A Smart University for a Smart City

Abstract

The use of technological devices has changed the way individuals interact with their university environment. This paper examines the use of a smart context as a link between individuals and their university environment through an exemplification of the urgent problems deriving from different domains and technological systems, as well as of information and communication devices employed in university teaching-learning contexts, to improve the quality of higher education and individuals’ cultural life. When does the university become “smart”? It is not sufficient that universities define themselves as smart places to underline the main challenges they must face in their efforts to become and remain smart. The article recognizes a university as a “smart” institution when it has its roots in the understanding and critical awareness of the basic knowledge, in the identification of the more realistic competencies and the search for the meanings of a “smart university community” that pursues high quality. The paper concludes with an account of the experience of the ICT Centre of the University of Ferrara, who try to achieve these goals, implies the adoption of innovative perspectives, and discusses the building of a new culture putting in the middle a “smart university” and its cultural principles.

Knowledge Management and its Role in the Development of a Smart University in Iraq

“…The DSU was self-developed. The measurement of the DSU consists of seven items and it is based on prior literature [1], [2], [7], [18], [22].…”

“…SU development requires effective KA. Experts, databases, research papers, and other sources are identified, captured, and organized [22]. Smart institutions may acquire information about new trends, innovations, and best practices in higher education.…”

Technological innovations of educational. Innovations of smart university type

“…The first definition of Smart University arose from the concept of Smart City, because any university can be both part of the infrastructure of the city, and the university itself can create its own small city ('college town' or 'university campus'). According to urbanists, Smart University is a concept of integrating technological innovations and the Internet aimed at improving the level of quality, comfort and efficiency of servicing the activities of educational organization (Nuzzaci, & Vecchia, 2012). According to the authors, it is a frame of reference that indicates the presence of technological innovation and the Internet at the university, where students, teachers, staff, and even applicants feel comfortable when they are on its territory.…”

Use of the Internet in educative informal contexts. Implication for formal education

“…The Internet allows information to flow freely from one network to another, increasing cultural communication because information passes from one culture to another (i.e. They use it for activities such as shopping, information and socialization, and in many other ways it is considered to be one of the key factors of innovation towards a «Smart Community» (Nuzzaci & La Vecchia, 2012). Cultures can directly communicate with other cultures through elements, signs, systems of signification and cultural symbolism (Nuzzaci, 2011;.…”