CHAPTER
ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
E-learning
refers to electronic learning, it is the acquisition of knowledge and skill
using electronic technologies such as computer and internet based courseware
and local and wide area networks.
Distance learning is one of the most dramatic
technology-based changes occurring in education today. Communication technology
enables learners to receive instruction despite geographic and time disparities
that would make traditional classroom instruction impossible.
Distance instruction is learner-centered—that is, it enables
learners to tailor the instruction that they are receiving to meet their
individual needs. Some distance programs use print media, some use
telecommunications, and many use both, but geographic and time separation of
the student and the teacher is a fundamental characteristic of distance
education. Multimedia instruction with networked computers, video systems, or
television may be used to connect the local classroom to learners at a
distance. Satellite, compressed video, and fiber-optic systems are increasingly
used for same-time, different-place education. This approach is also called synchronous
distance learning. Students can also learn at different times and in different
places. This approach is called asynchronous distance learning.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Early e-learning systems, based on
Computer Based Learning/Training often attempted to replicate autocratic
teaching styles whereby the role of the e-learning system was assumed to be for
transferring knowledge, as opposed to systems developed later based on Computer Supported Collaborative
Learning (CSCL), which encouraged the shared development of
knowledge.
As early as 1993, Graziadei William described
an online computer-delivered lecture, tutorial and assessment project using
electronic mail, two VAX Notes conferences and Gopher/Lynx together with
several software programs that allowed students and instructor to create a
Virtual Instructional Classroom Environment in Science (VICES) in Research,
Education, Service & Teaching (REST). In 1997 Graziadei, W. et al,
published an article entitled Building Asynchronous and Synchronous Teaching-Learning
Environments: Exploring a Course/Classroom Management System Solution. They
described a process at the State
University of New York (SUNY) of evaluating products and developing
an overall strategy for technology-based course development and management in
teaching-learning. The product(s) had to be easy to use and maintain, portable,
replicable, scalable, and immediately affordable, and they had to have a high
probability of success with long-term cost-effectiveness. Today many
technologies can be, and are, used in e-learning, from blogs
to collaborative software, e-Portfolios, and virtual classrooms. Most e-learning
situations use combinations of these techniques.
1.2
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Looking around students especially tertiary
education suffers a lot of setbacks in external exams due to the primitive
nature of teaching system which they receive. They don’t have access to global
information hence lacks a huge knowledge of what is obtainable in the society, the
library is not equipped with good books and at the same time they don’t have
access to internet.
The rate of examination malpractice
has increased and attention must be given fast to it before it ruins the
education system of the country.
Also, distance is a barrier to some
people who seek to be educated.
1.3 OBJECTIVES
OF THE STUDY
1. To
provide alternative way of attaining education
2. To
implement a system which reduces examination malpractices
3. To
facilitate the development of information technology
4. To
enhance examination and certification of students thereby improving
the standard of education.
5. To
reveal the use and technology of wireless network to the user.
1.4
SIGNIFICANCE
OF THE STUDY
E-learning can provide benefits for the organ
