Live Migration for E-learning platform

How we implemented live migration of an e-learning platform and enhanced its functionality.

5.0

on Cluth

Client

Our client is a leading developer and provider of intelligent automation solutions.

Their online learning platform provides comprehensive training, from automation basics to advanced machine learning and robotic process automation.

The main spheres of our client’s work are the banking, insurance, and healthcare industries. The student profile represents heads of department, operation leaders, machine learning engineers, data analysts, and other employees of the leading companies.

Сhallenge

The main challenge was to provide migration of the platform’s core from 2.x to 3.x version. The task was complicated as the current version 2.x was heavily customized. It was necessary to rewrite most of the custom functionality and API with external services.

We decided to improve the platform’s performance during the migration process as it had over 35000 students.

A concurrent difficulty was to ensure a smooth and non-stop operation of the platform during the update process.

Solution

Having analyzed and prioritized the changes, we decided to upgrade the outdated Moodle 3.1 to the 3.7 version. Our team carried out a comprehensive website audit and created a detailed migration plan to avoid unexpected difficulties.

We needed to apply all changes in real-time and ensure the flawless operation of the academy during the development process.

The migration was split into two parts.

Upgrading the Moodle core.

Ensuring compatibility of all custom features with 3.7 edition.

The main points of the process

Implementation of a new design

Our team transformed the design created by the third-party agency into a responsive Moodle theme and integrated it into the platform. As a result, our client acquired a brand new image.

Improvements of the UX/UI

We placed the course syllabus at the top of the Course page. It made it easier for the students to see the ongoing course.

The previous LMS structure was too complicated and led to multiple requests coming to the support team. After the implementation of a new website structure, we got an updated UI that is clear, intuitive, and reduces the number of support queries.

Optimization of the registration procedure

By making all the fields mandatory, we provided Work Fusion managers with detailed information about the students. They can use it for further marketing activities.

Extension of the users’ profiles functionality

Every profile now has a ‘My courses’ field where it is possible to check the list of courses a student takes, as well as monitor the passing of every course.

Setting up email distribution

Students receive emails during the course, as well as new course recommendations once they have finished education.

The company’s managers are regularly informed about their employees’ learning stage and progress.

Adding custom reports, charts, and visualized info

To streamline admins’ work with the academy, we created custom reports with all the needed information: the number of new users, students’ progress, received certificates, etc.

We provided admins with an opportunity to build charts and visualize information to make the data more convenient to work with.

Process

On our side, we did:

The migration of the platform’s core from 2.x to 3.x version;
The final version of the design;
The requirements (based on the design) together with a customer representative (PO);
The architecture of the application;
DevOps work, backend development;
Performance issues;
Integration with the third-party services;
Testing and delivery.

On the client's side, there was:

Ownership;
The contractor was involved in the design.

How the collaboration/workflow was built

Our team carried out a full audit of the system and worked out scenarios for moving to a new version of the platform.
We made sure that there were no blockers. There were several sessions with the client’s team to improve the current functionality and form a scope of work when moving.
We developed the requirements, made an assessment, and formed sprints.
The work was organized in JIRA, using a Scrum approach with 2-week sprints. The team consisted of 9 people: a customer representative (PO), PM, BA, 2 BE developers, FE developer, performance engineer, tester, and a designer.

Results

Our team managed to achieve significant improvements thanks to Moodle and PHP version updates and cash optimization.

Together with our client, we created a next-generation learning platform. It is fast, secure, easy to use, and convenient for all students, no matter where they are from and how many courses they have already completed online.

Deliverables

Flawless live migration from Moodle 3.1 to Moodle 3.7
Redesign implementation
Performance optimization: + 40% to the server performance and loading time
Automated courses content localization via Crowdin integration
Custom learning plans, reports, and charts, grading, filtering, certificates, students profiles

Project in figures

+ 40 %

Server performance

35 K+

Users of the platform

Team members

Technologies and tools

Moodle, PHP, MySQL, JS, jQuery / jQuery UI, Bootstrap, CSS, HTML, Rest API, AWS, Crowdin Api, Accredible Api, Eloque Api.

Сlient feedback

“I’m more impressed by their readiness to adapt and change for us. Even though we initially engaged them for the sole purpose of creating our Automation Academy, we’ve since enlarged their responsibilities”.

Alexandra Bogush

Product owner