The rapidly increasing expansion of the Internet has brought dramatic impact to our life and education alike. The major feature differentiates e-learning from the traditional learning is its ability to train anyone, anytime, and anywhere attributed to the Internet. Many experts tell us that e-learning will plays the key-enabling role in knowledge management for individual, schools, and enterprise. Nevertheless, the lack of standard in courseware and learning management system (LMSs) makes courseware in different LMS platforms can not be exchanged directly, and there is no way to monitor and evaluate learner¡¦s behavior from one platform to another. And there are LMS platforms do not provide the effective protection mechanism for courseware in the LMS platforms; this will let an unauthorized user can retrieve courseware as well as he knows the correct URL in the LMS. In this thesis, in order to overcome those hurdles, we refer to the e-learning standard, called Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM), to enhance this feature on our existing LMS platform. And we propose an effective courseware access control mechanism which implement at the kernel of the web server.

This dissertation presents a scalable web framework leaning system, Web-based Learning System (WebLS), addressing the distance learning scenario. Since the speed popularity of the Internet infrastructure and World Wide Web Services that have become the most commonly used information platform and an important medium for education; and expand to the Web-based e-Learning model. The Web-based e-Learning is not subject to the boundary of time or space that has greatly enhanced the effectiveness of online distance learning. The WebLS aims at bringing together the most promising web technologies and standards, in order to attain a scalability and highly availability online learning environment. Moreover, the scalable web framework includes a SCORM based learning management system (named LMS), a server cluster infrastructure, a learning content management service, an information and content repository (named LMS database), and an agent system supporting the innovative solutions taken to implement scalability, availability, portability, reusability, and standardization. The WebLS can store and provide Web access portal to learning contents from teachers, voluntaries, and institutions that lack resources or expertise to offer curriculums over the Internet. So, in the first we design and implement the web-based learning managemnt sytem, Learning Management System (LMS), which conform the e-Learning standard, SCORM 1.2 specification, that established by ADL, and satisfy the requirements of the basic functionality at online web-based learning. Besides, in point of the research topic of learning behavior analysis, we propose a study result for extracting better learning path, Experience Matrix System with Time Fragment Extraction (EMST), which can analyse the learner¡¦s study behavior in Web-based learing environment. Then the information is used to explore, analyse students¡¦ learning path in order to find out the suitable learning path for the more learners. As masses of learners concurrently enter the learning system, the system is often unable to serve such a massive workload, particularly during peak periods of learning activity. We use the server-cluster architecture as a way to create scalable and highly available solutions. However, hosting a variety of learning contents from different owners on such a distributed server system faces new design and management problems and requires new solutions. This dissertation describes the research work we are pursuing for constructing a system to address the challenges faced by hosting learning content on a server farm environment.

Orientadora: Profa. Dra. Itana Stiubiener / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia da Informação, 2015. / O grande avanço da Internet tornou possível que estudantes tivessem acesso à informação e conteúdos de aprendizagem independente de sua localização geográfica. Para potencializar essa mudança de paradigmas na educação surgiram aplicações educacionais em dispositivos móveis, nas quais o estudante pode ter acesso à informação em qualquer lugar e a qualquer hora. Assim, este trabalho tem por objetivo investigar se o uso de dispositivos móveis propicia melhorias da difusão da informação dos Ambientes Virtuais de Aprendizagem (AVA), e propor uma ferramenta que se trata de um aplicativo desenvolvido para dispositivos móveis, a qual utiliza alerta de notificações de novas informações que ocorrem no AVA para deixar o aluno ciente de novidades. A ferramenta é atrelada ao simulador AVA, um sistema desenvolvido que simula um Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem, e instalada no dispositivo móvel de um usuário. Para teste e validação da solução proposta foi feito um experimento com alunos de graduação de uma instituição de ensino superior. Constatou-se uma alta aceitação por parte dos alunos, a maioria afirmou que a ferramenta melhora a difusão da informação no ambiente virtual e também acreditam que todos os AVAs deveriam possuir um aplicativo para dispositivo móvel incorporado ao sistema. Verificou-se que a solução proposta ajuda estudantes a otimizarem seu tempo de busca de novas informações, sem a necessidade do uso de um desktop ou lugar específico para acessar as informações do AVA, contribuindo para que a informação chegue aos estudantes de forma mais rápida e otimizando o tempo de acesso ao AVA. / The breakthrough of the Internet made it possible for students to have access to information and learning content independent of location. To leverage this paradigm shift in education emerged educational applications on mobile devices, in which the student may have access to information anywhere and anytime. So, this study aims to investigate whether the use of mobile devices provide improvements in the dissemination of information on Learning Management System (LMS), and propose a tool that it is an application designed for mobile devices, which uses notifications alert of new information occurring in the LMS to make the student aware of updates, the tool will be linked to LMS simulator, a system developed that simulates a Learning Management System, and installed on the user's mobile device. For testing and validation of the proposed solution has made an experiment with undergraduate students in a higher education institution. It was found high acceptance by the students, the majority found that the tool improves the dissemination of information in the virtual environment and also believe that all LMS should have an application for mobile device built into the system. This solution benefits students to optimize their search time new information without the need of using a desktop or a specific place to access the LMS information, contributing to that information reaches students more quickly and the time to access the LMS also be optimized.

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This thesis aims to explore learning management systems use and usefulness in Higher Education (HE) environments in a Middle Eastern developing country (Saudi Arabia) and gauge what factors influence the attitudes of the learners and by the same token investigate which of these, if any, do affect their performances in such environments. This study intends to delve into these factors and single out any relationships that might exist among these factors. The LMS (learning management system) chosen for the purpose of this research is the „Blackboard‟ LMS. To enable the researcher to look thoroughly at the issue, three separate studies were conducted to achieve comprehensive results. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were combined for maximum Data collection from participants using questionnaires, interviews and numerical data from the Blackboard tracking system. A framework encompassing all the perceived critical variables that could play a part in affecting students' attitudes in the use of the Blackboard LMS and their overall achievements was designed, developed and then tested. The framework consists of four main parts, 1) Learners interaction with their peers; their ability to use the Internet and associated technologies, named 'learner dimension'. 2) Instructors‟ technical knowledge and competence, the manner in which they deliver lessons to learners using 'Blackboard' and the interactions taking place between the two parties named ' instructor variable or dimension'. 3) The technology itself variable or dimension: usability, flexibility and quality. 4) The HE institution's support dimension: training and technical support. The results have indicated that students were keen to adopt the LMS Blackboard for their courses. Instructor attitudes and behaviours when using Blackboard were found to play a major role in students' attitudes and performances. A major relationship was found in relation to student gender, academic specialization and attitude towards using the LMS, but not in the way the system is used. Students varied and various academic specializations were found to impact positively on their attitude towards the use of the system and in their learning (in terms of performance on a specific course). The learner variable was found to be a good indicator of how students behaved towards VLE and Blackboard and their achievements. The Instructor dimension was also found to be a positive indicator of students' attitudes, their use of Blackboard and achievements in its use. Similarly the technology and the HE institution variables were also found to be sound indicators of their attitudes.

With rapid development of science and technology, introduction of the ICT different methodologies into the learning environment today becomes one of the most important factors. Application of IT tools in classroom learning in and methodology for teaching and learning processes creates number of issues, which could be solved with the help of online Learning Management System (LMS). This paper presents experiment results using of Moodle, at the course of Linear algebra and analytic geometry (LAAG) in the first semester of 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 study year. The paper presents quantitative and qualitative rationale interdependence analysis and experiment conclusion based on midterm and final exam results of the freshman students of the National University of Mongolia.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / There has been a global transformation of higher education institutions (HEIs) in response to a wave of dynamic education sector reforms; specifically, this is related to the adoption of educational technologies to enhance teaching-and-learning practices, education management, research and administration. This situation has placed a strain on HEIs in South Africa and elsewhere, due to changing societal expectations, the inevitable integration of technology, and specifically eLearning into traditional interventions; and at the same time, the increasing pressure on practitioners to deliver quality education. Equally important, the question arises whether Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is indeed constructively impacting teaching-and-learning practices. Consequently, a need has arisen for ePedagogy training and support for academics and students within challenging, complex HE settings. Within this context, the research has endeavoured to position the eLearning discourse within a global perspective; as well as to explore the theoretical underpinnings which impact the application of learning, and specifically eLearning. In particular, the merging of learning theories; different teaching and learning approaches, and technology that enables the creation of effective eLearning models and provides a more structured approach to the implementation of eLearning, were studied. Building on this theoretical basis, the importance and content of models within the discourse have highlighted the recent emphasis on the delivery of quality education. The principal thrust of this research was, therefore, to highlight the main developmental phases towards the creation of an Integrated eLearning model to influence organisational cultural change in Higher Education Institutions. The research was built on an in-depth case study of a large HEI, namely: the University of the Western Cape (UWC), over the period September 2005 to October 2011. This explorative, longitudinal study was undertaken because of the numerous “unsuccessful” or “incomplete” eLearning implementations in developing countries, as well as the many challenges faced by academics. As a result, the study explored the factors that contribute to the successful implementation of eLearning within the empirical setting of UWC, a complex higher education environment. This has been an accumulative exercise that started shortly before the establishment of the E-Learning Development and Support Unit (EDSU) and the ‘eLearning Awareness Campaign’ – reflecting on the deployment of a non-coercive approach to the implementation of eLearning and its impact on the organisational culture of the institution. The result was the development of an Online Course Creation model, which forms the core of phase 1 (September 2005 – December 2006) of the case study. Subsequently, phase 2 (January 2007 – August 2008) of the case study showcased gaps in the Online Course Creation model and emphasised that eLearning implementation in a complex higher education setting should go beyond the focus on ePedagogy with regard to effective online course creation. Hence, this second phase of the case study involved the development of a revised eLearning model, the Inclusive ePedagogy model. Consequently, phase 3 (September 2008 – October 2011) of the case study highlighted the main developmental stages implemented in the creation of a final Integrated eLearning model, and discussed how these integrated factors contribute to the implementation of eLearning, and ultimately, influence the organisational cultural change within UWC. Interaction with various stakeholders during the phases of the study included interviews and questionnaires. As a result thereof, the research reflected on the exponential growth of eLearning; improved attitudes and mindsets; strategic commitment for the infusion of technology and ePedagogy; and the institutional teaching and learning strategy. On the other hand, these results are in stark contrast to the lack of management in the development of the home-grown Open Source platform, coupled with intermittent access to internet connectivity. This shortcoming has often hindered online teaching and learning initiatives and support processes. Furthermore, the research has indicated how educational technology has positively impacted on prevailing communities of practice, and has even led to sound practices, such as sharing online courses/modules within the institution and with the global community. The escalating numbers of students seeking eLearning training and support have been supported by blended eLearning approaches. These approaches reflect the importance of integrated curriculum design. Moreover, the presented Integrated eLearning model, shows that ‘eLearning success’ can never be claimed, but is rather a process undergirded by a dedicated support team committed to continuous eLearning marketing, together with the review of processes within dynamic, complex higher education settings. Equally important, eLearning implementation within a HEI inherently impacts the organisational cultural changes. This is not just a once-off event, as it entails the difficult task of changing mindsets toward the use of new pedagogies, in order to supplement traditional instruction. At the same time, considering people-development processes; as well as organisational issues, which include peoples’ perceptions at different times of the eLearning continuum, is presented as various factors, which contribute to the successful implementation of eLearning. The most important factors contributing to successful eLearning implementation, as established through the research, and also incorporated into the proposed Integrated eLearning Model are: the provision of holistic online activities; integrated institutional ICT infrastructure and systems; the support of educators and students; the necessary positive attitude by lecturers to take a hands-on role in the application of blended eLearning practices – aligned to research – and the contribution to the knowledge era; the importance of communities of practice within and outside the institution; the need for motivated formal leadership and educators to take ownership of the development of aligned, integrated curriculum strategies supportive of emergent educational technologies; continuous commitment to eLearning support, and quality-assurance processes; sustainable eLearning change management and marketing strategies; as well as crucial integrated professional leadership, management and support of the elements of the Integrated eLearning model.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / There has been a global transformation of higher education institutions (HEls) in response to a wave of dynamic education sector reforms; specifically, this is related to the adoption of educational technologies to enhance teaching-and-learning practices, education management, research and administration. This situation has placed a strain on HEls in South Africa and elsewhere, due to changing societal expectations, the inevitable integration of technology, and specifically eLearning into traditional interventions; and at the same time, the increasing pressure on practitioners to deliver quality education. Equally important, the question arises whether Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is indeed constructively impacting teaching-and-learning practices. Consequently, a need has arisen for ePedagogy training and support for academics and students within challenging, complex HE settings. Within this context, the research has endeavoured to position the eLearning discourse within a global perspective; as well as to explore the theoretical underpinnings which impact the application of learning, and specifically eLearning. In particular, the merging of learning theories; different teaching and learning approaches, and technology that enables the creation of effective eLearning models and provides a more structured approach to the implementation of eLearning, were studied. Building on this theoretical basis, the importance and content of models within the discourse have highlighted the recent emphasis on the delivery of quality education. The principal thrust of this research was, therefore, to highlight the main developmental phases towards the creation of an Integrated eLearning model to influence organisational cultural change in Higher Education Institutions. The research was built on an in-depth case study of a large HEL namely: the University of the Western Cape (UWC), over the period September 2005 to October 2011. This explorative, longitudinal study was undertaken because of the numerous "unsuccessful" or "incomplete" eLearning implementations in developing countries, as well as the many challenges faced by academics. As a result, the study explored the factors that contribute to the successful implementation of eLearning within the empirical setting of UWC, a complex higher education environment. This has been an accumulative exercise that started shortly before the establishment of the E-Learning Development and Support Unit (EDSU) and the 'el.earning Awareness Campaign' - reflecting on the deployment of a non-coercive approach to the implementation of el.earning and its impact on the organisational culture of the institution. The result was the development of an Online Course Creation model, which forms the core of phase 1 (September 2005 - December 2006) of the case study. Subsequently, phase 2 (January 2007 - August 2008) of the case study showcased gaps in the Online Course Creation model and emphasised that eLearning implementation in a complex higher education setting should go beyond thefocus on ePedagogy with regard to effective online course creation. Hence, this second phase of the case study involved the development of a revised eLearning model, the Inclusive ePedagogy model. Consequently, phase 3 (September 2008 - October 2011) of the case study highlighted the main developmental stages implemented in the creation of a final Integrated el.earning model, and discussed how these integrated factors contribute to the implementation of eLearning, and ultimately, influence the organisational cultural change within UWC. Interaction with various stakeholders during the phases of the study included interviews and questionnaires. As a result thereof, the research reflected on the exponential growth of eLearning; improved attitudes and mindsets; strategic commitment for the infusion of technology and ePedagogy; and the institutional teaching and learning strategy. On the other hand, these results are in stark contrast to the lack of management in the development of the home-grown Open Source platform, coupled with intermittent access to internet connectivity. This shortcoming has often hindered online teaching and learning initiatives and support processes. Furthermore, the research has indicated how educational technology has positively impacted on prevailing communities of practice, and has even led to sound practices, such as sharing online courses/modules within the institution and with the global community. The escalating numbers of students seeking eLearning training and support have been supported by blended eLearning approaches. These approaches reflect the importance of integrated curriculum design. Moreover, the presented Integrated eLearning model, shows that 'eLearning success' can never be claimed, but is rather a process undergirded by a dedicated support team committed to continuous eLearning marketing, together with the review of processes within dynamic, complex higher education settings. Equally important, eLearning implementation within a HEI inherently impacts the organisational cultural changes. This is not just a once-off event, as it entails the difficult task of changing mindsets toward the use of new pedagogies, in order to supplement traditional instruction. At the same time, considering people-development processes; as well as organisational issues, which include peoples' perceptions at different times of the eLearning continuum, is presented as various factors, which contribute to the successful implementation of eLearning. The most important factors contributing to successful eLearning implementation, as established through the research, and also incorporated into the proposed Integrated eLearning Model are: the provision of holistic online activities; integrated institutional ICT infrastructure and systems; the support of educators and students; the necessary positive attitude by lecturers to take a hands-on role in the application of blended eLearning practices - aligned to research - and the contribution to the knowledge era; the importance of communities of practice within and outside the institution; the need for motivated formal leadership and educators to take ownership of the development of aligned, integrated curriculum strategies supportive of emergent educational technologies; continuous commitment to eLearning support, and quality-assurance processes; sustainable eLearning change management and marketing strategies; as well as crucial integrated professional leadership, management and support of the elements of the Integrated eLearning model.

Grounded in the Design Science Research Approach in Information Systems, the goal of this research project was to conceptualise, design, and develop, an innovative framework for Programme Alignment, Implementation, and Reporting (PAIR) in order to facilitate student success at a South African higher education institution (University ABC) . For this study, the researcher applied PAIR to two academic departments at University ABC. Construction of the framework was interpretively considered and informed by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory of Everett Rogers (1995). The Blackboard Learn® Goals Area (BbGA), a feature embedded in the official Learning Management System (LMS) of University ABC, was incorporated into PAIR as it afforded the two departments mentioned above the opportunity to provide proof of evidence that programme outcomes were constructively aligned with course content, course assessment, student digital activities, the tracking of students’ performance, and the monitoring of students’ progress. It was argued that PAIR could also provide a basis for professional programme outcomes in the departments mentioned above when aligned to their respective Professional Boards’ accreditation criteria requirements. It was found that, within a decentralised higher education institution (such as University ABC) where an annual quality review of programme and module outcomes alignment and reporting in departments is not compulsory, that PAIR could facilitate such a process as part of a faculty’s and a department’s teaching goals. It was also concluded that PAIR could afford South African higher education institutions in general the opportunity to contextualise outcomes coverage and achievement reporting to improve programme quality and to inform intervention strategies to advance effective student learning and student success. / Thesis (PhD (Information Systems))--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Informatics / PhD (Information Systems) / Unrestricted

This dissertation study explored: 1) instructors’ use of discussion strategies that enhance meaningful learner interactions in online discussions and student performance, and 2) learners’ interaction patterns in online discussions that lead to better student performance in online introductory mathematics courses. In particular, the study applied a set of data mining techniques to a large-scale dataset automatically collected by the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) for five consecutive years at a public university in the U.S., which included 2,869 students enrolled in 72 courses. First, the study found that the courses that posted more open-ended prompts, evaluated students’ discussion messages posted by students, used focused discussion settings (i.e., allowing a single response and replies to that response), and provided more elaborated feedback had higher students final grades than those which did not. Second, the results showed the instructors’ use of discussion strategies (discussion structures) influenced the quantity (volume of discussion), the breadth (distribution of participation throughout the discussion), and the quality of learner interactions (levels of knowledge construction) in online discussions. Lastly, the results also revealed that the students’ messages related to allocentric elaboration (i.e., taking other peers’ contributions in argumentive or evaluative ways) and application (i.e., application of new knowledge) showed the highest predictive value for their course performance. The findings from this study suggest that it is important to provide opportunities for learners to freely discuss course content, rather than creating a discussion task related to producing a correct answer, in introductory mathematics courses. Other findings reported in the study can also serve as guidance for instructors or instructional designers on how to design better online mathematics courses.