Design and Implementation of LMS
Design and Implementation of LMS
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
BY
JUNE, 2025
i
DECLARATION
I declare that this project was written by me and a report of my research work. It has not
been submitted in any institution for award of degree. As such, all papers used were
properly cited and well acknowledged using references.
ii
CERTIFICATION
This thesis, Design and implementation of a learning management system meets the
regulations governing the award of Bachelor of Science (BSc.), Nasarawa State University,
Keffi, and is approved for its contribution to knowledge.
_________________________ ________________
Dr. Anyachebelu T. Kene Date
Supervisor
_________________________ ________________
Dr Binyamin A. Ajayi Date
HOD, Computer Science
_________________________ ________________
Date
Internal Examiner
_________________________ ________________
Prof M. D. Makut Date
Dean, FNAS
_________________________ ________________
Date
External Examiner
iii
DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to God Almighty, whose grace, wisdom, and strength have been
my anchor throughout this academic journey.
iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First and foremost, I express my profound gratitude to the Almighty God for granting me
the strength, wisdom, and perseverance throughout the course of this academic journey. I
am deeply indebted to my supervisor, Dr. Anyachebelu T. Kene whose unwavering
support, insightful guidance, and critical feedback were instrumental in shaping the
direction and quality of this project. His intellectual leadership and patience have
significantly contributed to the successful completion of this thesis.
I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the lecturers and staff members of the
Department of Computer Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, for their
dedication, encouragement, and the conducive learning environment they have consistently
provided. My sincere thanks go to my course mates and colleagues whose cooperation and
camaraderie made this academic experience memorable and enriching.
v
ABSTRACT
This study aims to design and implement a web-based Learning Management System
(LMS) tailored specifically for the Computer Science Department of Nasarawa State
University, Keffi, to enhance academic content delivery, student-lecturer interaction, and
performance monitoring. The research addresses the inefficiencies and limitations of
existing manual and generic LMS platforms which fail to meet the department’s
specialized pedagogical and administrative needs. Adopting the Waterfall Model as the
system development methodology, the study follows a structured sequence of requirement
gathering, system analysis, design, implementation, and testing. It is anticipated that the
new LMS will improve accessibility to learning materials, foster timely feedback, and
streamline course management and academic reporting. The study concludes that a
department-specific LMS can bridge significant gaps in the teaching-learning process,
offering a scalable and user-friendly solution that aligns with modern educational demands
in computer science.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Declaration.............................................................................................................................ii
Certification..........................................................................................................................iii
Dedication.............................................................................................................................iv
Acknowledgements................................................................................................................v
Abstract.................................................................................................................................vi
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background To The Study........................................................................................1
1.2 Justification For The Study..........................................................................................2
1.3 Statement Of The Problem...........................................................................................2
1.4 Aim And Objectives Of The Study..............................................................................3
1.5 Significance Of The Study...........................................................................................3
1.6 Scope Of The Study......................................................................................................4
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Conceptual Framework................................................................................................5
2.1.1 Learning Management Systems (Lms)..................................................................5
2.1.2 Digital Transformation In Higher Education.........................................................5
2.1.3 Classification Of Learning Management Systems.................................................6
2.1.4 Features Of An Effective Lms...............................................................................6
2.2 Empirical Review Of Learning Management Systems................................................7
2.2.1 Lms Usability And Student Satisfaction................................................................7
2.2.2 Lms For Programming Education..........................................................................7
2.2.3 Integration Of Collaborative Learning Tools........................................................7
2.2.4 Lms Adoption In Developing Countries................................................................8
2.3 Analysis Of Current Systems....................................................................................8
2.4 Problems Of Current Systems...................................................................................8
2.5 Description Of Proposed System..............................................................................9
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design.........................................................................................................11
3.2.2 Document Review................................................................................................12
3.2 System Design............................................................................................................12
3.2.1 Current Systems...................................................................................................13
3.2.2 Challenges In The Current System......................................................................13
3.2.3 Proposed System Or Solution..............................................................................13
Functional Requirements:.................................................................................................14
Non-Functional Requirements..........................................................................................14
System Architecture.........................................................................................................15
3.3 Methods Of Data Collection.......................................................................................15
Goal Of The Research......................................................................................................16
Data To Be Gathered........................................................................................................16
Methods And Procedures.................................................................................................16
3.3.1 Justification Of Methods......................................................................................16
System Algorithm Description.........................................................................................17
References............................................................................................................................23
vii
LIST OF TABLE
viii
LIST OF FIGURES
ix
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
In today’s digital era, technology has transformed the way education is delivered and
support communication between students and instructors, and monitor learners’ progress
For Computer Science students, LMS platforms are especially important. These students
repositories, project guidelines, and collaborative tools. LMS platforms enable students to
interact with course materials, submit assignments, participate in discussions, and receive
feedback outside the physical classroom environment (Fathema & Akbar, 2021; Al-Maroof
et al., 2020). Moreover, LMS systems support self-paced learning, allowing students to
revisit complex concepts and monitor their performance through automated tracking
features.
However, existing LMS platforms often fail to meet the unique academic and practical
demands of Computer Science education. Many lack features such as intuitive user
interfaces and tools for real-time collaboration. This inadequacy limits student engagement
and learning efficiency (Radović-Marković et al., 2020; Almaiah et al., 2020). To address
these shortcomings, this study proposes the design and implementation of an LMS
specifically tailored for Computer Science students, focusing on flexibility, usability, and
practical functionality.
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1.2 Justification for the Study
students is vital in ensuring structured course management, timely content delivery, and
tasks, project-based learning, and collaborative work, which require flexible and
features like forums and discussion boards (Bond et al., 2020; Al-Maroof et al., 2020).
Moreover, the use of LMS enhances the efficiency of academic processes by reducing
administrative burdens and ensuring easy tracking of student performance over time. It
also offers students the autonomy to manage their learning paths and revisit instructional
content at their own pace, thereby improving knowledge retention and performance
current LMS platforms become more apparent, particularly in disciplines like Computer
Science. Generic LMS systems often lack features such as embedded code editors, syntax
highlighting, or project versioning support. These limitations make it difficult for students
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Additionally, students face navigation issues due to poorly designed interfaces, leading to
Lecturers, on the other hand, encounter challenges in organizing technical content, grading
inefficiencies can hinder learning outcomes, reduce student motivation, and result in
academic underperformance.
education.
This study aims to design and implement a learning management system for Computer
Science students.
This study is significant because it addresses the limitations of traditional and generic LMS
platforms in supporting Computer Science education. The proposed LMS will enhance
management processes. It will help both synchronous and asynchronous learning models,
Lecturers will benefit from simplified content delivery, grading tools, and student
collaborative features, discussion boards, and a more intuitive interface. The system can
3
serve as a model for future deployment in other departments or institutions seeking
This study is primarily concerned with the design and implementation of a Learning
Management System (LMS) for Computer Science students. It covers the following areas,
The system will allow students to access lecture materials, submit assignments, participate
in discussions, and receive feedback from lecturers. It will also provide tools for managing
However, this study does not cover advanced features such as artificial intelligence-based
designed specifically for use within a university setting to enhance the learning experience
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Learning Management Systems (LMS) are vital tools in the contemporary educational
al., 2020). Traditional methods of course delivery often limit interactivity, accessibility,
and real-time feedback, which LMS platforms are designed to overcome (Fathema &
Akbar, 2021).
delivery, and evaluation of educational content. These systems allow instructors to upload
course materials, create assignments, and monitor student performance through automated
tracking systems (Al-Fraihat et al., 2020). For Computer Science students, LMS platforms
are particularly valuable due to the need for hands-on coding tasks, project collaboration,
LMS tools often include features such as file sharing, discussion forums, quizzes, real-time
messaging, and video conferencing, which promote active learning and virtual classroom
engagement (Baytiyeh, 2020). With the right integration, these systems can support
practical programming tasks and facilitate peer reviews, thus enhancing student learning
outcomes.
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2.1.2 Digital Transformation in Higher Education
Digital transformation has reshaped higher education through the incorporation of cloud
education, this shift has enabled students to access programming tutorials, submit code,
analytics and dashboard features empower instructors to assess student progress and
degree of customization:
i. Closed Source LMS: These are commercial solutions like Blackboard or Canvas
ii. Open Source LMS: Platforms such as Moodle allow full access to source code,
iii. Cloud-Based LMS: These solutions are hosted remotely, offering scalability,
Science students should incorporate several critical features to address the technical and
6
interactive coding environments, such as built-in or integrated development
environments (IDEs), which enable students to write, compile, and test code directly
within the platform (Baytiyeh, 2020). Additionally, collaborative tools are vital; these
may include integration with version control systems like GitHub and dedicated spaces for
analytics, which provides visual dashboards to monitor key indicators such as student
students and instructors track progress over time (Fathema & Akbar, 2021). Lastly, a user-
accessible, and intuitive for users regardless of their technical background (Radović-
Marković & Salamzadeh, 2020). These features collectively contribute to a more effective,
Al-Fraihat et al. (2020) examined how system quality, service quality, and user
platforms in universities. The study emphasized that user-friendly interfaces and real-
time feedback are critical for maintaining engagement, especially in technical fields.
A study by Fathema and Akbar (2021) analyzed how LMS platforms support programming
education. The findings revealed that LMS systems with code evaluation plugins and
7
2.2.3 Integration of Collaborative Learning Tools
Bond et al. (2020) reviewed LMS implementations that incorporate collaborative tools like
forums and group workspaces. The study noted that Computer Science students benefit
greatly from these tools, which simulate real-world software development environments
developing countries. They found that infrastructure limitations, lack of training, and
resistance to change affected adoption rates. However, customized and context-aware LMS
solutions showed significant potential to improve digital learning for technical students.
Most existing LMS platforms are generic in nature, lacking specialized features needed for
Computer Science education. While systems like Moodle and Google Classroom offer
basic functionalities, they often do not support embedded coding environments, real-time
compiler integration, or project collaboration tools that are crucial in technical learning
(Baytiyeh, 2020). Moreover, analytics and feedback mechanisms are sometimes limited,
reducing the platform's usefulness for performance tracking and individualized instruction.
ii. Poor User Experience: Many systems have outdated or unintuitive interfaces,
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iii. Lack of Customization: Inability to adapt platforms to specific department or
2021).
iv. Low Interoperability: Difficulty integrating with other academic tools such as
Salamzadeh, 2020).
for Computer Science students. It provides functionalities that combine conventional LMS
The proposed system includes several key features tailored to enhance the learning
providing a secure login mechanism with role-based access control for both students and
instructors (Almaiah et al., 2020). It also offers a lecture content management feature that
allows for the organized uploading and categorization of lecture slides, source code
embedded code editors that support syntax highlighting and automated code evaluation,
collaborative learning, the system includes project collaboration tools that enable students
to participate in group projects, submit assignments collectively, and conduct peer reviews
(Bond et al., 2020). Finally, it features a progress tracking and analytics dashboard, which
monitors key academic metrics such as assignment submissions, quiz performance, and
learning.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This section outlines the methodological roadmap adopted to provide practical solutions to
the issues inherent in managing academic content and student engagement in the Computer
Science Department of Nasarawa State University, Keffi. The research employs a design
i. Measurement Objective
The primary objective is to design and implement an LMS that addresses the specific
accessibility.
Data was collected through direct observation of current practices within the
department, informal interviews with lecturers and students, and document review of
existing digital learning tools. These sources provided insight into existing challenges
The qualitative data gathered was analyzed thematically to extract common pain
points and system requirements. Findings informed the system specification, design
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architecture, and the functionalities implemented. The reporting plan includes
components.
While the research design lays the blueprint for answering the research question, the
research methods described here represent the actionable strategies used to implement that
Project reports, journal articles, and technical documentation relating to modern Learning
Management Systems were reviewed. The document review focused on identifying best
process informed the design decisions for features such as user authentication, course
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3.2 System Design
System design involves specifying the architecture, modules, data flow, and components
required to build a functional LMS tailored to the educational context of Nasarawa State
University, Keffi. This includes identifying system requirements, stakeholders, and user
Currently, academic content delivery and course management within the department are
fragmented. Many lecturers rely on traditional face-to-face teaching and separate third-
party platforms (e.g., Google Classroom, WhatsApp, email) to distribute materials and
grading.
iv. Limited access to practical tools tailored to Computer Science courses, such as
These challenges necessitate the design of a specialized LMS that integrates these needs
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The proposed solution is a web-based Learning Management System tailored specifically
for the Computer Science Department. This system will address existing limitations and
System Specifications:
Functional Requirements:
Non-Functional Requirements
13
Figure 3.2 System architecture
Adapted from Shahid et al. (2020); Ahmed et al. (2021); Reddy & Kumar (2022).
System Architecture
To develop a system grounded in actual user needs and operational constraints, the
features.
To design and implement a robust, user-friendly LMS for the Computer Science
performance tracking.
Data to be Gathered
b. Interview documentation
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3.3.1 Justification of Methods
The combination of observational and qualitative data collection methods ensures that the
proposed LMS aligns with the department’s actual needs. Observation captures real-time
behavior, while interviews and document analysis offer contextual depth. These methods
are ideal for a design and implementation-based research, where the goal is to build a
The algorithm below describes the logical flow a user (student or instructor) follows while
interacting with the LMS platform. This interaction focuses on accessing learning content,
submitting assignments, and reviewing progress. Figure 3.3 presents the corresponding
flowchart.
i. Start: The user initiates interaction with the LMS by launching the system.
ii. Login: The system prompts the user to log in using secure authentication (role-
iii. Access Dashboard: Upon successful login, the user is redirected to a personalized
dashboard.
iv. Select Feature: The user chooses an activity such as accessing lecture content,
v. Perform Task:
submissions.
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a. If code is submitted, the system evaluates it and displays immediate
feedback.
viii. Log Interaction: The system records the session activities in the database for
ix. End: The session concludes when the user logs out or exits the platform.
This algorithm serves as the foundation for modeling various system interactions in
subsequent UML diagrams, such as use case diagrams, activity diagrams, and sequence
The Use Case Diagram for the Learning Management System (LMS) illustrates the
interactions between different user roles and the system. It offers a clear overview of the
i. Students can interact with the system by accessing lecture materials, submitting
assignments, writing and testing code, participating in group projects, and tracking
ii. Instructors have the ability to upload lecture materials, create coding assignments,
They can also facilitate collaborative project work and manage grading.
iii. Administrators are responsible for managing user access, maintaining system
This diagram serves as a foundation for defining the system’s scope, clarifying user roles,
and mapping out key functionalities. It provides a quick overview of how the system
operates, making it easier to understand the interactions and requirements within the LMS.
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Figure 3.4 Usecase diagram
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3.4 Data Architecture
The database schema for the Learning Management System (LMS) defines the structure
and organization of data within the system. It outlines the tables, relationships, and data
types necessary to store and manage user information, course content, assignments, grades,
and system logs. The schema ensures efficient data retrieval, integrity, and consistency,
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Column Name Data Type Description
22
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