Section outline

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    Introduction

    Welcome to Unit 1. This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of web-based applications in educational technology. You will explore how web applications work, examine the architecture of Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Moodle, and understand the importance of accessibility, ethics, data privacy, and interoperability standards in eLearning. By the end of this unit, you will have the foundational knowledge needed to design and evaluate educational web applications that are secure, accessible, and compliant with modern eLearning standards.

    Intended Learning Outcomes

    By the end of Unit 1, you should be able to:

    1. Explain the conceptual architecture of web-based applications, including the functions of each component and their interaction through the HTTP/HTTPS request-response cycle.
    2. Distinguish the major architectural layers of a Learning Management System (LMS), specifically Moodle, in relation to their educational roles.
    3. Identify the ethical, accessibility, and data privacy obligations of educational web developers, including the WCAG 2.1 principles and relevant data protection requirements.
    4. Evaluate the eLearning interoperability standards SCORM and xAPI in terms of their support for content portability and learning data exchange.
    • Before posting:

      • Read the discussion question carefully and write an original response based on your understanding.
      • Support your ideas with examples from the course materials or personal experience where appropriate.
      • Your initial post should contain at least 100 words.
      • After posting, read your classmates' contributions and respond constructively to at least one classmate by asking questions, providing additional ideas, or respectfully offering a different perspective. 

      1. Many universities are moving from face-to-face learning to online learning. Do you think Learning Management Systems like Moodle improve the quality of education? Give at least three reasons to support your opinion and respond to at least one classmate's post.

      2.     Many educational institutions use different LMS platforms. Compare Moodle with another LMS (e.g., Google Classroom, Canvas, Blackboard, or Schoology). Discuss their strengths, weaknesses, and which platform you would recommend for the University of Rwanda

       

    • Foundation of web-based applications and e-learning

Accessibility

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