Virtual Learning Center for the Faculty of Social Sciences University of Kelaniya

Abstract

This project has been developed an online learning management system for the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application consisting of various courses, which can be accessed over the Internet with features for online collaboration. Most of the LMSs are web-based and facilitate the administrators to manage the system as well as the learners to access the learning content easily. The project consists of eight software modules and embedded into a standard LMS package as a single learning management system. The standard LMS package that has been selected for this project is called moodle. The new software modules include new features and facilities for the standard LMS and they extend the pedagogical learning capabilities of the standard LMS. The new software modules are language translation module, narration service module, GIS Maps module, centralized email delivery service module, centralized results viewing service module, resource downloading service module, reports generating service module, and online user guide module. The foremost features and facilities of the final VLC are as follows. Users are capable of using the system in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages with narration, which are voice-based instructions for users. Users can see the physical orientation of the above institution by an online map and also able to download useful software resource through VLC. Students can see their overall results by login into the system. The system administrator can send email messages for any individual user or a group of users and it also produces administrative reports for the management requirements. Special events, announcements, and timetables are also able to publish on the VLC. Additional to the above new features, most of the standard LMS features like forums, lessons, chat sessions, participants, quizzes, glossaries, journals, resources, wikis, assignments, and personal profiles are also included. The evaluation process for the VLC has been conducted and it is included at the end of this dissertation. This evaluation is based on a questionnaire and conducted a quantitative evaluation on the new features and benefits with system users. The VLC has been developed using several software tools and technologies such as php, JavaScript, AJAX, MySQL, moodle, apache, Google maps API, and Dreamweaver.