Chapter 1.5 - e-Learning Environment Needs Analysis

C. Technology Analysis In this analysis, technical issues important for the e-Learning resource are analyzed. Technical constraints like available technology infrastructure for Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and electricity. To design instructions that fit the infrastructure like bandwidth problems, limitations of computers, software availability, and delivery methodologies. Technology analysis is very important for this research due to many technological problems that some geographical regions may face. There are many commercially and free software in the market to be used for the e-Learning system but using them depends on the financial status, technological infrastructure that exist, if can support and if suitable in your context.

The issue of using proprietary packages (Licensed Softwares) is out of question due to some reasons include the license cost and also the software incompatibility. Most of the commercial packages have high initial cost and high running cost (license). Many of them are developed in different context and user target group so most likely may not fit in some environment. So this is necessary to draft those technology needs and cost factors during this analysis phrase. There are also many Open Source Softwares (OSS) platforms which can be used in place and can reduce the cost of total budget.

The compromise between the two extremes (Commercial and OSS) can be reached depending on the technological advancement that exists. The technology analysis resulted in opting for OSS LAMP environment (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP environment) and the use of web based technologies. With the use of OSS, customization is possible. Customization is a necessary step in this research due to a number of reasons including; looking for timely solution as the study has limited time span, starting building the platform from scratch is possible but takes very long time to be accomplished and put into operation. In the process of customization, so far two open source platforms have been identified to work with and these are “Moodle” and “Claroline” Platforms. LAMP has three basic components i.e. Apache, MySQL and PHP required in the development of the e-Learning system.

The face-to-face environment will make use of the relevant technologies involved in the preparation of content for e-learning (namely, MOODLE, the e-learning platform that supports the course), MindManager for e-course and e-content planning, the Learning Authoring Tool and the Open Educational Resources Tool).

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