A SEMINAR REPORT ON

TOWARDS ENHANCING ONLINE

EDUCATION FUNCTIONALITY IN NIGERIA

BY

BENJAMIN EBIMOBOWEI
PG/PSC1614980
 ABSTRACT
E- Learning is a form of education system that delivers learning materials over
the internet in a totally different way from conventional learning. Mobile
Learning or M-Learning is a new concept in the learning process. It emphasizes
the ability to facilitate learning process via the use of various mobile devices
without being tied to a physical location.
The present E-learning facilities which were designed to offer flexibility and a
far reach, no longer meet the needs of the growing population that seeks
various forms of learning across the length and breadth of the nation due to
certain challenges.
This research work focused on the need for mobile learning as an alternative to
Mainstream E-learning and challenges faced by online education in Nigeria. A
model was proposed; the proposed model is a mobile-cloud based learning
model, which is a combination of two technologies: mobile computing and
cloud computing. The model offers improved functionalities to meeting the
educational needs of a highly populous nation like Nigeria by providing
accessibility, convenience and flexibility to learners.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Education is the process of facilitating learning and learning is the process of acquiring
new or modifying existing; knowledge, behaviours, skills, values or preferences
(Richard, 2012).

Learning which was initially traditional has now evolved into E-Learning form due to
the advent of the internet and technological devices which has resulted in removing
space and time barriers to information access and exchange which has led to timely
knowledge accumulation and application which has become major factors in economic
development and are increasingly at the core of a country’s competitive advantage in
the global economy.

Nigeria as a developing Nation with a rapid population growth experiencing high

illiteracy levels as a result of educational facilities not matching the equivalent growth
in population, has implemented E-learning with the aim of offering accessibility,
convenience and customizability.
 BACKGROUND OF STUDY (cont’d)

But due to certain challenges the implementation of E-learning hasn’t gotten to its

peak leading to continuous rise in illiteracy levels.

In this same period, the country has experienced steady growth in mobile and

telecommunication infrastructures.

In order to counter the various challenges experienced in the current E-learning setup

in the country, it is vital that we exploit and create a new model which meets the

demand of the growing population.

1.2 Statement of Problem

Nigeria is a developing nation expressing a high surge in population

growth. This population growth alongside the disproportionate
growth in learning facilities has led to high illiteracy levels which
stand at a staggering 30% of the population (that is, about 60 million
Nigerians) according to the federal ministry of education (Vanguard,
2018). The present E-learning facilities which were designed to offer
flexibility and a far reach, no longer meet the needs of the growing
population that seeks for various forms of learning across the length
and breadth of the nation for the advancement of the nation.
1.3 Motivation of Study

This research work is borne out of the need to

offer learning to a vast majority of the
population of Nigerians who are mostly youths
and are of schooling age. Thereby drastically
reducing illiteracy in Nigeria and causing
advancements in all facets of national
development.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of this research work is to enhance online education functionality

in Nigeria. In order to achieve this aim the following specific objectives are

outlined:

i. To review the present state of E-learning in Nigeria and outline the

various challenges.

ii. To propose a mobile-cloud based learning model for Learning in

Nigeria.

iii.To expose the benefits of mobile-cloud based learning model for

Learning in Nigeria .
 BRIEF
OVERVIEW OF
SOME
CONCEPTS
2.1 E-LEARNING

E-learning is a form of learning that utilizes electronic technologies to access

educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. It may be called online
learning, distant learning or internet learning in some quarters.

2.1.1 DIFFERENT TYPES OF E-LEARNING

There are fundamentally two types of E-learning:

•Synchronous learning - means learning that take place at the same time. It involves
interaction of participants with an instructor via the Web in real time.

•Asynchronous learning - means learning that does not take place at the same time. It
allows the participants to complete the Web-Based Training (WBT) at their own pace,
without live interaction with the instructor.
2.1.2 MODES/FORMS OF E-LEARNING

i. Web-based learning
ii. Computer-based learning
iii. CD-ROM based learning
iv. Webinars
v. Virtual Classroom
vi. Video-based Learning
vii.Custom ELearning
viii.Off-the shelf ELearning
ix. Collaborative learning
x. Mobile Learning
2.2 MOBILE COMPUTING

Is a technology that allows communication via wireless devices. These

devices are used for a variety applications involving data, software, gaming

and business applications with emphasis on mobility.

Mobile computing has three (3) distinct and interconnected components.

These components include:

I. Mobile Hardware

II. Communication Devices

III. Mobile Software

The Mobile Hardware Includes smart phones, PDA’s , tablets
etc. these devices will have will a receptor medium that will be
configured to operate in Full- Duplex capable of sending and
receiving signals service of mobility at the same time.

The communication devices includes protocols, transmission

towers, bandwidth, satellite systems and networks that aid in
wireless communication to avoid collisions when sending and
receiving data. The wireless communication is unguided or
unbounded. This means that the signals are carried over the air.

The mobile software and applications focuses on the

characteristics and requirements of the mobile applications that
will run on the mobile hardware.
Mobile computing has opened room to
mobile computing applications which are
used in various areas including learning.
This is called mobile learning.
2.2.1 Overview of Mobile Learning

Mobile Learning or M-Learning is a new concept in the learning process. It

emphasizes the ability to facilitate learning process via the use of various
mobile devices without being tied to a physical location.

There are many options for deploying E-Learning on mobile devices. They
can be used independently, or in conjunction with each other.

They include:
I. Mobile web
II. Mobile apps
III. Multimedia
IV. Quiz
V. Reference
VI. SMS
2.3 Overview of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the use of various services, such as software development

platforms, servers, storage and software over the internet, often referred to as the

"cloud."
2.3.1 Cloud Computing Service Model

Cloud services/delivery may be offered in various forms from the bottom layer to top

layer in which each layer represent one service model. The three (3) key cloud service

models are:

i. Software as a Service (SaaS)

ii. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

iii. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Figure 1: A service model of Cloud Computing
 2.3.2 Cloud Deployment Models

Cloud deployment models include:

i. Public clouds

ii. Private clouds

iii. Community clouds

iv. Hybrid clouds

Figure 2: Cloud Deployment model

3.1 E-Learning Challenges

The factors affecting the complete implementation of E-learning in Nigeria can

be narrowed down to the following main factors:

1. Lack of competent ICT personnel’s to manage infrastructures.

2. High cost of ICT devices and Gadgets.

3. Lack of electricity.

4. Lack of funds.

5. Lack of security and burglary.

6. High internet costs or slow connectivity.

7. Institutional Governance.
3.2 Mobile Learning as an Alternative in Nigeria

The use of mobile devices such as mobile smartphones, PDA’s and tablets against

conventional computers and laptops circumvent some of the challenges outlined

above in the following ways.

1. The Mobile Phone is relatively cheaper than the computer on the average.

Although there are some expensive phones which cost as much as desktops and

lower specification Laptops/Notebooks, majority of phones cost a fraction of

computer costs.

2. Availability/Accessibility: many people, including students already have mobile

phones. In Nigeria for example, it is claimed that there are over 80 million mobile

phone users.
3. Cheaper Maintenance: in an environment of poor maintenance culture, mobile

phones are less prone to malfunctioning when compared to Computers. The

Mobile phone is much better than the Computer in terms of average cost of

maintenance per annum and average effective life span.

4. In an environment of inadequate and erratic Power (Electricity) supply, the mobile

phones are much better than the computer; desktop or laptop. The mobile phone

requires a small fraction of the power requirement of computers and have power

storing batteries that tend to store power for a longer period, when compared to

laptops.
5. Mobility of mobile phones is a tremendous advantage in settings where there are traffic

hold-ups and commuting. The wasted times can be utilized to advantage with the use

of mobile phones.

6. The rate of data usage for mobile devices are also less when compared to regular

computers.

7. The burden of securing various E-learning centers and devices is transferred from the

learning institutions to various mobile users who own and secure their devices as deem

fit.
3.2.1 Drawbacks of Mobile Learning in Nigeria

Traditional mobile learning have certain limitations. The limitations are:

1. Device and software compatibility: Nigeria is a market for various mobile devices

from different vendors. These various devices comes with different specifications

and designs and this requires tailoring mobile learning applications to suit these

devices. In some instances, the devices or applications can undergo various forms of

updates which in turn might not become compatible with underlying device or

application.
2. Cost and functionality: there is a direct proportionality between cost of mobile devices

and functionality. A mobile device with limited functionality capabilities may not be

suitable for m-learning. Hence, a student has no option but to get one with the required

level of functionality so as to access the online courses. This mobile device may be

relatively expensive. Due to prevailing poverty rates, the spread of these mobile devices

in terms of sophistication is uneven resulting to fewer sophisticated devices compared to

the existing population.

3. Limited storage: memory storage that is available in mobile devices may not be enough

to store numerous offline content and other downloaded resources.

4. Battery life: most devices discharge quickly especially when there are a number of

active applications within the device. This could be a major problem for learning

across lengthy periods of time.

5. Internet access and overall connectivity: limited bandwidth may make it difficult

to access online content.

Mobile Learning Meets

cloud computing

(Proposed Model)
4.1 The Proposed Mobile-Cloud based Learning Model
Mobile cloud computing refers to an infrastructure where both the data storage
and data processing happen outside of the mobile device. Mobile cloud
applications move the computing power and data storage away from mobile
phones and into the cloud, bringing applications and mobile cloud to not just
smartphone users but a much broader range of mobile subscribers. It is a
combination of two technologies: mobile computing and cloud computing. The
mobile devices do not need a powerful configuration (e.g., processor speed and
memory capacity) because all the complicated computing modules can be
processed in the clouds. Many applications for mobile devices have taken
advantage of mobile cloud computing including mobile learning which is
designed based on E- learning and mobility
4.1.1 Description of
the Proposed Model
The proposed model consists

of 3 main components:

i. The cloud

ii. The access network

iii.The user device

 CLOUD COMPONENT

The cloud will be subdivided into two (2) layers. The two layers are the infrastructure
layer and platform layer. The infrastructure layer will contain architecture supporting
infrastructure, such as: Cloud platform, virtual machine, virtual repositories and
physical infrastructure such as servers, network devices, storage, buildings and other
physical facilities. The infrastructure layer shares IT infrastructure resources and
connects the system huge system pool together to manage and allocate these
resources.

The platform layer is the layer running the operating system where E-learning
application will be running. Besides the operating system, the E-learning application
will be deployed on this layer which will be utilized for sharing learning resources
such as; course materials, videos and interaction among users that includes
synchronous or asynchronous discussion, video conferencing and chatting.
In this model, learning institutions should base their selection criteria of a cloud
service provider on the data security, data governance, business policies,
reliability and performance offered by the cloud service provider.

ACCESS NETWORK
The access network in our model provides access from the mobile devices to the
cloud. This component is in charge of managing access to cloud E-learning
services which is available in this model. This model will adopt the concept of
multi-channel access which enables a variety of available services that are
accessible through a variety of devices (such as mobile phones, smartphones,
computer etc.) and a variety of presentation models (such as mobile applications,
desktop applications, and others).
 USER DEVICE

And finally the user devices consists of mobile smartphones, PDA’s and tablets.

4.1.2 The Block Diagram of the Proposed Model

CLOUD

MOBILE MOBILE

DEVICES E-LEARNING
APPLICATION
4.1.3 Architecture of the Proposed Model
4.1.4 UML Use-Case Diagram of the Proposed Model
 4.2 MERITS OF THE PROPOSED MODEL
1. Real time interactive learning environment: The proposed
model will offer real time interactive learning environment for
students via the video conferencing capabilities.

2. Extending battery lifetime: The proposed model enhances

the processor performance and manages the disk and screen in
an intelligent manner to reduce power consumption. Without
requiring changes in the structure of mobile devices. The
model also helps in reducing the running cost for computer-
intensive applications that take long time and large amount of
energy when performed on the limited-resource devices.
3. Improving data storage capacity: The proposed model is
developed to enable mobile users to store/access the
large data on the cloud through wireless networks.

4. Improving reliability: Storing data or running applications

on clouds is an effective way to improve the reliability
because the data and application are stored and backed
up on a number of computers. This reduces the chance of
data and application lost on the mobile devices.
5.1 Conclusion

Mobile learning in Nigeria should be considered an alternative to

mainstream E-learning because of the upswing in mobile infrastructures

and services. To further improve the functionality so as to meet the

challenging issues in the Nigerian environment, cloud computing features

can be implemented alongside mobile learning.

This enhanced model has the capability of changing the landscape of

learning in Nigeria but it still boils down to the level of commitment to

implementation by government and institutions of learning in Nigeria.

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