Towards a Framework for Deeper Learning in Smart Classrooms at Higher Education Institutions in China: A Conceptual Paper on Methodology

The research on deeper learning is gaining popularity, which has led to the publication of policy documents such as "Deeper Learning: Policies for 21st Century Education" in the US. Despite the fact that the 21st century emphasizes the use of ICT and the creation of many ICT-rich smart classrooms in China, there is a scarcity of studies on how deep learning in smart classrooms could be facilitated, particularly in Higher Education Institutions in China. Hence, there is a need to develop and validate a framework for deeper learning in smart classrooms at Higher Education Institutions in China. Accordingly, this paper aims to describe the proposed research methodology, which is deemed most appropriate to realize the development and validation of a Framework for Deeper Learning in Smart Classrooms suitable for use in Higher Education Institutions in China. This proposed methodology capitalizes on Klerk's five-step methodology, which entails both qualitative and quantitative methods. In essence, the Klerk's methodology enables the development of a proposed framework, comprising literature search, development of a draft framework, validation of the draft framework, adjustment of the draft framework to create the final framework, and final framework validation. The process is succinctly discussed and judiciously elaborated in this conceptual paper.