Integrating IoT and civic education: SKILIKET system as an approach to environmental monitoring and awareness

Abstract

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in addressing environmental sustainability has highlighted the need for innovative approaches to data collection and community involvement. At the same time, the citizen science movement continues to foster the participation of volunteers to democratise science. However, access to robust kits for training and large-scale deployment remains limited. Here we propose the SKILIKET system, a flexible training tech-kit which aims at real-time monitoring of environmental variables using IoT capabilities, following a citizen science approach. The initiative seeks to foster technical and civic competencies among participants by using the system to help them understand socio-ecological phenomena. Drawing on Design-Based Research methodology, the authors outline co-creation activities that will be further conducted with higher education student teams to envision the ideal use of the system. This first stage of experimental design outlines the expected system interactions in a controlled environment, where students would be encouraged to actively participate in collecting data from their immediate environment. This engagement is intended to nurture a deeper understanding of socio-environmental issues, enhance public awareness, and support data-driven decision-making and public policy development. By incorporating educational objectives, SKILIKET also serves as a tool for promoting civic skills, data literacy, and community-oriented problem solving. This paper discusses the initial design, implementation strategies, and the expected educational and societal impacts of SKILIKET, highlighting its dual role in environmental monitoring and educational enhancement to address the sustainable development goals (SDGs).