DEVELOPMENT OF A DISTANCE LEARNING SYSTEM BASED ON SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORK MODEL

ABSTRACT

This project focused on the development of a social network based distance learning (e- learning)   system.   Various   existing   distance   learning   programmes   were   thoroughly investigated and inherent problems identified. A more robust and better approach is proffered using the social network model. The unification of these systems will be made feasible by integrating social network such as skype and facebook with distance learning (e-learning) protocols. A video based Learning Management System (LMS) and a  computer base training (CBT) is utilized to provide a teaching and learning environment.  The methodology used in this research is Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD). The system is implemented using HTML and PHP as front-end and MySQL for the back-end. The system was tested and it meet the specification of the design as students can interact with their tutor, each other in a collaborative form.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background of Study

Online learning has become extremely popular with the advent of internet and web applications. It removes the traditional boundaries of time and location to offer an individual the flexibility not often found in other academic situations.  It is not required of the learner to be in a physical classroom and can set his/her own pace and choose the most convenient time and place to study.

Classes designated as online are delivered to students worldwide via the internet and requires that student have access to an adequately equipped desktop computer or laptop higher internet connectivity is preferred and is required in several programs.

Distance learning (DL) systems are usually put in place to provide more structured learning, as well as a  means for  instructors or other  interested parties to  track learning progress.    It  is  an  instructional delivery system  that  connects  learners  with  educational resources.  DL provides educational access to learners not enrolled in educational institutions and augments learning opportunities of current students.   The implementation of DL is a process to incorporate emerging technologies.  In distance learning programs the equivalent hours per unit of instruction or module for a comparable classroom courses are determined. In order to gain credit and average daily attendance (a.d.a.) the distance learning student must complete a unit of instruction and then pass a comprehension test or exercise before the a.d.a is claimed, and the student advances to the next assignment.  This outcomes based module rewards students performance, not the amount of time a student spend in a seat.

In the light of the above, there are two distance education delivery system categories, synchronous and asynchronous.    Synchronous instruction requires the simultaneous participation of all students and instructors.  The advantage of synchronous instruction is that interaction is done in “real time” and has an immediacy.   Examples includes interactive telecourses, teleconferencing and web conferencing and internet chats.

Asynchronous  instruction  does  not  require  the  simultaneous  participation  of  all students and instructors.  Students do not need to be gathered together in the same location at the same time.  Rather students may choose their own instructional time frame and interact with the learning materials and instructor according to their schedules.   Asynchronous instruction is more flexible than synchronous instruction, but experience shows that time limit are necessary to maintain focus and participation.   The self-paced format accommodates multiple learning levels and schedules.  Examples of asynchronous delivery include e-mail, list serves, audio cassette courses, video-tapped courses, correspondence courses and WWW- based courses.

Social media such as Skype, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Youtube, Linkedln etc are gaining momentum among people who would like to stay connected with one another. These sites allow individuals to build communities. In these communities, individuals meet each other, make friends, share information, interest and activities. [1]  defined social media as a group of internet based applications that is built on the ideological and technological foundations of web 2.0 and that allows the creation and exchange of user generated content.

To this end, social media network is the use of internet based programs to make connections with friends, families, classmates, customers and clients.  Social media network

can be done for social purposes, business purposes and academic purposes.   The program show the association between individuals and facilitate the acquisition of new contacts.

Distance learning (e-learning) comprises all  forms of electronically or technically supported teaching and learning.

1.1 Statement of Problem

Many  organizations  and   institutions  provide   different   forms  of  training   and instructions  for  their  employees or  learners.  Typically,  they provide  needed  training  by sending their employees to school, seminars, conferences, holding in- house training classes, or  providing  manuals  and  self  –study  guides.  Some  of  the  problems  encountered  by employees who desire to study outside their immediate environment includes:

i)   The time involved in embarking on academic trips.

ii)  The cost of financing academic programme outside their place of work or residence.

iii) The fear of losing managerial positions if needed to leave the office for studies outside their working place.

It is based on these premises that the researcher intends to proffer solution to the above stated problems and to provide learners with a self paced electronic learning module that allows learners to work at their own convenience.

1.2  Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to develop a social network based distance learning system. The specific objectives are to;

(i)  Develop an architectural frame work for building LMS and video CBT into skype and possibly other social networks.

(ii)  Develop application software, this integrates Skype, facebook, LMS and video CBT

in distance learning systems.

1.3 Significance of the Study

Since distance learning which is also known as e-learning is essentially the computer and network enabled transfer of skills and knowledge, the significance of this study are to;

(i)  Provide new opportunities for students to interact online using their computers and mobile phones to enhance their knowledge academically.

(ii) Enhance globalization since one can log on and learn from any part of the world thereby sharing interests.

(iii) The research will serve as a reference material to other scholars who would like to research further on the topic.

1.4  Scope and Limitation of the Study

This research work focuses on developing a distance learning system based on skype social network media and facebook with e–learning protocols. The implementation of this system is made possible by setting and hosting of a site which is only feasible to skype and facebook users. Other aspect of Social Network could not fully be integrated because of time and cost.

1.5 Definition of Terms

Distance learning (e-learning) comprises all  forms of electronically or technically supported teaching and learning.

Social Media: Is a group of internet based applications that is built on the ideological and technological foundations of web 2.0 and that allows the creation and exchange of user generated content.

Skype Social Media Network:This  is also an internet telephony service provider that offers free calling between computers and individuals at low cost to anyone, anywhere in the world that is on skype.   You can use skype to chat with other people, send files, make conference calls, video calls and more all over the internet.

Facebook: Is a social media network originally designed for college students but is now open to any other thirteen (13) years of age or older.   Facebook users can create and customize their own profiles with photos, videos and information about themselves.  Friends can browse the profile of other friends and write messages on their walls.

Social network model: Is a data based model conceived as a flexible way of representing object and their relationships.   It defines a set of network layers and how they interact.

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