Design and Construction of Electronic Classroom
Chapter One
AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE DESIGN
- The aim and objectives of this project are to provide a web-enabled interactive model of an electronic classroom system (e-learning) in which the course material is presented using the advantages of multimedia and hypermedia.
- To address some of the challenges students of tertiary institutions face.
- To study the technology way of electronic classroom systems (e-learning)
- To foster collaborative learning through which participants gain or construct quality knowledge.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER
Quite a lot of studies exist relating to e-learning, distance learning and virtual learning. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably. According to [9], e-learning means the learning that makes use of a network for delivery, interaction or facilitation. This type of learning includes distributed learning and distance learning. Computer-Based Training (CBT) is delivered over a computer network and web based training (WBT). It may be computer-based, synchronous, asynchronous, instructor-based or a combination of the aforementioned. Some universities in Africa have implemented notable e-learning platforms. University of Nairobi for instance has implemented three different learning management systems in the last five years: Wedusoft, Chisimba and Claroline.
A member of staff of the university specifically developed Wedusoft while Chisimba was adopted and implemented through collaboration with development partners. Currently, the university is using Claroline. A good number of available teaching and learning platforms use facilities like e-mail, wikis and bulletin board to provide students interaction, while some others use Learning Management System (LMS) [10]. Currently, the University of Cape Town is using Sakai as the major LMS. This has been customized and branded Vula. In the past, the university has deployed Moodle and WebCT as well. However, they still continue to seek for virtual learning platforms that would satisfy most of their requirements [10].
Previous works in the area of electronic classroom will be discussed in this section following their historical development of ECR, architectural design and system implementation and provision of e-learning platforms for the disabled. The paper in [7] addresses the history of distance learning, current issues, the federal government’s role, and four specific areas of improvement including: curricula change, new patterns of interaction, changes in organizational structures, and the roles and activities of participants in both business and academic distance-learning environments. A model for improving online educational systems for both teachers and learners was proposed in [8]. The model allows for more accurate assessment and more effective evaluation of the learning process. The model includes logistics systems to show that it could be necessary to integrate systems that handle shipment of textbooks and other physical materials to distance students. The study in [11] discusses the architectural design of an integrated system for the delivery of lectures in a virtual environment. The architecture and description of the system components are presented with the techniques and recommendations for the implementation of the designed system. The system architecture is multi-tier, modular, and scalable and built for adaptability to database middleware suite. All functionalities within the application are delivered using web services, communicate via industry standard XML messaging and access is purely via a web browser.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The birth of online learning can be traced to the concept of Self Directed Learning (SDL). When SDL is applied to formal education contexts, it is often seen as a means to shift from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered approach to education (Michael and William, 2003). Electronics Classrooms are designed based on the active learning approach that appears to provide a more effective learning strategy. In active learning approach, students become the “architects of their own learning”. The underpinning of this approach is experiential theory (Verity (1994), Graham (1992).
CHAPTER THREE
PROJECT DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Conventionally, education has been practiced across the world in segregated buildings by carefully regimented and standardized classes of students and teachers. This has a consequential effect on both the teacher and the learner. For example, education is implicitly restricted only to those who could be in the classroom and follow the teacher rigidly with the pace by which he presents his lectures. Population explosion and mass educational system in every region of the world brought greater challenges to this method of education. For instance, there is problem of inadequate number of human and material resources to cater for the education of the large population. The population of school age citizen in most places has grown tremendously to the extent that only a small percentage can be offered admission. The student – lecturer and student-classroom ratios have grown to the extent that teaching and learning in the classroom have been less effective [1-4]. The field of education therefore provides the most fascinating application of computing system, which has consequently attracted considerable attention from educationists and policy makers since the late 1960s when computers were introduced into classrooms. Various information technologies have been applied in learning and teaching, such as Computer Aided Instruction, (CAI), Computer Aided Learning (CAL), Research Packages, Project Monitoring, and Computerized Libraries and so on. As a result of technological advancement in multimedia technology, computer networks and the Internet, computers are now being applied in distance learning premised on on-line and real time teaching and instruction [6].
CHAPTER FOUR
PRINCIPLE OPERATION OF THE DESIGN
BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER
Education is the process of bringing about a relatively permanent change in human behavior. It is the main instrument used to preserve, maintain and upgrade people’s culture, norms and values. In any society, education is a veritable tool for determining technological advancement and passing on to the new generations, the existing knowledge of the physical environment. Education also serves as platform for introducing individuals to any organization, giving skills for performing daily jobs, leisure as well as inculcating sound morals in the people for their own benefit and that of the society. In summary, education is the platform on which younger generation understand the past heritage as well as participate and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the society.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY
In using the electronic classroom learning system, certain operational activities have to be followed from the starting operation to the finish. First you start the electronic tutor; you log into course session and follow the instructions. The benefits of the electronic Classroom includes amongst others: Flexibility and Convenience, Keeps People On-the-job, Cost Saving, Interaction and retention, Teamwork, Bringing teams together, Post-Course Reinforcement, On-line Reference Materials [20].
CONCLUSION
In this project, an electronic classroom learning system has been developed. The new system is expected to serve as a remedy to the problems and weakness observed in the old system. It will combine open learning techniques based on new technologies (in this case, the world wide web) with conventional classroom teaching, The main intention is to make the learning experience more flexible, stimulating and available around the clock and at any place with Internet facilities. The students will be able to navigate freely within the electronic classroom environment and enhance information resources used by the students.
RECOMMENDATION
In this work we have successfully developed generally useable Web-based Electronic Classroom System (WebECS) model that will provide a viable alternative to the traditional teaching/learning system in our tertiary institutions. Successful implementation of this system in our tertiary institutions will unarguably improve access to quality education and full adaptation of ICT in learning among our students.
However, for optimum realization of the objectives of this project, certain measures have to be put in place – Internet facilities and computers should be made available even in remote communities; Collaborative efforts are required among institutions, development partners and various agencies of government saddled with the responsibility of managing the education system so as to produce a commercialized version of the WebECS model. Further research on WebECS should focus on extending its features to incorporate learning activities in other forms of education at all tiers of our educational system.
REFERENCES
- Firouz Anaraki, Developing an Effective and Efficient eLearning Platform. Developing an Effective and Efficient eLearning Platform. International Journal of The Computer, the Internet and Management Vol. 12 No.2 (May-August, 2004) pp 57 -63.
- Dilani S. P. Gedera, Students’ experiences of learning in a virtual classroom, International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology. (IJEDICT), 2014, Vol. 10, Issue 4, pp. 93-101.
- Akinyokun Oluwole Charles, Iwasokun Gabriel Babatunde., “Design and Implementation of a Web-Based Virtual Classroom System”. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education (IOSR-JRME) e-ISSN: 2320–7388, p-ISSN: 2320–737X Volume 4, Issue 3 Ver. II (May-Jun. 2014), PP 68-77.
- Dr N. K. Jain (VCR Coordinator), Virtual Classroom (VCR), IIT Indore. Project implementation for The use of Virtual Classroom technology alongside the college’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
- Kimberly C. Harper, Kuanchin Chen, David C. Yen. Distance learning, virtual classrooms, and teaching pedagogy in the Internet environment. Elsevier. Technology in Society 26 (2004) [8] P. Nagarajan, Dr.G.Wiselin Jiji ONLINE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM (e-learning), International Journal of u- and e- Service, Science and Technology. Vol. 3, No. 4, December, 2010.
