Kuote: An Online E-learning Framework

By

Kyle Hall

Table of Contents

1. Introduction. 3

2. Review of Existing FOSS E-Learning Systems. 3

2.1. ATutor 3

2.2. Claroline. 4

2.3. Dokeos. 5

2.4. Moodle. 6

3. Methodology. 7

4. Exploring Kuote. 8

4.1. Kuote From User’s Perspective. 8

4.2. Moving Through Kuote: An Instructor’s Point of View.. 9

Logging in to Kuote. 9

Creating A Course. 9

Creating a Learning. 10

Adding Questions to a Learning. 11

Taking a Test Drive. 13

Offering a Course. 13

Offering A Learning. 14

4.3. Switching Gears: Kuote From A Student’s Perspective. 16

Enrolling in a Course Offering. 16

Taking a Learning. 17

Checking Grades. 19

4.4. The Instructors Interface: Revisited. 20

Viewing Grades. 20

Updating Courses, Learnings, and Questions. 21

5. Kuote From A Developer’s Perspective. 22

5.1. A Bird’s Eye View.. 22

Directory Structure. 22

5.2. Database Schema. 24

5.3. How Data Flows Through Kuote. 25

5.4. Design For Flexibility. 26

5.4.1. User Interface Customizability. 26

5.5. Internal Flexibility. 29

6. Conclusions. 30

6.1. Use a Version Control System. 30

6.2. Use an Object Oriented Language. 31

6.3. Use a Templating System. 31

6.4. Write for Understandability, not Speed or Cleverness. 32

6.5. Document, Document, Document. 32

6.6. Write for Future Flexibility. 33

6.7. Leverage Existing Libraries. 33

6.8. Be Careful When Choosing Libraries to Use. 34

7. Final Thoughts. 34

1. Introduction

Kuote is a simple to use, online E-learning system. E-learning is considered to be the delivery of a learning, training or educational programs by electronic means. E-learning involves the use of a computer or electronic device to provide said training, educational or learning material. Kuote is an acronym for Kuote Universal Online Tutorial/Testing Environment.

This study was based upon the concept of designing and coding an online tutorial and testing system that education professionals could use to create small tutorials with an online interactive test at the end of the tutorial. The pre-quiz tutorial could also simply be taught in class and the quiz for it is made available online. The system is primarily designed as a useful alternative to homework that would provide detailed statistics to the class’s professor, allowing the professor to improve the quality of the class through quick and detailed feedback from the students.

This project will necessitated the use of a large volume of knowledge that I have acquired from my IT classes, including the use of Network Technology, Database Management, Project Management, Information System Analysis & Design, Web Systems & Interface Design, Internet Technology, and Electronic Security.

2. Review of Existing FOSS E-Learning Systems

2.1. ATutor

ATutor is an Open Source Web-based Learning Content Management System (LCMS) designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind. Administrators can install or update ATutor in minutes, develop custom templates to give ATutor a new look, and easily extend its functionality with feature modules. Educators can quickly assemble, package, and redistribute Web-based instructional content, easily retrieve and import prepackaged content, and conduct their courses online. Students learn in an adaptive learning environment.

Pro’s:

• Easy to install.
• Templating.
• Extendable functionality.

Con’s

• Complex file structure.
• Many complex modules that are unlikely to be used, system attempts to be everything to everyone with File storage, blogs, online chat, polls, web search, RSS feeds, etc.
• Not friendly for less advanced users.

2.2. Claroline

Claroline is a free application based on PHP/MySQL allowing teachers or education organizations to create and administra