2.4: Research Gaps.
PREVIOUS WORKS.
Adoption and use of Moodle learning management system in higher learning institutions.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340621117_The_Adoption_and_Use_of_Moodle
_Learning_Management_System_in_Higher_Institutions_of_Learning_A_Systematic_Literat
ure_Review . This article explores factors influencing the adoption and use of Moodle, a
popular LMS platform. It can provide insights into user needs and functionalities relevant to
your class management system.
Design and Implementation of Web-based Smart Class Routine Management System for
Educational Institutes. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/college-management-system-
55507131/55507131 . This paper explores the design and implementation of a web-based system for
managing class routines. It can give you ideas for features related to scheduling and organization
within your class management system.
GAPS.
Class management systems (CMS) have become an integral part of modern education,
providing a platform for teachers, students, parents and administrators to interact and
manage educational activities. However, there are several common gaps or challenges that
are often encountered in school learning management systems. Some of these include:
User Interface Design: One common gap is the user interface design of the CMS. If the
interface is not intuitive or user-friendly, it can lead to user frustration and decreased
engagement. Students, teachers, parents and administrators may find it difficult to navigate
the system, access information, or perform tasks efficiently. Modules are certainly an
interesting feature to make it easily accessible.
Scalability is a major concern for any web application, especially a Class Management
System (CMS) that might experience a growing user base. Employing these 2 strategies
might assist in that:
Breaking down the CMS application into smaller, independent services
(https://backendless.com/maximizing-scalability-in-your-application-with-microservices-
architecture/) . This allows for horizontal scaling, where you can add more servers to handle
specific functionalities (e.g., a separate service for user authentication, another for
managing assignments) (https://www.cockroachlabs.com/blog/vertical-scaling-vs-
horizontal-scaling/) . In addition choosing a database technology that can scale efficiently is
key. Exploring options like MongoDB database that can handle large amounts of
unstructured data (e.g., student assignments). Implement caching mechanisms
(https://docs.djangoproject.com/en/5.0/topics/cache/#database-caching) to store
frequently accessed data in memory. This reduces the load on your database and improves
response times.
Class Management Systems lack integration with other services. Services like calendar apps
that allows scheduling classes, events, assignments and deadlines. Integration with zoom or
google meet or any other video conferencing tool is not yet available to class management
systems. Lately Dedan Kimathi University integrated its website with Moodle that made
conducting quizzes easy. Integration with grading tools like Gradescope that streamline the
grading process for teachers, especially with large class sizes
(https://help.uillinois.edu/TDClient/37/uic/KB/ArticleDet?ID=1417) and integraton with
cloud storage platforms like google drive that allows students to submit assignments
electronically, share files for group projects, and access learning materials from anywhere.
Integrating with payment services like mpesa and bank services like equity to facilitate
payment of school fees with ease. Integrating with Student Information Systems (SIS) to
streamline student data management and reduce manual data entry.
Integrating the CMS with adaptive learning platforms that personalize instruction based on
individual student needs and progress has not yet being achieved. A CMS can store and
manage all the learning materials, including text, images, videos, and interactive elements.
The adaptive learning platform can then access and deliver these materials based on
individual student needs identified through data analysis. The adaptive learning platform can
analyze student performance data and use the CMS to deliver the most suitable content for
each student, creating personalized learning paths. The CMS can store student progress
data, which the adaptive learning platform can use to adjust difficulty levels, recommend
additional resources, and personalize future learning experiences
(https://futureeducationmagazine.com/adaptive-learning-platforms/) .
Communication tools are not tailored to different parent needs and preferred
communication styles (e.g., text messages, emails, in-app notifications). Consider the
different needs parents might have. Some might want frequent updates, while others prefer
a more concise summary. Some might need information translated into their native
language. Some prefer quick updates via text messages, while others prefer detailed
information through emails. Some might appreciate visual aids or in-app notifications.
https://www.k12dive.com/news/new-data-reveals-parents-school-communication-
preferences/506783/ .
Traditional CMS features need to evolve to keep learners engaged and motivated.
Implement forums or discussion boards where learners can interact with each other, ask
questions, and share insights. Use multimedia elements like videos, simulations, and drag-
and-drop activities to make learning more dynamic and interactive. Connect the web app
with social media platforms to encourage learners to share their progress and collaborate
with peers on external channels. Implement leaderboards and badges to promote healthy
competition and incentivize learning progress. Enable learners to review each other's work
and collaborate on projects, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and learning. Award
points for completing tasks, participating in discussions, and achieving milestones.
Offer redeemable rewards like badges, virtual goods, or bonus content. Implement a level
system with progress bars to visualize learning progress and motivate learners to reach
higher levels. Offer time-bound challenges or quests to encourage active participation and
knowledge application.
Creating and updating content within an CMS can be time-consuming, especially for
instructors who may have limited technical skills. Make it easy for instructors to add different
content types (text, images, videos) using a drag-and-drop interface, streamlining the
content creation process.
EXISTING DATABASE SYSTEMS.
Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS):
Advantages.
Ideal for storing and managing well-defined, organized data with clear relationships between
tables.
Uses the widely-adopted SQL (Structured Query Language) for data manipulation and
retrieval, making it familiar to many users.
Enforces data integrity through constraints and rules, minimizing data inconsistencies.
Can handle large datasets and scale up or down based on needs
Disadvantages.
May not be optimal for unstructured data like multimedia or social media content.
Object-Oriented Database Management Systems (OODBMS):
Advantages.
Models data based on real-world objects with attributes and methods, mirroring object-
oriented programming languages.
Can handle complex data structures and relationships more effectively than RDBMS.
Disadvantages.
Object-oriented features can introduce overhead compared to the simpler structure of
RDBMS.
NoSQL Databases:
Can accommodate data with varying structures without the rigidity of relational models.
Often excel at handling massive datasets and high-volume operations.
Can be easily distributed across multiple servers for better scalability and fault tolerance.
Disadvantages.
May require additional effort to ensure data consistency across distributed systems.
Query languages in NoSQL databases may be less standardized and more specialized
compared to SQL.
