Journal of Education, 60(1), Article e70002. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.70002
  41. Põldoja, H. (2016). The structure and components for the open education ecosystem: Constructive design research of online learning tools [PhD thesis, Aalto University]. https://shop.aalto.fi/media/attachments/748b6/Poldoja_verkkoversio.pdf
  42. Price, J. K. (2015). Transforming learning for the smart learning environment: Lessons learned from the Intel education initiatives. Smart Learning Environments, 2, Article 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-015-0022-y
  43. Puiu, S., & Udriștioiu, M. T. (2024). The behavioral intention to use virtual reality in schools: A technology acceptance model. Behavioral Sciences, 14(7), Article 615. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14070615
  44. Rohmaniyah, N., & Asih, S. W. (2024). Project-based learning design in secondary schools: Enhancing students’ collaborative and creative skills. International Journal of Post Axial: Futuristic Teaching and Learning, 2(4), 274-287. https://doi.org/10.59944/postaxial.v2i4.395
  45. Sá, M. J., & Serpa, S. (2020). The COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to foster the sustainable development of teaching in higher education. Sustainability, 12(20), Article 8525. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208525
  46. Sasaki, H., Sari, D. P., Warnaini, C., Andiwijaya, F. R., Takeuchi, R., Kadriyan, H., Shibuya, F., & Kobayashi, J. (2024). Leadership of school principals for school health implementation among primary schools in Mataram, Indonesia: A qualitative study. Tropical Medicine and Health, 52, Article 5. https://doi.org/10.
  47. 1186/s41182-023-00568-y
  48. Schweder, S., & Raufelder, D. (2024). Does changing learning environments affect student motivation? Learning and Instruction, 89, Article 101829. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2023.101829
  49. Shen, W., Lin, X. F., Chiu, T. K., Chen, X., Xie, S., Chen, R., & Jiang, N. (2024). How school support and teacher perception affect teachers’ technology integration: A multilevel mediation model analysis. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 25069-25091. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12802-z
  50. Singh, A. (2022). Conceptual framework on smart learning environment for the present and new century–An Indian perspective. Education and Law Review, 25, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1344/REYD2022.25.36706
  51. Syofyan, H., Rosyid, A., Fadli, M. R., Yusuff, A. A., No, U. J. A. U., & Kepa, D. (2024). Teacher readiness factors that influence the implementation of the Merdeka curriculum in elementary schools. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 13(5), Article 168. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v13n5p168
  52. Tang, Y. M., Chen, P. C., Law, K. M., Wu, C. H., Lau, Y. Y., Guan, J., He, D., & Ho, G. T. (2021). Comparative analysis of Student’s live online learning readiness during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the higher education sector. Computers & Education, 168, Article 104211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104211
  53. Tuamsuk, K. (2019). Executive summary: Smart learning project operations [Unpublished document]. Smart Learning Innovation Research Center, Khon Kaen University.
  54. Tuamsuk, K., Nguyen, L. T., Kanjug, I., Lowatcharin, G., Manakul, T., Poonpon, K., Sarakorn, W., Somabut, A., Srisawasdi, N., & Traiyarach, S. (2023). Key success factors for transforming classrooms into learning communities in digital learning ecosystem at secondary schools in Thailand. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(2), Article ep408. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/12920
  55. Tyan, P. H., Rahman, F. A., & Sarvestani, M. S. (2020). Teachers’ readiness in implementing and facilitating 21st century learning. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(1A), 24-29. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.081304
  56. Väljataga, T., Poom-Valickis, K., Rumma, K., & Aus, K. (2020). Transforming higher education learning ecosystem: Teaching staff perspective. Interaction Design and Architecture(s) Journal, 46(46), 47-69. https://doi.org/10.55612/s-5002-046-003
  57. Vanlommel, K., van den Boom-Muilenburg, S. N., & Kikken, E. (2025). School leadership during disruptive change: An emotional and relational practice. School Leadership & Management, 45(1), 125-147. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2024.2421526
  58. Wang, X., Wilson, J., & Li, W. (2021). An empirical investigation of leadership and human resources capacities as key actors in the implementation of smart education. Education Sciences, 11(3), Article 138. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11030138
  59. Wilson, J. C. M., Kandege, P., Edjoukou, A. J. R., & Teklu, M. T. (2021). Unpacking smart education’s soft smartness variables: Leadership and human resources capacities as key participatory actors. Education and Information Technologies, 26, 6267-6298. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10599-9
  60. Wong, J. M. S., & Li, K. C. (2025). Technology-enabled institutional readiness for agile-blended learning: A framework for educational innovation. SN Computer Science, 6(3), Article 279. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42979-025-03822-8
  61. Yusufu, G., & Nathan, N. (2020). A novel model of smart education for the development of smart university system. In Proceedings of the 2020 International Conference in Mathematics, Computer Engineering and Computer Science (pp. 1-5). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICMCECS47690.2020.240912
  62. Zegeye, T. (2022). The perception of readiness for implementing inclusive education among primary school subject teachers: Implications for teacher education in Ethiopia. International Journal of Special Education, 37(2), 82-91. https://doi.org/10.52291/ijse.2022.37.42
  63. Zhang, Y., Chen, T., & Wang, C. (2020). Factors influencing students’ willingness to choose blended learning in higher education. In S. Cheung, R. Li, K. Phusavat, N. Paoprasert, L. Kwok (Eds.), Blended Learning. Education in a Smart Learning Environment. ICBL 2020. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 12218 (pp. 289-302). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51968-1_24
  64. Zheng, B., Warschauer, M., Lin, C. H., & Chang, C. (2016). Learning in one-to-one laptop environments: A meta-analysis and research synthesis. Review of Educational Research, 86(4), 1052-1084. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654316628645
  65. Zhu, Z., Sun, Y., & Riezebos, P. (2016). Introducing the smart education framework: Core elements for successful learning in a digital world. International Journal of Smart Technology and Learning, 1(1), 53-66. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2016.078159
  66. Zuhri, R. S., Wilujeng, I., Haryanto, H., & Ibda, H. (2024). Information communication technologies education in elementary school: A systematic literature review. Journal of Education and Learning, 18(3), 1078-1090. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v18i3.21435