International Journal of Computer Science Trends and Technology (IJCST) Volume 5 Issue 3, May Jun 2017

RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS

Design of Manado Vocational High School

Mobile Learning System
Maksy Sendiang [1], Fanny Doringin [2], Sonny Kasenda [3]
Information Technology Study Programme [1]
Electrical Engineering Study Programme [2] & [3]
Manado State Polytechnic
North Sulawesi - Indonesia

ABSTRACT
In the recent years, exploring the use of mobile technology to support learning is the key challenge for educators and
instructional designers. According to the recent advancement of mobile devices and their various capabilities, the ubiquitous use
of these devices is totally considerable in many aspects of our lives. One of the most important fields in which mobile devices
play an indispensable role in these days is education. In this paper we are going to address the design of mobile learning system
which will be implemented in Manado State Vocational High Schools. This research uses mixed method between qualitative
and quantitative method and for the development of software itself used Relationale Unified Process (RUP). Data obtained by
interview, direct observation and field studies are analysed and modelled using Unified Modelling Language (UML). This
system is designed to be used on cross platform mobile devices and its design covers physical and architecture design.
Keywords :- Mobile learning, RUP, Manado Vocational High School

tools available in digital realm, traditional ways of learning

I. INTRODUCTION
In the present era of proliferating computer networks and
electronic devices (mobile, tablets, PCs) every individual and
organization is trying to get access to information and use
these devices for their advancement and improved
performance. Electronic information is accessible to a huge
population in the world. Mobiles have become so much
common that we have started to use it in every sphere of life.
Whether it is entertainment or education, we can see a very
intense use of mobiles and we can consider them as a new
personal computer. It doesnt mean that desktop computers
are now useless, but mobile devices market is growing fast.
They are cheap, convenient because of their portability and
due to geo location often more useful than PC.
The vocational high school including those in Manado city
holds the main responsibility in producing skilled young
workers according to their respective fields. It can not be
denied that the learning system applied to all Manado State
Vocational High School is still conventional means that the
dominant is limited by the place and time factor. In order to
increase the spirit of learning and innovation of students, the
constraints of place and time inn the learning process should
be kept as small as possible. Systems need to be build to
provide opportunities for vocational students to learn without
being constrainted by time and place.One of the actions that
can be done is to utilize informatics technology (Mobile
Learning).
One of the major advantages using technology in education
is its effect on raising learnersmotivation to learn. This
phenomenon is more evident for the younger generations who
grew up using computers in their daily lives. Since this
generation is used to the fun activities and various learning
sometimes does not appeal to them. However, with the use of
technology, learning process does not have to be boring. In the
m-learning context, interactive and fun activities are possible
to implement. Moreover, since a young learners attention
span is usually very short, fun and interactive activities that
invite learners active participation are more effective (Koo,
2008).
This paper focuses on the design of Mobile Learning
System that will be implemented in all Manado State
Vocational High School..
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Mobile Learning
Mobile learning is defined as using mobile devices such as
cell phones, laptops, PCs, PC tablets, PDS and other handheld
device in conjunction with wireless internet network to enable
multimedia communication using text, voice, video and
graphics data. M-Learning allows student to exchange
messages, sounds, pictures and other rich communication
among themselves using internet (Cavus & Ibrahim, 2009;
Shen, Wang & Pan, 2008). According to Sanchez (2015)
mobile learning is defined as Any sort of learning that
happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined
location, or learning that happens when the learner takes
advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile
technologies.
Mobile Learning provides many advantages for learners
such as equal opportunity access, ubiquitous connectivity,
multigenerational users, services for mobile worker and
services for the mobile learner (Wagner & Wilson, 2010). M-
learning provides opportunity for learning independent of time

ISSN: 2347-8578 www.ijcstjournal.org Page 205

 International Journal of Computer Science Trends and Technology (IJCST) Volume 5 Issue 3, May Jun 2017
and space, and allows for greater freedom of movement that
may be essential for certain learning experiences. With the use
of m-learning, distance education can effectively incorporate
students from different backgrounds with diverse learning
styles including people who may have certain disabilities or
specific learning difficulties. M-learning offers new
opportunity to learners who rely on mobile computer solutions
that other devices cannot provide, such as ability take pictures
and share these in real-time with other learners, guided maps,
and global positioning systems (GPS. With increasing
integration of wireless network, mobile devices and other
networking technologies, m-learning would provide enhanced
education and learning experience (Vasiliou & Economides,
2011). With regard to the disadvantages of m-learning, limited
keyboard and viewing capability of the mobile devices were
considered as the biggest problem. It appears that it is not easy
to verify the learning process from the learners perspective.
B. Mobile Platform
There are different operating systems that are used in the
mobile market : Symbian, Blackberry, iOS, Android,
Windows Phone and Plams webOS.
iOS : to develop for iPhone, iPod, Intel based Mac
computer running OS X or later is required. iPhone SDK
provided by Apple includes IDE, iPhone simulator and a
suite of additional tools for app development. App store
provides user facility to search and download app
developed by iOS SDK.
Android : it is released by apache licence and built on
linux. Android app can be build using windows, Mac or
linux and java is primary language of Android. Java
classes recompiled in dalvik byte code and run on dalvik
virtual machine. Android does not support J2ME, and its
most commonly used editor is Eclipse and Android Studio.
Developers may create native libraries in C or C++. The
Google play store is the official site and portal for Android
app.
Blackberry : blackberry smartphone platform support web
development with HTML, CSS and javascript, java
application development using MIDP, CLDC and RIM
proprietary APIs. 32 bit windows OS support development
of Blackberry app in java
Windows Mobile : it provides more desktop like user
experience. In addition to C++ and C#, Silverlight and
XNA are used for application and game development. For
windows mobile development visual studio.Net
framework, windows mobile SDK and developer kit are
required.
Symbian : symbian OS is used by Nokia, Sony Ericsson,
Siemens and Samsung. Language supported by Symbian
OS is python. Python can also run on Mac, Windows and
Linux.
III. METHODOLOGY
A. Problem Approach and Method Relevance
This research uses mixed method between qualitative and
quantitative method. The use of this research method is based
ISSN: 2347-8578 www.ijcstjournal.org
on Creswell (2008:5) As a method, mixed methods focuses on
collecting, analiyzing, and mixing both quantitative and
qualitative data in a single study or series or studies. Its
central premise is that the use of quantitative and qualitative
approaches in combination provides a better understanding of
research problems than either approach alone .
As a research method, the mixed method focuses on
collecting, analysing and mixing quantitative and qualitative
data in a single or continuous study. The basic assumption is
that the use of qualitative and quantitative methods in one
study can provide a better understanding of the problem of
research than the use of one.
In order to build the mobile learning system, the data
obtained from mixed method above is modelled by using
object oriented approach and in its development using RUP
(Relationale Unified Process) method. This method is used
because considering the many parameters that will affect the
development of this system and also this system will undergo
improvements during the development process. Object
oriented approach and RUP is very suitable for use in these
conditions. Relationale Unified Process is a software
development method that is executed repeatedly and
architecture-centric focus. RUP is a software engineering
process with good definition and structuring. The RUP
provides a good structural definition for the software projects
lifeflow (Chen Q, Compare and study about owing to the
three kinds important softwares develop process, Proceeding
of the International Conference on Education Technology and
Economic Management (ICETEM). 450-451. 2015).
B. Data Collection and Analysis Techniques
Qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques were
used in this research. Yin (2006:103) formulates six sources of
evidence that can be used to collect qualitative data such as
documents, records, interviews, direct observation, participant
observation and physical evidence. Quantitative data
collection techniques are conducted by field study or directly
related to stakeholders. In particular, this research used
interview, direct observation and field studies methods to
collect data. The object of research is Manado State
Vocational High School consisting of six schools.
Technique of qualitative data analysis is done to data which
sourced from result of collecting before, during and after
information system design. Data sourced on interview, direct
observation and field studies will be reviewed and explored in
detail to get good research results. A constant comparative
method is used to analyse data performed on a fixed basis by
comparing data with others. The results of this data analysis
will then be modelled using a tool that supports an object-
oriented approach that is called Unified Modelling Language
(UML).
IV. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Mobile Learning System that will be built in Manado State
Vocational High Schools is designed to be applied on cross
platform mobile devices.
Page 206
 International Journal of Computer Science Trends and Technology (IJCST) Volume 5 Issue 3, May Jun 2017
A. Physical Design Adding News and Announcements; in this section
Based on modelling done in the analysis phase ,this system teacher is able to add announcements and apprise
is supposed to facilitate the education process by providing students of news and important information.
the students with tools which bring them following features : Posting Assignments; in this part the teacher is able to
being in contact with their classmates and teachers, accessing post assignments and homework which are able to be
educational resources, following announcements and news, done by students.
reviewing new assignments and doing quiz tests. On the other
hand, teachers involving in the education process have some b. Admin; each vocational high school can have one or more
requirements and expectations which should be met. They administrators which are responsible for tasks e.g. :
should be able to do the following tasks : adding new Adding Programs; all of the program which exist in the
assignments, making quiz-tests, and adding resources. vocational high school and their information should be
According to those requirements, the system should added in this section
involve two major parts : Adding Courses; Each program has at least one course.
1. A multi platform web-based mobile application In this section the administrator can add courses and
2. Administration panels with which we are able to provide assign each of them to its related program.
the application with proper information.
Each of the aforementioned parts has their requirements and it B. Architecture Design
will be described below:
Irrespective of the type of mobile platform there are three
1) Multi Platform Web-Based Mobile Application main categories of mobile apps namely Native apps, Web
According to the main purpose of this mobile learning apps and Hybrid apps.
designing, it should be applicable to smartphones and other
handheld devices. Hence, we should design a mobile Native Apps
application which can be deployed in popular operating These applications are specific to the mobile operating
systems which are widely used in handheld devices. This system environment, take full advantage of its particular
mobile application should meet the following requirements : features and can be developed with the cross platform
1. Chat : In this section all of the students using the app can approach with a single code base for all devices [Serrano]. As
chat with their friends and class-mates and discuss about one project maintained for each OS this leads to an increment
their courses. in the development team, costs and time.Native apps works
2. Resources: In this section students can access the without the connectivity of the internet. Native apps work
resources which have been provided for them such as with the devices built in features, they are easier to work with
presentation files and also perform faster on the device.
3. Announcements : this section involves announcements and With all these benefits of the native apps, they have a few
latest news which are provide for the students by the disadvantages also. Developers have to program it to
teacher or school management according to different platforms and users have to update it
4. Quiz-Tests : All of the teachers can make quiz-tests and regularly. The development cost of this app is more if you are
students can choose the related test and try to answer the making application for different platforms.
questions.
5. Assignments : In this section of app, students can access Web Apps
and download the assignments which their teachers have They work with the devices that have browser therefore
assigned to them. they can work on desktop computers as well on mobiles. In
web apps, users need not to go to mobile app store to update
2) Administration Panels or download the application. Whenever the users will log in,
Administration panels are used to provide the mobile they will get the updated version. Developers also need not to
application with proper information. All of the users working bother about the mobile platform. Hence the maintenance cost
with the system should be provided with an account and have of the web app is low.
a role. We use three roles in this system : STUDENT, Web app has some shortcomings also. Internet connection
TEACHER and ADMIN. The first role belongs to students is a must in web app. Web apps are not compatible with
and is applied to mobile application. Other two roles are used smartphone features like camera, GPS, phone dialing , etc.
in administration panels each of whom has a specific authority. Web apps are not even listed in play store.
a. Teachers ; when a teacher logs in to his account via the
username which has been provided for him, some options
are accessible for him according to his role in the system : Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps combine technologies from native and mobile
Making Quiz-Tests; in this part teachers can choose the web apps to gain the benefits of each. They behave like a
related course and then insert questions and answers. native app because they are installed from a web store and
have access to device specific features as in native app but

ISSN: 2347-8578 www.ijcstjournal.org Page 207

 International Journal of Computer Science Trends and Technology (IJCST) Volume 5 Issue 3, May Jun 2017
developed using web tools[Serrano]. Hybrid mobile apps can
be released on multiple platforms when using certain web
technologies like HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript.
Another advantage of hybrid apps is that the size of this
app is considerably smaller than those which have been
developed by native and web apps. Because of this condition
and result of data modelling, we use hybrid apps to develop
the Manado state vocational high school mobile learning. Fig
1 depicts the architecture of the hybrid mobile learning
application for Manado State Vocational High School.

Fig 2. Common Mobile Application Architecture

Vocational High Schools

Fig 1. Architecture of Hybrid Mobile Learning for Manado State

Vocational High Schools

In Mobile Application Architecture Guide published by

Microsoft is stated that a mobile application will normally be
structured as a multi-layered application consisting of user
experience, business and data layers. Figure 2 below
illustrates common mobile application architecture with
components grouped by different areas of concern. Based on
figure 2, both of the web applications in this mobile learning
(administration panels and mobile web application) are broke
into three layer hybrid architecture and using MVC design
pattern in presentation layer.
In order to implement this architecture, we divide each
web application into two major modules completely
independent of each other. These modules are :
Core Module; it covers service and data access layer
Web Module; it covers presentation layer which MVC
pattern is applied. Fig 3. Detail Architecture of M-Learning

Using hybrid technology this mobile learning is ready to

be implemented and applying in all Manado State Vocational
High Schools.

ISSN: 2347-8578 www.ijcstjournal.org Page 208

 International Journal of Computer Science Trends and Technology (IJCST) Volume 5 Issue 3, May Jun 2017
V. CONCLUSIONS
In this paper we tried to present a good-practice design of
Manado Vocational High School Moblie Learning System [3]
which is a result of our empirical project. As it was stated in
the introduction, we did not address the implementation of the
system except introducing some technologies and result of the [4]
design. Actually the solution presented above has been
considered for this Manado Vocational High School Mobile
Learning [5]
REFERENCES [6]
[1] Cavus,N., & Ibrahim,D. (2009). M-Learning: An
experiment in using SMS to support learning new
English words. British Journal of Educational
[7]
Technology, 40(1),78-91.
[2] D.V. Sanchez, E.H.Rubio, E.F.Ruiz and Viveros,
Student Role Functionalities Towards Learning
Management Systems as Open Platforms Through
Mobile Devices, IEEE 201 S. M. Metev and V. P.
Veiko, Laser Assisted Microtechnology, 2nd ed., R. M.
ISSN: 2347-8578 www.ijcstjournal.org
Osgood, Jr., Ed. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag,
1998.
L.Bass, P.Clements, Software Architecture in Practice,
3rd ed, Boston, MA : Addison-Wesley professional, 2012,
ch.13
N.Pachler, B.Bachmair, J.Cook and G.Kress, Mobile
Learning:Structures, Agency, Practices, 1st ed,New
York,NY:Springer,2010,ch. 1,pp. 3-10
N.Serrano, J.Hernantes, and G.Gallado, Mobile Web
Apps, IEEE Software 2013
Shen,R., Wang,M. (2008). Increasing interactivity in
blended classrooms through a cutting-edge mobile
learning system. British Journal of Educational
Technology, 39(6), 1073-1086
Vasiliou, A., & Economides, A.A (2011). Mobile
collaborative learning using multicast MANETs.
International Journal of Mobile Communications, 5(4),
423-444.
Page 209