Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
With the spread of COVID-19 across the globe, a lot changed, diversified, abruptly halted or modified. Different sectors of the different countries were not left out in these changes. Nigeria learning system was also greatly affected and as such learning institutions across the nation had to be shut down till further notice. This begged to answer the question if the Nigeria learning situation has been improved enough to accommodate the technological changes that came with it. There was also the need for Library and Informational Science (LIS) professionals to step in to save the learning situation by creating a smart learning environment for the individuals while considering their uniqueness.
The need for learning environments to grow with the technological changes around the globe is on the increase and Nigeria is not left out at all. With the advent of modern technologies on the rise, learning environments have been developed and made flexible and efficient enough for learners to learn effectively in. Learners make use of smart technologies and have access to digital resources through wireless network and to immerse in both personalized and seamless learning. With the exponential technological advances, anything could be instrumented, interconnected, and infused with intelligent design, so is learning and the learning environment.
This study was conceived to examine how the Covid-19 pandemic affected learning and brought about the need for upgrades in learning environments. It considers the roles of LIS professionals in creating a smart learning environment. It seeks to examine the technologies and innovations used in creating a smart learning environment as well as challenges associated with the establishment of a smart learning environment by LIS professionals. Finally, the way forward is proffered on how Nigeria can create this smart learning environment as the onus lies on the LIS professionals in the information society.