A Soa Based E-Learning System For Teaching Fundamental Information's Of Computer Science Courses

7/29/2019 A Soa Based E-Learning System For Teaching Fundamental Information's Of Computer Science Courses

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Vol 01, Issue 02, December 2012 International Journal of Web Technologyhttp://iirpublications.com ISSN: 2278-2389

Integrated Intelligent Research (IIR) 112

A SOA BASED E-LEARNING SYSTEM FOR TEACHINGFUNDAMENTAL INFORMATION'S OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

COURSES

S. Sagayaraj1, N.S. Rajalakshmi2and M. Poovizhi31& 3Department of Computer Science, Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur.

2 Department of Computer Science, D.K.M. College, Vellore

{sagi [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] }

ABSTRACT-The Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is used by system development method, and itallows system integration to become more flexible. Teaching resources of e-learning are reusable, whichis why this research employs the concept of SOA and characteristics of web services to implement an e-learning prototype system that can go across platforms. This research has developed the softwarecomponents of SOA and web service in .NET development platform. The .NET application is integratedin JAVA application even it can be integrated into the same system, and truly achieve the integration ofheterogeneous E-Learning System. This system will be simple, has open standards, has a wide range ofintegration, is highly efficient, and provides highly flexible integrated services.

Keywords: E-learning, Web Services, SOA, XML, .NET, JAVA

1. INTRODUCTIONA service is a function that is well-defined, self-contained, and does not depend on the context orstate of other services. Over time the industrystandardized on the capabilities of variousservices. A SOA is basically a collection of

services. These services have interconnectionwith each other some mechanism of connectingservices to each other is needed. Thoseconnections are Web Services. SOA isprogressively popular for building learningsystems to understand the importance ofexploiting SOA in Learning systems.Integration, interoperability, scalability, andreusability are the main for that SOA based e-learning researchers attempt to address, solve,and improve e-learning systems.

A SOA is a set of design principles used duringthe phases of system development andintegration. A deployed SOA based architectureprovides a loosely-integrated group of servicesthat can be used within multiple businessdomains. SOA defines how to integrate widelydissimilar applications for a world that is Webbased and uses multiple implementationplatforms. Service-orientation requires loosely

coupling of services with operating systems andother technologies that underlie application.

Web services are the mechanism for connectingservices programmatically and are based onstandards. Web services technology is based on

the Extensible Markup Language (XML)specifications Web Service DescriptionLanguage (WSDL), Simple Object AccessProtocol (SOAP) and Universal Description,Discovery and Integration (UDDI) and can beenhanced by more than a few additional XMLspecifications. Web services derived with thetechnical descriptions that are published bytheir providers, and that can be found and usedby potential users to invoke the services.Subscribers can compose Web services in orderto build complete applications with exact andcustomized functionality.

SOA defines three roles in services such asservice broker, service provider and servicerequester [1]:

Service broker: Plays the role of amedium for web services. It can acceptregistration requests from services


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providers, and can also process queryrequests from services requester.

Service provider: Mainly refers to thedeveloper of web service applications; itis also required to describe details of itsweb services.

Service requester: Sends requests forservices; follow-up operations includesending query and linking to the suitableweb services.

The descriptions of SOA clearly shows that,SOA has the advantage of being flexible,reusable, expandable and inter-operable, and thatit can obtain different services via web serviceprotocols to achieve a combined service systemarchitecture. E-learning is the utilization ofnetwork technology to attain the function of

passing on knowledge at anytime and anywhere.Type of learning that uses teaching material notin the conventional paper form and requires theuse of electronic equipment can be widelyreferred to as e-learning [2].

Teaching resources of e-learning are reusable,which is why this research employs the conceptof SOA and characteristics of web services toimplement an e-learning prototype system thatcan go across platforms, that is simple, has openstandards, has a wide range of integration, is

highly efficient, and provides highly flexibleintegrated services. This research does not seekto merely standardize and share teachingresources, but rather to be able to share softwarecomponents that the service provider provides.Web services view the entire Internet as onelarge platform, it uses web protocols and dataformats with open standards, such as Hypertext

Transfer Protocol (HTTP), XML and SOAP, toallow systems developed from differentprogramming languages to be used onheterogeneous platforms, and can also easily

integrate them. The cross-platform informationexchange and high expandability characteristicsof XML are also able to avoid difficulties inexchanging teaching resources betweenheterogeneous databases, which result fromdifferent database formats and architectures.

The paper begins with related work on SOAbased E-Learning system in section 2, followed

by the detailed presentation of the E-Leaningsystem in Section 3. Then, E-Leaning systemcomponents are presented in Section 4, followedby a detailed implementation of the prototypetool in section 5. The conclusion and the futureresearch avenues are discussed in Section 6.

2. RELATED WORKIn 2003 Zhengfang Xu, Zheng Yin, andAbdulmotaleb El Saddik, proposed a Webservices oriented framework that facilitatesdynamic e-Learning systems by providing acomprehensive platform in which all thesharable learning components are published,described, located and invoked in a standardizedway [3]. In 2005 Angad Grewal, Shri Rai, RobPhillips and Chun Che Fung, designed a web

service based e learning lifecycle and itsservices. This L ifecycle defines all thefunctionality needed for the interactions betweenthe service provider and the service requester,from the creation of a digital asset to thedelivery of learning resources to the learner [4].In 2005 Kai Wang, J ianming Ke andAbdulmotaleb El Saddik, proposed Webservices-based framework that provideintelligence and adaptiveness to each individuallearner for e-learning portal systems[5]. In 2006Athanasios D. Styliadis, loannis D. Karamitsos,Dimitrios I. Zachariou , proposed a personalizede-learning system which is based on GIS casefor distance learning [6].

In 2006 MihaelaDinsoreanu, loan Salomie,analyzed the distance learning domain andinvestigated the possibility to implement somee-learning services using mobile agenttechnologies. They presented a model of theStudent Assessment Service (SAS) and an agentbased framework developed to be used forimplementing specific applications [7]. In 2007Giovanni Casella, Gennaro Costagliola,

Filomena Ferrucci, Giuseppe Polese,GiuseppeScanniello, proposed web service based thinclient architecture for e- learning system thatuses Run Time Environment (RTE) in SCORMto trace learning process with a suitablemiddleware component [8]. In 2007 Moon TingSu, Chee Shyang Wong, Chuak Fen Soo, Choon

Tsun Ooi, Shun Ling Sow,developed an E-


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Learning system that uses web servicetechnologies. The objective of this study was toprovide interoperability between componentswritten and running on different hardware[9]. In2007 Panagiotis Germanakos, Nikos Tsianosl,Zacharias Lekkas, Constantinos Mourlas,

Marios Belk, George Samaras, presents asemantic-based adaptation and personalizationsystem, uses cognitive aspects as its corefiltering element. Here the focus was mainly onthe creation of a comprehensive user profilingthat combines. Parameters that analyze the mostintrinsic users' characteristics Based on the userprofile the content is adapted[10].

In 2007 K.K.Thyagharajan and Ratnamanjari,addresses the problems of automaticallyselecting and integrating appropriate learning

materials for a learner using web services basedon the learners initial knowledge, goals,preferences etc[11]. In 2007 Vincenza Carchiolo, Alessandro Longheu, Michele Malgeri,Giuseppe Mangioni, proposed an architectureorganized into four layers: a database layer tostore, share and reuse courses and teachingmaterials, an adaptation layer which allowpersonalized courses generation, a presentationlayer that arrange personalized courses intolearning paths, and an interface layer to developseveral learning interfaces[12]. In 2008 Sandra

Aguirre, Juan Quemada, Joaquin Salvachua,proposed a federated service-orientedarchitecture for e-learning based on webservice13]. In 2008 Zhifen Cheng, Guilin,P.R.China, J ia Nong proposed a methodologicalframework for the development of e-Learningsystems based on SOA and Model DrivenArchitecture (MDA) [14].

3. E-LEARNING SYSTEMSoftware components of SOA and web servicesare characterized by being reusable and

interchangeable, and are therefore able to reducewaste of educational resources, as well as lowersystem development cost. This research hasdeveloped the software components of SOA andweb service in .NET development platform andXML technologies. This is in order to constructa teaching platform with standard specification,allowing system developers to rapidly constructan e-learning system based on SOA and web

services. The .NET application is integrated intoJAVA application. It can also be integrated intothe same system, and truly achieve theintegration of heterogeneous e-learning System.

This system is useful for both Staff andStudents. Students find difficult to get proper

study guidance from staff. To address thisproblem, this SOA based e-learning systemhelps staff to upload study material, to conducttest, to announce assignment and to havediscussion forum for students.

The main objective of this research is to developa SOA Based e-learning system to be used byComputer Science Courses to support teachingand learning functions. This research uses webservice technology to construct a standardspecification teaching platform; system

functions are no longer independent, butintegrated into a single environment. Its purposeis to allow software components to be reused byother distributed architectures, and not limited tocertain operating platforms or programminglanguages, allowing even more extensiveapplications of the system developed by thisresearch. This e-learning system consists ofactivities of Computer Science (CS) department.It has announcement details which containassociation activities like sports day, teachersday, seminars, conferences. The CS department

conducts meetings for students to develop theirskills and career growth. The projects are carriedout for students to excel their intellectualgrowth. The syllabus is framed for betterknowledge of the students. The syllabus is usedby both staff and students. Time table makes thedepartment to be active and to do activities ontime. Staff profile gives clear picture about eachone in the department. The research interests ofeach staff are indicated.

The course materials are uploaded by the staff in

order to be used by students. The students gainknowledge from this course material. Teachingvideos are uploaded in the e-learning system.

The students can download it to understand theconcepts easily. The student discussion forummakes the students to share their ideas, viewsand post their questions to get more information.Online test is conducted in computer basics andprogramming language.


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The students become aware of all the basics ofcomputer. The programming language testmakes them to understand logic behind eachconcept and uplifts the weak student. The staffannounces the assignment work in e-learning

system. The assignments can be submittedthrough e-learning system. It helps the studentsto present their assignments neatly. The staffconducts two Continuous Assessment (CA)

Tests for each subject for maximum of 100marks. This e-learning system helps the staff tocompute CA, assignment and seminar marks ofeach student.

The six components developed using .NETdevelopment platform such as Computer ScienceDepartment, Course Materials, Teaching Videos,

Forum, and Online Test. The CA Markssoftware component coded using JAVA and itintegrated using .NET in the same system.

1. To create the services using SOA for allthese six components in .NET.

2. Run the web service and copy the URLof the individual services.

3. These service should be added to theadd web reference in the application.

4. The copied URL can be pasted in theweb service URL and clicks addreference to add all the available

services.5. The Web services and Discovery

Documents available on the VS.NETdeveloper machine are listed in thesystem.

6. Click the service link to browse thatservice.

When users select a system function, the systemcomponent starts to operate. The systemcomponent searches for the suitable web servicefrom service providers, service providers returnthe location of the web service in a WSDL file

to the system component, and after the systemcomponent reads the information in the WSDLfile, it then calls the web service to use anddisplays processing results on the user interface;the document is stored as a XML file in thesystem.

The SOA Based e-learning system functions areshown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - The e-learning system functions

4. E-LEARNING COMPONENTSThe system functions of e-learning represents

the six components.

4.1 CS DepartmentThe various activities performed in theComputer Science department are explained inthe following section.

4.1.1 Announcement I nformation

This section explains about the details regardingassociation activities, general instruction, projectdetails of the student.

Association function allows staffs toannounce Association information of CSdepartment. The association places onrecord the selfless service of themembers of the association who madethis academic year, very successful andfruitful. The student can view theactivities which are conducted by thedepartment.


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General Instruction function used toannounce the General instruction aboutCS department. The department canarrange the meeting for student todevelop their skills and career growth.

Project Details function allows thestudent to do their project. The project iscarried out for the students to excel theirintellectual growth. Using this systemstudent can view their results.

4.1.2 Post Announcement

This section explains about the detailsregarding syllabus, time table, staff profileand staff research area of interest.

Syllabus function allows staffs orstudents to download the syllabus from

the system. Using the syllabus the staffscan prepare their notes and questions forstudents. It is very useful for student tolearn the subject and also very useful tomake the notes.

Time Table function allows staffs to gettimetable from the system. Its veryuseful for staffs to prepare and exactlyprompt to class.

Staff Profile function allows staffs toupload there profile to the system. . It isvery useful to know the details of allstaffs in CS department. The staff canmodify and updated their profile.

Staff Research Area function allowsstaffs research areas and those areasdescriptions. The scholars can view inwhich area of research the staffscurrently involved.

4.2 Course MaterialThis section explains the course material which

can be used by staff and students. Upload Material function allows staffs

to upload course materials to the system.Each staff can upload their subjectmaterial through Power Point, PDF filesand Word files.

Download Material function allowsstaffs or students to download course

material from the system to be used forteaching or learning. The student canuse the uploaded materials for learningpurpose and they can also use thismaterial for reference.

4.3 Teaching VideosThe section explains about regarding teachingvideos to students. This video is provided bystaff.

Upload Video function allows staffs toupload teaching videos to the system forstudents to download or play online.

Download Video function allows staffsand students to download teachingvideos from the system and use them for

teaching or learning. The student canuse the uploaded video for learningpurpose and they can also use this videofor reference.

Play Video function allows studentswith enough bandwidth to directly playteaching videos online, and is notrequired to download the video first.

4.4 ForumThis section explains the interaction of students

and staff to share their ideas and views and posttheir questions.

Course Discussion function provides anarea for staffs and students to discusscourse contents and exchangeinformation. The staffs and student canshare their information by posting thequestions and in return they get differentideas.The user submitted message cancontain the user's details and the dateand time it was submitted.

4.5 Online TestThis section explains about test being conductedto students to assess their intellectual capacity.

Computers Basics function provides anonline test of the Computers Basics tounderstand how well studentsunderstand course content. Thequestions are taken from thefundamentals of computer and the


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students are asked to select the bestpossible answer out of the choices froma list.

Programming Basics function providesan online test of the Programming

Basics to understand how well studentsunderstand course contents. Thequestions are from the programmingdomain and the students are asked toselect the best possible answer out of thechoices from a list.

4.6 Assignment and ReportThis section explains about the awareness ofassignments and the students submit theirassignment in this system.

Assignment Announcement functionallows staffs to announce informationand notices related to assignments. Thestaff announces the topic forassignment.

Upload Assignment function allowsstudents to upload their assignments tothe system. Students select their topicfrom list of topics displayed.

Download Assignment function allowsstaffs to download the assignments thatstudents uploaded. Based on the

presentation and content the staffs cangive the grade.

4.7 CA MarksThis section explains about the student CAMarks and their mode of computing them bystaff.

CA function helps staffs to conduct twoCA test for each subject, the two CA testis conducted for a maximum of 100marks and computed for 10 marks.

There is no passing minimum for CA.

Assignments function allows thestudents to submit their five assignmentsand computed for 10 marks.

Seminar function allows the student topresent seminar on given topic andcomputed for 5 marks.

Total function allows staffs to computethe CA, Assignment, Seminar marks ofthe individual students.

All the important activities regarding computerscience department are planned and executed

using SOA based e-learning system. The staffand students benefit more from this system.

5. IMPLEMENTATIONProcess of SOA based e-learning system for CScourses is implemented in this research, so as tomake use of the e-learning system to improveteaching and learning functions.

5.1 Development of E-L earning SystemThe system is implemented .NET and J AVAdevelopment platforms and runs on IIS (Internet

Information Services) 7 servers. Teachingcontents of the system are mainly, thedepartment of CS courses such as introduction toprogramming languages and introduction toDatabase Management System (DBMS),Software Engineering, Operating System (OS),and Networking. The six components developedusing .NET development platform such as CSDepartment, Course Materials,

The system component searches for the suitableweb service from service providers, service

providers return the location of the web servicein a WSDL file to the system component, andafter the system component reads theinformation in the WSDL file, it then calls theweb service to use and displays processingresults on the user interface; the document isstored as a XML file in the system.

Figure 2 - Time Table


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The Figure 2 provides the time table of the CSdepartment. The CS Department menu allowsselection of time table sub menu. The time tablefor each staff is displayed in grid view. He canlook at it and prepare class in advance. It helpsthe staff to maintain the time of each class

effectively. It is very useful for staff members. The staff can select their names in

dropdown list. Click the get button. The time table will be displayed in the

grid view.

Teaching Videos menu allows for a selectingPlay Video sub menu. The play menu helps thestudents to play the videos directly and theyneed not download it. It uses effective bandwidth to play the videos easily.

Click the video file to play video. Select play video submenu Watch the video directly.

The Forum menu allows selection of coursediscussion sub menu. The students share theirideas and views in this forum. They postquestions and get proper guidance. They alsohelp each other to study well. Each idea sharedby all will give different views for sameproblem.

Click article 1 for sharing information Click new message or text message toadd a message to article 1 The form will open in that choose

message type Enter title, reply, name, email for

sending message Click add reply button.

The Online Test menu allows for a selection ofComputer Basics sub menu. The test isconducted logically so that the students becomeaware of computer fundamentals. The test

contains multiple choices of questions. When allthe questions are submitted, the result will bedisplayed immediately.

6. CONCLUSIONThis Research uses software components ofSOA and web service developed with the .NETand XML technologies to create the teachingplatform with standard condition and it allows

the developers quickly to build an E-Learningsystem based on SOA and web service. Thisresearch work has developed the softwarecomponents of SOA and web service in .NETdevelopment platform. The developedapplication is integrated in JAVA application

even it can be integrated into the same system,and truly achieving the integration ofheterogeneous E-Learning System.

In the future, the system can be integrated withwireless LAN technology so that users will beable to access the e-learning system at anytimeand anywhere using their PDA or smart phone.Furthermore, besides the .NET developmentplatform, JAVA development platform, softwarecomponents developed using AXISdevelopment platform can even be integrated

into the same system, and truly achieve theintegration of heterogeneous e-learning systemsthis is proposed for the future work.

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