Design and Implementation of an Android Based Course Learning Materials Application

1.1 Introduction

Android Based Course Learning Materials Application is a form of digital learning which can be applied for teaching and learning purposes where some educational experts view it as a subset of e-learning but with a subtle difference contents are delivered onto mobile devices rather than the ubiquitous desktop personal computers. Learning is one of the very vital human activities that require concentration blended with interactivity, clear and distinct understanding of the facts been stated or discussed, high communication skills and techniques, attractive learning qualities such as colorful pictorial presentations of information among others. For effective learning to take place, it is dependent on many factors. In most cases, these factors arise from the teachers, the students, the teaching and learning media or materials, and the learning environment with its structures.

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

Android learning is developed by using multi platforms, languages, and technologies. Thus, learning can be carried out anywhere, anytime for as long as an institution’s networking system can gain access to the wireless coverage. In this regard, android technology can help realize a mobile learning environment based on the network architecture shown with students gaining fast access to learning contents and materials of their studies by using their mobile phones (Shanmugapriya and Tamilarasia, 2011). There are a number of reasons which make mobile technologies and devices attractive for learning, including: palmtops are relatively inexpensive, compared with full-sized desktop or laptop computers; they offer the possibility of ubiquitous computing; they facilitate access to information and promote the development of information literacy; they offer the possibility of collaborative learning and independent learning (Keegan, 2002).

The progress made in the computer world through the development of sophisticated hardware, software, and other technologies could be employed for the remedy of the situation. Exploring the powerful capabilities of multimedia and implementing it on teaching and learning processes via the production of learning material and products such as e-book, android learning applications, Computer Assisted Learning (CAI), Computer Sided Instruction (CAT), Computer Based Training (CBT), internet based training among others would go a long way towards improving the advancement of the practical and theoretical knowledge of the students. With high quality content value of the e-learning products and the captivating multimedia features embedded in them, a student can easily, assimilate such knowledge (even in the absence of a teacher and the required physical environment) through repetitive accessing of the course learning materials and following each course outline instructions contained therein.

1.3 Statement of Problem

The problem that necessitated this research lies in the problems encountered in manual learning materials. There are numerous problems with the manually learning method. These inadequacies are enumerated below:

1. Inability of adequate learning resources or materials to be accessed by students
2. Inadequate practical in the classroom, hence making programming difficult for learners

1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to Design and Implement an Android Based Course Learning Materials Application. In achieving this aim, following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To develop an android based learning application which will help students to learn, read and study many course materials via their android devices
2. To provide alternative way of attaining education
3. To facilitate the development and importance of Android technology
4. To enhance learning in a very fast, easy, and convenience way
5. To reveal the use of android device as an effective or quick learning tool, because 90 percent of tertiary institution students uses android phones regularly.

1.5 Significance of Study

The following are the relevance of the study;

1. Android Based course learning materials will provide benefits for the students and teachers or individuals involved.
2. Improved performance: it is interactive to the students thereby improving their learning productivity.
3. It improves standard of learning easily.
4. Increased access: it enables people from any part of the world to be educated.
5. Convenience and flexibility to learners: learning process is structured in units; this makes the learner study at his/her own convenience without getting too bored with lectures.

1.6 Scope of Study

The study focuses on the Design and Implementation of an Android Based Course Learning Materials Application on Android technology and devices. The project is designed using Android Studio with the aid of Java and XML programming language.

The scope of this study will be strictly on course learning materials for some computer science departmental courses, for website developers precisely. This will be done to enable the students to be fully baked and grinded on this wonderful area of learning.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).

1.8 Definition of Terms

1. Manually: By hand rather than automatically or electronically
2. Administrator: A person who acts as the administrator for an Internet or type of computer user with administrative privileges.
3. Institutions: An organization founded for educational, professional, or social purpose.
4. System: A set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network; a complex whole.
5. Online: Computer or device connected to a network (such as Internet) and ready to use (or be used by) other computers or devices.