CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE SYSTEM

E-learning is an education via the Internet, network, or standalone

computer. E-learning is basically the network- enabled convey of skills
and knowledge. E-learning refers to using electronic applications and
processes to learn. E-learning includes all forms of electronically
supported learning and teaching (Tirkes, G,2010).. The information and
communication systems, whether networked learning or not, serve as
specific media to implement the learning process. This often involves
both out-of-classroom and in-classroom educational experiences via
technology, even as advances continue in regard to devices and
curriculum. E-learning is the computer and network-enabled transfer of
skills and knowledge. E-learning applications and processes include
Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual education
opportunities and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the
Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-
ROM. That is to say E-learning systems contain both Learning
Management System and Course management system. It can be self-
pace or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image,
animation, streaming video and audio. It is commonly thought that new
technologies can make a big difference in education. In young ages
especially, children can use the huge interactivity of new media, and
develop their skills, knowledge, and perception of the world, under
their parents' monitoring, of course.

Many proponents of e-learning believe that everyone must be equipped

with basic knowledge in technology, as well as use it as a medium to
reach a particular goal and aim. In the 20th century, we have moved
from the Industrial Age through the Information Age and now to the
Knowledge Age. Knowledge and its efficient management constitute
the key to success and survival for organizations in the highly dynamic
and competitive world of today. Efficient acquisition, storage, transfer,
retrieval, application, and visualization of knowledge often distinguish
successful organizations from the unsuccessful ones. The ability to
obtain, assimilate, and apply the right knowledge effectively will
become a key skill in the next century. Learning is the key to achieving
our full potential. Our survival in the 21first century as individuals,
organizations, and nations will depend upon our capacity to learn and
the application of what we learn to our daily lives. Elearning has the
potential to transform how and when employees learn. Learning will
become more integrated with work and will use shorter, more modular,
just-in-time delivery systems. By leveraging workplace technologies, e-
learning is bridging the gap between learning and work. Workers can
integrate learning into work more effectively because they use the same
tools and technology for learning as they use for work. Both employers
and employees recognize that elearning will diminish the narrowing
gap between work and home, and between work and learning. E-
learning is an option to any organization looking to improve the skills
and capacity of its employees. With the rapid change in all types of
working environments, especially medical and healthcare
environments, there is a constant need to rapidly train and retrain
people in new technologies, products, and services found within the
environment. There is also a constant and unrelenting need for
appropriate management and leveraging of the knowledge base so that
it is readily available and accessible to all stakeholders within the
workplace environment.

1.1 Background of Study

Background of Study E-Learning is a system is representing Biology E-
learning system for SPM students of SMK Sentul Convent. Nowadays,
there are a lot of online education systems in Malaysia. The main
purpose of those systems is to provide a better and effective way to
help students to get learning materials and information. In this project,
 a web base learning management system also known as elearning
management system will be developed for the secondary school.
Purpose of this system is to enable teachers and students access the
study materials at anytime and anywhere.

1.2 Problem Statement

With the advent in technology and with the perpetual increase in the strength
of the students and the number of departments in the educational institutions,
it is laborious to exchange the study materials between the students and the
faculties.

The main objective of the E-Learning is to help the students get over the
traditional methods of learning and make them accustomed to the internet
where the notes for their respective subjects are easily available. It provides
an automation procedure of studying the notes online. The implementation of
this project helps both the students and the teachers. The teachers can upload
their notes on to the website by using their unique ID and the students can
gain access to these notes by searching for the name of the file under their
respective department.

This project not only helps to facilitate easier access to notes for the students
but also helps cutting down on expenditure for the universities as well.
Students and Universities alike spend a considerable amount of money on
printing costs which can be prevented.

This project is implemented on Android to facilitate easier access on a

popular medium. The project uses C# to write scripts which provide the app
its functionality. Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service) is used as the cloud
storage where all the data is stored. All contents are stored in an online
database present on Amazon DynamoDB. The GUI components of the
application are developed using Unity 3D. Digital Watermarking is used to
identify original ownership of any document in the database and prevent any
plagiarism from occurring.
A test on beta version of application was carried out by taking reviews of few
students and teachers. The metrics of the application such as uploading rate,
downloading rate, time taken to search for file, time taken for authentication,
time taken for sign up have been measured and checked to ensure good
performance. To prevent copyright infringement, a system has been
implemented that imitates plagiarism checking within the Notehub server.

E-Learning is an inexpensive, efficient and comfortable way for students to

easily access notes and an easier alternative to study for exams.

1.3 Purpose 

The main objective of Learning Management Systems is to enhance the

learning process. A Learning Management System not only delivers content,
but also handles registering courses, course administration, skill gap analysis,
tracking, and reporting. Most LMSs are web based and are used in various
educational institutes and companies to improve classroom teaching, learning
methodology, and company records. They are used in various industries and
scenarios like in financial services, compliance training, computer based
training, online assessment, collaborative learning, application sharing, and
so on. Some LMSs also include a performance management system which
encompasses employee appraisal, competency management, and skill gap
analysis.

1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

E-Learning represents an innovative shift in the field of learning,
providing rapid access to specific knowledge and information. It offers
online instruction that can be delivered anytime and anywhere through
a wide range of electronic learning solutions such as Web-based
courseware, online discussion groups, live virtual classes, video and
audio streaming, Web chat, online simulations, and virtual mentoring.
E-Learning enables organizations to transcend distance and other
organizational gaps by providing a cohesive virtual learning
environment. Companies must educate and train vendors, employees,
partners, and clients to stay competitive and E-Learning can provide
such just-in-time training in a cost-effective way. Developing and
deploying effective ELearning programs may require products and
services supplied by a variety of vendors, leaving one to connect the
dots. One way to start is to define the goals of the desired learning
solution. Definition of the goals of an E-Learning solution is driven by
the following factors:  To perform task analysis Determine the tasks to
be taught, identify subtasks and other elements involved, and identify
the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to complete the tasks
efficiently and effectively. 4  To perform training needs analysis
Identify the target audience for the training. Identify the shortfall in
knowledge, skills, and attitudes of this audience and determine what the
target learners need to know.  To review existing capabilities Review
existing methods and infrastructure for providing training or meeting
learning needs.  To determine expectations Identify concrete
expectations and/or ROI requirements from the desired E-Learning
solution. The development of an E-Learning strategy begins by setting
goals. What will the E-Learning strategy accomplish? Without a true
understanding of the goals of the E-Learning strategy, it will be
difficult, if not impossible, to be successful. Before implementing E-
Learning, organizations need to set common goals or objectives.
Common goals and objectives include the following:  To reduce
learning costs As a small business owner, you know that online
transactions cost a fraction as much those requiring paper or staff. It’s
the same with E-Learning because there are no papers, no delays, and
no travel expenses. Such learning enables employees to take what they
have just learned from their computer screens and apply it to the tasks
at hand.  To motivate employees E-Learning is considered an effective
way to keep up with new technology, to generate new ideas, and to
keep your workforce fresh and inspired.  To improve flexibility of
course delivery 5 Smaller businesses don’t have the staff to manage
their training and development initiatives. ELearning technologies can
overcome these administrative restrictions 1
1.5 DELIMITATION AND SCOPE OF STUDY

Although e-Learning has many benefits for students and organizations

alike, it also has limitations  Computer literacy and access to
equipment. Any e-Learning system involves basic equipment and a
minimum level of computer knowledge in order to perform the tasks
required by the system. A student that does not possess these skills, or
have access to these tools, cannot succeed in an e-Learning program. 
Some topics are not appropriate for e-Learning. Certain subjects that
require physical exertion and practice, such as sports and
communication skills, are not good candidates for eLearning. However,
e-Learning can be a useful companion to traditional education for
teaching background and technical information.  Students themselves
can be a limitation to e-Learning. The flexibility and student-centered
nature of e-Learning requires a high level of student responsibility. A
successful e-Learning student must be well organized, self-motivated,
and have good time management skills. What you get out of an e-
Learning program is directly related to the amount of effort you put in.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF E-LEARNING SYSTEM

Technology has the power to transform education. It is essential to
bring it into the classroom to empower learning. Here are some of the
reasons (significance/importance). 1. Students need to be engaged with
what they are doing to improve learning outcomes 2. Enables students
to become thinkers/learners/risk takers in a sheltered environment. 3.
Learn not to rely on the teacher…be accountable themselves…become
independent! 4. Broadens the horizons of many students as it exposes
students to the world outside their city or country town. 5. Fits in with
Rural Education where students in small rural schools need no longer
be disadvantaged by distance and isolation, as technology allows them
to learn virtually and maintain their subject choices, allows e.g. LOTE
(languages other than English) and other specialist subjects to be taught
across schools by a virtual teacher. 6. Allows a mobile learning
environment – anywhere, anytime, anyhow.