EB Learn

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A web-based fully client customisable online e-learning solution providing dedicated zones for administration, faculty and students.

How EBLearn got started

The first version of EBLearn was developed early in 2003 for the world renowned lateral thinker Dr. Edward de Bono. Due to bandwidth restrictions, the initial version was based on the utilization of 4-5 minute audio visual clips, to minimize download times.

The system was modified extensively in subsequent years, with version releases in 2006 and 2009 as bandwidth and web functionality improved. Included in these updates where additional features for course management and member registration were added.

In 2010, E-Business Systems carried out a major overhaul of the entire e-learning platform, and utilizing an open source core, re-developed the system to provide the particular functionalities of the previous versions of EBLearn with additional functionality primarily in content delivery, user collaboration, video conferencing and social media interfaces.

By late 2010 E-Business Systems entered into a joint project with a Maltese Institute for the development of two customized E-Learning based programmes for the International Market. The project was mainly funded by the EU. E-Business Systems amply proved their worth in this project by developing the customized e-learning solutions and handling all the recording and digitization of the course content material within the specified time frames. In addition, E-Business Systems co-ordinated and supervised the translation of all documents and also the production of voice-overs of the audio visual content. E-Business Systems were able to meet their full obligations within the stipulated timeframes, despite the various system changes that were requested in the final stages of the project to better meet with additional requirements of the ever changing market. Following this success, a range of programmes are being launched for the local market based on the use of the EBLearn platform and it associated services.

The EBLearn multi-service provider platform currently offers registered users a choice of two e-programmes run by CREDAL Business Consulting, namely, the Executive Development Programme and the Director Development Programme. Each Programme comprises a number of courses which in turn are made up of modules. Each module in turn is composed of segments which comprise a fifteen minuted audio-visual presentation and the related support materials. In addition to these Self-Learn lements, EBLearn provides a number of Collaborative Learning elements which include dedicated fora, conference calling, wiki section, etc. CBC has an active e-course development programme and seeks to double the current e-content material on the EBLearn platform by June 2012.

General System Overview

E-business Systems offers various alternatives for the development and operation of customized on-line courses, these can be summarized as follows:

1. Creation of dedicated client gateway off the multi-service provider EBLearn portal page which will include a dedicated login page to the client’s Content. This login page can be customized to allow for the proper development of the client’s logo and image.
2. Provision of a best-of-breed e-learning platform with state-of-the art functionalities and utilities.
3. Access to standard e-learning programmes which can be used as a basis for in-house training and development programmes or to supplement customized in-house training materials. The EBLearn platform currently offers a choice of two e-programmes, namely, the Executive Development Programme and the Director Development Programme. Each Programme currently comprises four courses each with two modules. Programmes can be subscribed to in whole, or users can select particular courses or modules in an e-programme. This provides extreme flexibility when the content material is being integrated by clients into customized in-house training programmes.
4. Access to customised e-learning programmes which will be developed by EBS and its partner CBC in close co-operation with the client to ensure a close fit between the theory of the concepts being proposed and their application at the place of work. Such close collaboration is essential not only to ensure content is focused on client needs but it will also allow for the participation of client personnel in the e-programmes wherever required. The inclusion of interviews with senior executives or department heads could further reinforce the training content. The E-learning programme proposed will be customized to meet with the client’s requirements over the relevant period of the required service provision. To provide additional flexibility to the client, charges for services will be on a modular basis enabling the client to increase or decrease the number of modules and the number of segments in each module.
5. Access to dedicated customized client e-learning platform based on EBLearn functionalities enabling the client to operate independently or with on-going support services of EBS which can provide both technical administration and support as well as system administration. The latter includes uploading e-learning content, organizing and scheduling events, creating users and allocating rights etc.

Technical Capacity

A working copy of the proposed e-learning solution can be made available to any client for evaluation. The e-learning solution that will be made available for review (student access rights will be given) is for one of the executive development programmes on EBLearn. This shows the manner in which the on-line course material is readily available.

The current system allows for streaming of audio visual content, downloading of additional support material such as presentations, additional reference material etc. It also allows for inclusion of Frequently Asked Questions and on-line automated correction of self-administered examinations. The system allows for monitoring of all student activities, including download materials, participation in fora etc

The video content is recorded in the EBS’ studio in Ta’ Xbiex, and is recorded against a green screen background. This allows for the inclusion of a customized digitally rendered background. E-Business systems have suitable recording studio in their premises in Ta’ Xbiex along with the relevant ICT equipment to allow for data capture, rendering and production of the required materials. E-Business Systems also takes responsibility for the data storage and on-site and off-site back-up systems including business continuity arrangements with cloud computing concept being used for off-site secure backups of content material.

High level CBC-EBLearn System overview & Functionalities:

 

All communications is made through the e-learning system. Access to the e-learning system EBLearn can be made by any browser and compatibility with most smart phones and tables is guaranteed. The main functional part of the portal is placed on specialized Web servers run by EBS which are located in Germany and the US. The currently EBLearn is based on the PHP version 5.1 and MySQL version 5.0 Technology.

The student computer requirements are as follows:

• EBLearn is compatible with all major Operating Systems
• Web browser Compatibly with all major Browsers (latest versions suggested)
• Adobe Flash player (latest versions suggested)
• Java (latest versions suggested)
• PDF Reader Application
• Suggested screen resolution 1024X768 or higher suggested
• Minimum of 4MBPS Bandwidth for smooth streaming

EB-Learn Communication Architecture:

The system is designed to be as flexible as possible allowing for different languages and additional areas to be added upon request. The system is designed in such a manner as to allow all data to be stored in a database; data is then called out as required. Consequently the system is database driven, facilitating customisation and upgrading of functionalities. In this way, any language can be accommodated on the system, since changing the language would mean changing the database of codes calling up responses in one language to the corresponding responses in another.

The System Communication Architecture can be found below. In this diagram one can find the different relays and communications between different nodes and users, each communication string has been colour coded to indicate flow.

System Functionalities

Content management

• Content creation - EBLearn supports content authoring and packaging tools for users to develop and package content in various formats (text, audio, video, animation) and languages (primarily English) by using content creation tools. Users can integrate and navigate the content within EBLearn. In particular, administrators /lecturers/trainers are be able to develop and manage lesson and learning objects.
• Wikis - EBLearn supports users to create, edit, annotate, moderate and rate wiki-type publications.
• Content Syndication - EBLearn supports the use of data-streams gathered from various personal or external sources including blogs, news sites and news feeds, podcasts, and podcasts, and distribute and share with other users.
• Content royalties management: - EBLearn provides a royalty management system that will allow the customer to adopt a business model in which content developers are paid in relation to the use of the content supplied.
• Content objects library - EBLearn support users to load, store, and make shareable and re-usable content objects available to other users in a library.
• Play back media – EBLearn allows for media files to be uploaded in multiple video formats and played back to the user, in real time. Associated pdf documents can be viewed allowing the users to watch video and go through pdf material that the tutor or instructor has uploaded. EBLearn allows user to view both panels simultaneously and switch between views that focus on the speaker or the pdf material.
• Loading resources - EBLearn platform supports users to load digital content in a repository for other users ( normally tutors or instructors)to be able to access.
• Searching – EBLearn supports users to search for content within the platform, as well as websites external to the platform (without leaving the platform).
• Book-marking - EBLearn supports users to book-mark resources at the point where they stop review, and to start the review where they stopped last.
• Inserting own personal notes on content – EBLearn supports users to make notes or comments on their own resources or others’ resources for their own personal use.

Curriculum Planning

• Content creation - EBLearn supports content authoring and packaging tools for users to develop and package content in various formats (text, audio, video, animation) and languages (primarily English) by using content creation tools. Users can integrate and navigate the content within EBLearn. In particular, administrators /lecturers/trainers are be able to develop and manage lesson and learning objects.
• Learning Expectations - EBLearn supports users to create and save curriculum expectations. Curriculum expectations should be easily accessed and transported into the courses/units.
• Syllabus, Assessment, Evaluation – EBLearn supports the creation and implementation of a syllabus, assignment and assessment per topic within the subject.
• Learning Strategies - EBLearn supports lecturers/trainers to identify and input the pre-instructional activities, information presentation, learner activities, testing, and follow-through to address Learner's problematic topics.
• Work Scheme – EBLearn supports lecturers/trainers to keep a log of scheme of work planned out throughout the year, on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.

Communication and collaboration

• Participating in discussion forums – EBLearn supports users to establish thread based open and restricted discussion forums. Users can determine access at an individual or group level and have the option to modify access once discussion starts. Users are supported by an instant messaging system service capability to post and read messages, and have one to one discussions or one too many discussions. Users can also archive discussions.
• Web logging - EBLEarn supports users to create and manage web logs. Users can submit comments in an interactive format, comprising making use of various media (including text, images, links to other blogs, web pages).
• Messaging - EBLearn supports users to chat live on a one to one or one too many basis by sending messages and files (text and multimedia). Sending messages to users who are not online is also possible.
• Video conferencing – EBLearn allows for up to ten concurrent users all making use of our video conferencing solution, this systems runs in parallel to the e-learning platform but on separate servers. This configuration assures us constant clear communication via the video conferencing server, this communication can be via webcam, audio, screen sharing and file transfer. The whole video conferencing module is integrated within EBLearn and allow cross sharing of data. Usage of video conferencing servers is charged for separately.
• Collaborating in shared workspaces - EBLearn enables users to have shared workspaces to facilitate collaborative projects. Users are able to upload, download and delete files; annotate documents; message other users; audio- and video-conference other users in order to collaborate on common projects. Users are able to add, edit and delete members of the shared workspace at group, role, and individual level. They can also establish and edit the access rights of members to the shared workspace.
• Being part of a community or network - EBLEarn supports users to establish communities or networks of users who have things in common, for instance lecturer/trainer or workshop communities with whom to share resources, message, audio and video- conference.

Management of tasks assignment and submission

• Assigning tasks - EBLearn supports users to assign work to other selected users. This applies mostly to lecturers/trainers who generally assign tasks, activities, assignments and other work to their Learners. Users who need to assign work to other users should have a submission folder which they can administer and through which they can assign work and receive submissions.
• Establishing users - EBLearn supports users who need to assign work to others, to add, edit, and delete users at group, role and individual level.
• Scheduling - EBLearn enables users who need to assign work to others to control when selected users can access the resources. Users should therefore be able to establish time constraints when selected users can open and close the resources. 2.4.4 Managing multiple file submissions - EBLearn supports users who assign work to others to manage multiple file submissions.
• Submitting queries and providing feedback - EBLearn users who receive work to do, to submit queries to the sender. The e-Learning platform also supports users who assign work to others, to reply to any queries received; as well as to return work submitted to owners with feedback attached.
• Receiving notifications or alerts - EBLearn supports users to receive notifications or alerts (e.g. through email or text messages), if work has been assigned to them, as well as receive notifications when users submit their completed work.

On-line Tests

• Assessing learning - EBLearn supports users to create tests, examinations, quizzes, and surveys. The e-Learning platform also supports users to undertake tests or quizzes during or following the delivery of learning content to check one’s own understanding.
• Scheduling - EBLearn supports users in creating tests, to establish time constraints in completing the test and control how long participants can take to complete the test.
• Identifying participants - EBLearn supports users to identify users carrying out the tests to be identified at group, role and individual level.
• Automated correction of tests - EBLearn supports users to automate the collation of test responses and result outputs, if the question and response types chosen allow so. It also supports users to share the test results with participants.

e-Portfolio management

• Owning an ePortfolio - EBLearn supports users to have an e-Portfolio that is in the form of a shared folder which is established and shared between learners and their teacher/s. Learners will be able to maintain their e-Portfolio year on year if so required. At the end of their access period to the system, learners will have an e-Portfolio that includes their personal development year after year.
• Saving in a repository - EBLearn supports users to save personal development information in their e-Portfolio including goal setting, interests, learning plans, exemplar course work, teacher comments, test and examination results, amongst others.
• Exporting e-Portfolios – EBLearn supports users to export their e-Portfolios.

Calendar management

• Owning a personal calendar - EBLearn supports users to maintain a personal calendar, with the ability to add, edit and delete events.
• Accessing time-table - EBLearn supports users to view their time-table through their personal calendar.

Personal user space

• Personal user interface - EBLearn allows users to access all modules and tools through a personal user interface that is intuitive, offers well designed navigation, and serves as users’ personal learning space where they can carry out their e-Learning activities.
• Managing user profiles - EBLearn supports site or group administrators to create, edit and delete users and allocate roles, groups and rights, invite and/or transfer individuals and/or groups of users between sites to affect how users interact with the e-Learning platform.
• Personal Storage space – EBLearn supports users to be able to store and retrieve files and folders, have a personal space quota, and be able to know the usage of the personal space quota.

General MIS Requirements

• Request Process – Functionality is available which allows:
  • Entry of data in predefined fields as a request or incident;
  • This data is used to define a report which can be issued; either printed or emailed as an attachment in a standard format;
• Workflow Process – Functionality is available which can be used to define a request workflow process, including;
• Selectable dynamic approvals (i.e. can be defined per workflow);
• Approval can be in parallel and/or sequential

Learner Records

• Learner Details - Learners information must be input to allow Customer to carry out the necessary administrative work such as class planning and access Learner details when required. The following are some of the Learner details needed : ID Card number, Passport number, photo, Name, surname, date of birth, email address, gender, emergency contact number, address, nationality, immigration status, religion, education record, active participation to Customer events and non-customer organisations, disciplinary sanctions.
• Schedule a Class – Customer Administration must be able to assign a class to a Learner. When Learners are moved class, administrators must be provided with the facility to carry forward information of Learners to the next module or programme.
• CPE log – availability of logging system to enable users to capture details on their continued professional education and produce integrated reports of their on-line and off-line cpe activities.

Personnel Records

• Personnel List - Capture the Lecturer/Trainer Personnel details including name, ID Number, address, email address, mobile number, home number, emergency contact number, nationality, gender, National Insurance number, Approval Date, Events attended, CV.
• Capture Personnel Qualifications - Enter the Personal Qualifications (including Non-formal qualifications) categorized as entry qualifications and other qualifications (e.g. Health and Safety qualifications).

Admissions/Registrations (REVIEW)

• Registration of a Learner – Users can log on and register on specific modules or programmes.
• Validating Lerner’s registration - Check that all learners meet the relevant entry criteria etc.

Timetable Planning and Scheduling

• Timetable Planning - Identification of relationships between the various activities/subjects/ courses/modules/levels/groups.
• Timetable Scheduling - Assist staff in deciding when the various activities will be carried out and highlighting the current and possible schedules and their conflicts.
• Print Specific Timetable - Ability to view print timetable by Learner, class, programme, module, segment - lecturer/trainer (load).

Administration management and analysis

• Individual-Level Assessment - Administration focuses on results achieved by individual Learners in order to identify poorly performing Learners so that admin can follow up and offer special assistance.
• Group-Level Assessment - Administration analyses aggregated results to establish average group-level performance indicators. These can be used to demonstrate how far the program or institution has made a difference in Learner learning outcomes.

Exams administration management and analysis

• Exams Management - Provide administration the ability to schedule and coordinate exams. Need to officially record and keep results of Learners’ tests, as well as other tests which can be made available via system parameterisation.
• Set Timetable - A timetable with exams & dates covering all the subjects/options/settings are planned.

Reporting and Profiles

• Ad-hoc Reporting - Provide administration the ability to generate various ad hoc and periodical reports which utilise the data stored on their systems.
• Learners Multi Year Achievements - Provide an e-portfolio which captures Learners achievements through years and can be carried by the Learner to other institutions both locally and worldwide.