a virtual learning with php programming
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A Virtual Learning with PHP Programming Language for CX232L1 Student of
A Virtual Learning with PHP Programming
ABSTRACT
The developed system (E-Learning Management System) is intended for I.T students of Technological Institute of the Philippines. It is an online tool that enables student to access lessons, take axaminations and do exercises virtually. This system includes modules for Html, Css, Php and mySql lessons. A Simulator is also included to help students understand better the lessons since they would be able to see actual output. The system serves as a new teaching approach which uses a new innovation to adopt to the needs of the student as it could be a new way to address the issue of self-paced learning.
CATEGORIES AND SUBJECT DESCRIPTORSE-Learning Management System, [Computers and Education]: Computer Uses in Education - Computer-assisted instruction (CAI).GENERAL TERMSManagement, Performance
KEYWORDSE-Learning, Distance learning, Self-Paced Learning, Interactive
1. INTRODUCTION
E-learning and computerization of many systems had come up to replace the manual systems for a more efficient and accurate computing. This cuts up tons of paper works and now mostly those records and things we wanted to see are just a few clicks away.
As with the progress of technology, computerized learning system also come into boom wherein the transfer of skills and knowledge had made easier through web-based learning and virtual classrooms. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It can be self-paced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio.1.1 TrendsThe system will introduce a new way of teaching through online access and distance learning. The system would include modules for basic and advance knowledge on PHP. The topics will be presented in a way that after the definitions and syntax there is a sample program in a code simulator and the desired output will be seen simultaneously as you edit the code, this is for the student to grasp easily what is being presented to them. The system will also be flexible as instructors will be able to add or update lessons depending on the need or innovation. A log-in feature for instructors will be provided to track improvement and record of their students. They will also be the one responsible in giving authorized access to every enrolled student to the course through a user database. At the end of every module, there are challenging exercises to assess the improvement of each student.
1.2 IssuesWith todays emerging evolution of the internet, there is also a great demand for web designers. PHP programming language is one of the most widely used programming language when it comes to web developing. With the purpose of bringing easier access to students who have the passion to create web pages, the system will be a training ground for them to enhance and develop their abilities.
Learning to develop web pages doesnt merely require creativity and graphics inclination, one must also learn the right syntax and coding to be able to come up with a good output. The study will serve as a tutorial for every student which they can access anywhere and anytime they want. Theyll be able to access lessons and navigate through them and gives them the advantage of moving through the lessons at their own pace.
1.3 ObjectivesThe main objective of this study is to create an E-Learning system for PHP Programming Language for the students of Technological Institute of the Philippines.
1.3.1 Specific Objectives
Specifically, this study aims to:
Create lessons giving students the chance to easily learn codes/syntax with the system through a code simulator.
Develop exercises to assess improvement of each student.
Create precise summary sheets of grades for students.
Design a system with the flexibility of adding and updating lessons according to the need of the students.
Develop a forum to give interaction and communication between the students and the professors.
Create a search tool for easy tracking of topics and lessons.
1.4 Contributions to Research Area / ICT
Its contribution to Research Area/ICT would be as a new research that uses a new technology to teach students virtually. It seek comparative research into the strengths and weakness of different ICT, especially the new technologies integrated with face-to-face environments, to investigate the characteristics of optimal blends for learning. 2. RELATED WORKSIn this chapter, the study presents related information that was useful for the development of the study. The literature and studies presented were used in the assessment of the system
2.1.1 Local Literature
E-Learning is a revolutionary standard shift in the field of learning that provides rapid access to specific knowledge and information through the computer. It offers online instruction that can be delivered anytime and anywhere through a wide range of electronic learning solutions such as Web-based courseware, discussion groups, live virtual classes, video and audio, Web chat, simulations and mentoring. It enables organizations to transcend distance and other organizational gaps by providing a cohesive virtual learning environment. Educating and training vendors, employees, partners and clients is essential for competitiveness, and e-learning can provide them just in time and in a cost-effective way. The key component of E-learning includes learning management systems, learning content management system, and collaboration.[1]Albert Cruz of Armatech Convergence, March 2011E-learning creates flexible learning opportunities for students. As a student, e-learning allows you to complete courses of your choice from home or work without physically attending lecture rooms. Through e-learning, you are able to select courses of your choice whenever needed and learn at your own pace. This enables you to actively pursue other areas of interest to you, rather than sit through lectures aimed at the whole group. E-learning also allows you to focus on the courses you need and skip the ones you dont need or have no interest in. [2] http://articlime.com/article083663-benefits-online-training.html, February 8, 20112.1.2 Foreign LiteratureE-learning courses are usually tailored to meet the different demands that are entailed within an online learning community. You are usually free to study at your own time and pace, so you have the opportunity to complete your chosen course quickly or as slowly as you want. There are no travel costs involved with online education and no travel time whatsoever. The only time you will need to dedicate to your learning will be the time you spend studying and any trips to the library or other institution you may need. Many jobs and careers demand a good working know-ledge of the Internet, and by completing your course online you are already many steps closer to that end. You will have excellent knowledge on Internet research; always being able to find the information that is useful to you. [3] E-Learning: Why choose online education? By John Thompson, July 07, 2005The fabulous success of the Internet, not just as a communications or educational tool, but as a business tool, has led to wide and quick adoption of interoperable infrastructures and platforms that facilitate and enhance the value of the Web. Although late to the game, learning technologies will be integrated into our networks and applications to a point where they will be taken for granted. Then, learning and performance professionals will once again be able to focus on designing and delivering new and innovative solutions that are more efficient and effective than we have today.While traditional e-learning and associated technologies are important, practitioners have often been too quick to embrace them, especially to solve current problemsa"cure all" mentalitywithout considering what future challenges and consequences might be. We should think of e-learning and learning technology as enablers, not as a strategy. Its the highway, not the destination; the means rather than the ends. [4] E-Learning: Strategies for Delivering Knowledge in the Digital Age, Marc J. Rosenberg, Ph.D, March 2006
2.2 Related Studies
2.2.1 Local Studies
Miriam College e-Learning System (MCELS)
Miriam College E-Learning System is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) designed for students enrolled in the Institution. Miriam College implements a Blended e-Learning approach where students will have the opportunity for both face to face learning as well as online distance learning. It is open to all students enrolled in the various Units of Miriam College. The Institution makes use of the blended learning approach for teaching and learning. Every Courses for students enrolled in the Institution will have the opportunity to enjoyclassroom teaching and distance learning instruction through their Learning system that is accessible only for them. [5] http://mc-elearning.mc.edu.ph/, accessed May 21, 2011Yapster e-learning is the countrys leading e-learning provider with a growing library of over 1,500 courses on business and IT. They are offering courses from global accredited vendors, Yapster e-learning assures their customers of updated and globally accepted learning and training key in ensuring that the Filipino is at par with its international peers.
Ednas School is innovating its curriculum with the inclusion of over 1,000 e-learning licenses on offer this school year in its campuses in Dagupan, Pangasinan and San Carlos, Pangasinan.It remains in the forefront of Philippine education and is now the first school in the country to implement e-learning to students as young as Grade 4 students and the first in the North to adopt e-learning technology into its curriculum.Included in its subscription will be basic IT courses and programming languages which are to be offered to students in the elementary and high school levels.These courses are recognized by inter-nationally accredited vendors such as Microsoft. Basic IT courses will cover Introduction to Computer and Information Technology, Operating Systems and Data Filing, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation, and the Internet. Given the content accreditation of Yapster e-learning?s courses and their success with so many academic institutions, it was a natural choice for Ednas School to partner with Yapster E-Learning. [6] School signs up with Yapster's e-Learning by Edu H. Lopez, Manila Bulleting, August 20, 20032.2.2 Foreign StudiesLearning Nihongo is a requirement among Filipino caregivers and nurses wishing to work in Japan under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement on the Movement of Natural Persons Employment Scheme. The role of professional caregivers has increased in significance due to the increasing aging population, including in Japan. Japan is the Philippines' second largest trading partner as well as the second largest foreign investor in the Philippines. It also remains the largest donor of official development assistance for the Philippines. On this account, the E-Learning facility pegged by the Japanese Embassy to enhance the capability of Filipinos wanting to learn the Japanese language. the facility is expected to upgrade the teaching capability of NCFI and make Japanese language learning more accessible to students with various needs. The facility will take advantage of advances in technology to reach out to a greater number of Filipinos who wish to learn Nihongo. [7] Japan opening e-learning Nihongo studies by Czarina Nicole Ong, J
3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The system is a solution in the field of education to make teaching more effective and efficient. At the same time giving opportunity for the students to rewind those topics which they were able to miss or did not understand. Students who are enrolled with the Object Oriented Programming subject will have their own account, they will need to register first using their own student ID. They will then have access to the modules included in the system and can only take an assessment after each module. This study will use the following software: PHP Programming Language is one of the well known tool for designing web pages. This will be use to code the entire system. Adobe Flash is a multimedia platform in creating interactivity and animation within web pages. This will be use in illustrating the code simulator described herein. This will also be use in animating texts and or images to give a good design for this study. Adobe Fireworks is considered as one of the best tool for graphics and image editing. This will be use in creating highly optimized images that will be use to illustrate the lessons that will be presented in this proposed system. Adobe Dream weaver is the leading web editing software that provides both visual and code-level capabilities. This will be the tool to be use to lay-out and create the system. XAMPP Server is a free and open source cross-platform web server solution stack package, consisting of the Apache HTTP Server, MySQL database, and interpreters for scripts written in the PHP. This will be platform use to run the system. 4. METHODS
This chapter shows the System Development Technique used in the development of the system. Moreover, Data Flow Diagram, Entity Relationship Diagram, Hierarchical Input Process Output, Database Design and Data Dictionary were also presented to explain the flow of the system.
System Development Technique
4.1 System Architecture User management:
Each user is identified with a user type which categorizes their roles and are assigned with distinct privileges. The roles includes the administrator, professor, student., and guess
Collaboration service:
It provides communication among the users. It includes messaging, chat, file sharing and announcement.
Event Management:
It serves as a notification or a reminder for students about school activities and some announcements.
4.2 Planning/Initial Study
The initial studys main aim is to recognize why is there a need to propose and execute an online system for virtual learning for PHP. The researchers has to attend and look answers for the questions such as what can be added to the system to make it unique from other resources or tools online? How can the researchers integrate the flow of the system to make it interactive and easy to understand? After indentifying the above needs, further analysis is done. Hardware interface, people and resources should also be taken into consideration. The researchers also study the software requirement for the system. As part of this phase, researchers have discussed, planned and tackled out the things that need to be done in the realization of the system.
4.3 LMS Analysis and Design
This phase includes the requirement needed which describes the processes and transactions involved within the system. The processes that needs to be done in order to identify those are requirement analysis, problem analysis and logical design. In order to clearly see the infrastructure of the system, a graphical representation through a logical design is made to show and illustrate the entities, relationships, rules and processes.
4.3.1 Logical Framework
Figure 4 Logical framework of a Learning Internet Layer 1 The user access is the log in area that allows users to access the system according to their access level. A particular access level determines the privileges that a user may access. Layer 2 Common Services describes the processes such as user management, collaboration (synchronous and synchronous) and event management. The user management identifies the roles and privileges of users. These roles are admin, professor, student and guess.
Layer 3 Learning Service includes learning content management system, learning management system, assessment and learning administration. The LCMS allows inputs to be stored into the database for the lessons in order to be edited, updated or deleted. The professor is allowed to add and edit lesson into the database.
The LMS let the professors to monitor assigned sections and students. It is also capable of generating reports of their students activities. As for the project, the professor sees the progress of students.
The Learning Administration it allows the access to the backend management such as the students, professors and other resources. For the project, it is the administrator that has the access to the systems database and the capability of backing up databases files.
Layer 4 Database, allows relational databases using the SQL. For the project, the backend used is XAMPP and the researchers use PHP as its scripting language. 4.3.2 Context Diagram
Figure 4.3.2.1The diagram illustrates how the information flows within the system. It starts when the student logs in. Information about them is entered through a registration for m. After the registration, they are now ready to log in in the system and takes the lessons, after each lesson, students are prompt to take seatworks before taking up the quizzes and examinations. Scores are being save into the database for reports generation use by the professors to evaluate the students.4.3.3 Diagram 0
Figure 4.3.3.1 Diagram 0This diagram describes the whole process within the system. It starts when the admin access the system. Professor and Students will have the registration first. When log in, students are able to view and take lessons and other activities included in the system. After each lessons, students need to take up the seatwork, quizzes and examinations. Their score are automatically computed and saved in a database for report generation use by the professors to evaluate the performance of the students. Reports are also individually displayed into each students account.
4.3.4 Input Process Output
Figure 4.3.4.1The diagram above shows the complete process taken by the researchers in completing the system. It describes the needed requirements before developing the system, these includes knowledge, software and hardware requirement.
4.3.5 Hierarchical Input Process Output of Professor
Figure 4.3.5.1
This shows the HIPO of the developed system. It displays the content used in developing the system. And also it illustrates the modules that can be accessed by the professor.4.3.6 Hierarchical Input Process Output of Student
Figure 4.3.5.1This shows the HIPO of the developed system. It displays the content used in developing the system. And also it illustrates the modules that can be accessed by the students.
4.4.6 Hierarchical Input Process Output of Admin
Figure 4.4.6.1
This shows the HIPO of the developed system. It displays the content used in developing the system. And also it illustrates the modules that can be accessed by the admin.Table Name : USERS
NameNull?Type
User_idNot NullInt
User_nameVarchar(25)
PasswordVarchar(25)
First_nameVarchar(25)
Middle_nameVarchar(25)
Last_nameVarchar(25)
Level_of_AccessVarchar(25)
Table Name : ADMIN
NameNull?Type
Adm_IDNot NullInt
Adm_FnameNot NullVarchar(25)
Adm_LnameNot NullVarchar(25)
Adm_ContactInt
Table Name: PROFESSOR
NameNull?Type
Prof_IdNot NullInt
Prof_FnameNot NullVarchar(25)
Prof_LnameNot NullVarchar(25)
Prof_SectionInt
Prof_ContactInt
Table Name: STUDENTS
NameNull?Type
Stud_IDNot NullInt
Stud_fnameNot NullVarchar(25)
Stud_mnameNot NullVarchar(25)
Stud_lnameNot NullVarchar(25)
Stud_sectionInt
Stud_profVarchar(25)
Stud_emailVarchar(25)
PSeatwork_ScoreInt
PQuiz_Scoreint
PExam_ScoreInt
MQuiz_ScoreInt
MExam_ScoreInt
FQuiz_ScoreInt
FExam_ScoreInt
Table Name: SECTIONS
NameNull?Type
Section_IDNot NullInt
Section _CapacityNot NullInt
Section_SchedVarchar(25)
Table Name: LESSONS
NameNull?Type
Lesson_IDNot NullInt
Lesson_TitleNot NullVarchar(25)
ChapterVarchar(25)
ContentVarchar(25)
SyntaxVarchar(25)
Date_CreatedDate
Table Name: SEATWORK
NameNull?Type
Seatwork_IDNot NullInt
Seatwork_TitleNot NullVarchar(25)
Seatwork_ContentVarchar(25)
Seatwork_ScoreInt
Table Name: QUIZZES
NameNull?Type
Quiz_IDNot NullInt
Quiz_TitleNot NullVarchar(25)
Quiz_ContentVarchar(25)
Quiz_ScoreInt
Table Name: EXAMS
NameNull?Type
Exam_IDNot NullInt
Exam_TitleNot NullVarchar(25)
Exam_ContentVarchar(25)
Exam_ScoreInt
Table Name : REPORTS
NameNull?Type
Rep_IDNot NullInt
Student_pattendanceint
PSeatwork_ScoreInt
PQuiz_ScoreInt
PExam_ScoreInt
Student_IDNot NullInt
Student_mattendanceInt
MSeatwork_ScoreInt
MQuiz_ScoreInt
MExam_ScoreInt
Student_fattendanceInt
FSeatwork_ScoreInt
FQuiz_ScoreInt
FExam_ScoreInt
Prof_IDNot NullInt
Table Name: ANNOUNCEMENTS
NameNull?Type
Ann_IDNot NullInt
Ann_titleNot NullVarchar(25)
Ann_DateDate
Ann_ContentVarchar(25)
Table Name: FORUMS
NameNull?Type
Forum_IDNot NullInt
Forum_TitleNot NullVarchar(25)
Forum_ContentVarchar(25)
User_IDNot NullInt
User_NameNot NullVarchar(25)
Table Name: CHAT
NameNull?Type
Chat_IDNot NullInt
Chat_ContentVarchar(25)
User_IDNot NullInt
User_NameNot NullVarchar(25)
Table Name: DOCUMENTS
NameNull?Type
File_NameNot NullVarchar(25)
Date_UploadedDate
User_IDNot NullInt
User_NameNot NullVarchar(25)
4.4 ProgramIn completion of the system, the researchers have use variety of applications to fulfil the systems objectives. The whole system design and scripts are all hard coded through the use of KOMODO. To run and test PHP scripts, a third party software XAMMP is used. For the database, the researchers have use MYSQL. A Microsoft video player is also integrated to play multimedias uploaded in the system.4.5 Development
In the Development phase, the planned system is transformed into a working application. The Developing Phase involves more than code development and software developers. The infrastructure is also developed during this phase and all roles are active in building and testing the functions of the system. The team continues to identify all risks throughout the phase and address new risks as they emerge.4.5 Demonstration and Usability TestTesting can be stated as the process of validating and verifying that a computer program/application meets the requirements that guided its design and development, works as expected and can be implemented with the same characteristics. After the system has been coded, computer programs are available that can be executed for testing phases. A primary purpose of testing is to detect failures so that defects may be discovered and corrected. Testing cannot establish that a product functions properly under all conditions but can only establish that it does not function properly under specific conditions. The scope of testing often includes examination of code as well as execution of that code in various environments and conditions as well as examining the aspects of code: does it do what it is supposed to do and do what it needs to do. In the current culture of software development
4.5.1 Functional Testing
System functions are tested by feeding them input and examining the output, and internal program structure is rarely considered. Since this is an online system, it has been tested in different web browser to see the output. It was testedon Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer. As for the results, the GUI of the system works best in Mozilla FIrefox. The tests returned good results which showed that the system works the way it is expected.
4.5.2 Usability Testing
In usability testing, several people are invited to test the finish application. This is to check or measure the usability or ease of use of the system. The test confirmed some errors on labeling, with this regard, suggestions were carefully collected and examined, thus replacing some of the labels use into a more easy to understand one. It focused on the students taking on the lessons and exams and returning the right results. For the professors, the areas of adding and editing of lessons exercises and quizzes was tested and results are all working fine.4.6 Implementation
In the Implementation phase, the realization of an application, or execution of the system was done. Basic training are provided and installation and actual running of the system takes place.5. CONCLUSION
E-learning Management System is a very helpful tool to be used to improve traditional way of teaching in a classroom environment. With this system, they can learn easily through their own efforts with the aid of the system online. It help builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning. Learners can test out of or skim over materials already mastered and concentrate efforts in mastering areas containing new information and/or skills. And also it will help develops knowledge of the Internet and computers skills that will help learners throughout their lives and careers.6. FUTURE WORKS
For future works on A Virtual Learning with PHP Programming Language so that it will be more effective, some features maybe added such as what listed below:Future researchers may add other programming languages on the system so that that is not only exclusive for HTML and PHP learners but it will extend widely to those for would want to learn other programming languages. 7. RECOMMENDATION
The researchers highly recommend the system for the IT students taking up Object Oriented Programming. This will serve as their starting training ground for webpage development as it discusses basic internet skills up to more in depth programming which uses Php. It is also recommended to IT professors as a tool to new teaching approach which uses a new innovation to adopt to the needs of the students as it could be a new way to address the issue of self-paced learning.
8. REFERENCES
[1]Albert Cruz of Armatech Convergence, March 2011
[2]http://articlime.com/article083663-benefits-online-training.html, February 8, 2011
[3] E-Learning : Why choose online education? By John Thompson, July 07, 2005
[4] E-Learning: Strategies for Delivering Knowledge in the Digital Age, Marc J. Rosenberg, Ph.D, March 2006
[5] http://mc-elearning.mc.edu.ph/, accessed May 21, 2011
[6] School signs up with Yapster's e-Learning by Edu H. Lopez, Manila Bulleting, August 20, 2003
[7] Japan opening e-learning Nihongo studies by Czarina Nicole Ong, JMorco, Roselia C.Technological Institute of the Phililippines Quezon City
Adviser
Ancheta, DesharimeehTechnological Institute of the Phililippines Quezon City
(0927)3790071
Rosmina Joy CabauatanTechnological Institute of the Phililippines Quezon City
Research In-charge
Cabrera, KarenTechnological Institute of the Phililippines Quezon City
(0993)4902620
Samonte, Jayvee Technological Institute of the Phililippines Quezon City
(0935)3305360