ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. 1. Background of the Study

One of the most essential activities in the current knowledge-based economy, which is characterized by information age, globalization, knowledge acquisition and transfer, and the information and communication technology revolution. Globalization requires new methods of knowledge acquisition and to convey new skills and tools. The traditional learning context is experiencing radical changes and challenges. There are often occasions when people want to learn exactly what they are interested in or what they need to learn, without time and location boundaries. Learners are demanding for better and improved access and convenience at the lower costs and with the direct application of contents to their working environment and needs. Mobile technology is introducing new approaches to learning due to the features that are defined by a number of characteristics. They support learning activities that need just-in-time (JiT) and true learning on demand (Adam et al., 2017).

The use of computing technology for learning has been observed in various ways. In the past few decades, electronic learning or eLearning had been adopted and used by public schools and university students in many parts of the world. They were familiar with both the e-learning terminology and technology but in recent years, the rapid progress in mobile technology has created a new area, which is known as mobile learning technology. Mobile learning is the next generation of eLearning that are based on mobile devices (Sharples, 2015).

As technology keeps growing and expanding, mobile users need to benefit from these growth and development. The growth rate of mobile computing cannot be clearly stated as lots of developers are working every day to enhance and increase that power. On the other hand, there is a massive need of more programmers across the whole globe. Traditionally, learning of programming is only open for users of PC, Apple, etc. That means, if you cannot afford a PC or do not have access to one you cannot learn programming. But leveraging the advancement of mobile computing, learning of programming can be done on mobile devices, making the learning process affordable and accessible to every smartphone user (Luka et al., 2019).

The research work aims at developing a mobile application that will help educators in teaching programming and the learners also in learning the basics of python programming. Despite the popularity of languages such as Java, C and C++, there has been much debate about the suitability of these languages for education, especially when introducing programming to a novice. This is because these languages have not been designed specifically for educational purpose. Therefore, the research work uses the Python programming language which is more in the research which has been specifically designed for educational purpose (Nicholas et al., 2015).

1.2     Statement of the Problem

The world has experienced a massive growth in technology. As Information Technology is making a great influence in the society, the demand for programmers world-wide is increasing. However, learning programming can be difficult and frustrating. This is either from deciding which language to learn first or getting the necessary resources needed or even understanding the language itself. Thus, the need for a mobile based learning platform for python programming, which a promising and easy programming language to learn in this era.

1.3     Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this research work is to Design and Implement a Web based e-learning for python programming language.

The objectives include the following;

i. To design an Android Based e-learning for python programming language using Unified Model Language (UML) controls.

ii. To implement the system in (i) using PHP programming on a web platform.

iii. To test the system implemented in (ii) for errors and bugs.

iv. enable an easy access to the learning of python programming language.

1.4     Significance of the Study

This research work is meant to design a web based e-learning for python programming language, which will aid student and individuals wanting to learn python programming language, ease of access to a learning platform on their mobile device, at the convenience of whatever location they find themselves as long as they have their mobile device with them.

1.5     Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is limited to the learning of python programming language. This is due to its simplicity and English like code syntax. The study will cover the basic syntax structure and variable declarations among others.

1.6     Limitation of the Study

The researcher faced some limitations during the course of this research. Some of this limitations/constraint includes;

i. Time constraint: Time factor was the major factors as the timeframe to submit the project was too short for a rigorous research.

ii. Financial constraint:  Lack of adequate finance to fund the researcher as to visit many places was another major setback.

1.7     Definition of Terms

Computer programming: Computer programming is the process of designing and building an executable computer program to accomplish a specific computing result or to perform a specific task

Database: A database is an organized collection of data, generally stored and accessed electronically from a computer system. Where databases are more complex, they are often developed using formal design and modeling techniques.

E-learning:  eLearning, or electronic learning, is the delivery of learning and training through digital resources. Although eLearning is based on formalized learning, it is provided through electronic devices such as computers, tablets and even cellular phones that are connected to the internet.

Information System: An information system (IS) is a formal, sociotechnical, organizational system designed to collect, process, store, and distribute information. In a sociotechnical perspective, information systems are composed by four components: task, people, structure (or roles), and technology.

Web-based: apps designed to run on web browsers.

Python Programming: Python is an interpreted high-level general-purpose programming language. Python's design philosophy emphasizes code readability with its notable use of significant indentation

Software: These are set of instructions that are designed to solve a specific problem. Software is made up of data and instructions. There are two categories of software; System software and Application software.

System: A system is a set of detailed methods, procedures and routines created to carry out a specific activity, perform a duty, or solve a problem

Unified Modeling Language: The Unified Modeling Language is a general-purpose, developmental, modeling language in the field of software engineering that is intended to provide a standard way to visualize the design of a system.