Development and Validation of a Reference Architecture for the Smart Schoolhouse

The last decades have shown a great many changes in the field of education, especially in the transition to a more learner-centred and technology-enhanced approach in the teaching and learning process.These changes have been brought about by both a need for it, but also by the opportunities that have risen from the rapid development of technology and the diversity of technological solutions.Technology can be used in the learning and teaching process to make learners' more engaged and allow them to take greater responsibility for shaping the their learning goals, process and environment, for instance, by accepting the BYOD model of technology use (Bring Your Own Device).The choice and ways of using the specific technologies should be defined by the purpose of the learning and teaching process itself and the requirements for the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values of learners striving to become engaged members of both the knowledge society at large and also their chosen professional communities.Digital transformation of the European society creates demand for creative users of technology, i.e. is the need for innovative makers who can implement their knowledge in all kinds of different situations to create something new.This paper introduces a Smart Schoolhouse concept that has been designed to spark an interest in exploration among learners and to help them develop the proactive Maker mindset.As part of a four-year case study conducted in five Estonian schools, the possibilities of implementing the Smart Schoolhouse concept were analysed and evaluated.Suitable IoT technologies were tested, and the necessary support system was mapped.This process was supported by a comprehensive literature analysis, which provided an overview of the input collected during the case study for the creation and evaluation of the Smart Schoolhouse Reference Architecture.The article presents the development of RASS, which is based on the Industry 4.0 Reference Architecture Model (RAMI 4.0), created by the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI).The conformity and completeness of RASS were validated using the RATE method to ensure that it meets stakeholders' expectations and requirements.The article concludes with an overview of the evaluated RASS and recommendations for its implementation.