A chat engine -based LMS with a unique semantic language for Learning Design.
Utitshala delivers learning content through Telegram, using the @UtitshalaBot. Utitshala is based on an event architecture. This means that messages are received via the @UtitshalaBot, computed in ChatEngine.cs, and executed to provide some sort of response (such as sending a learning design activity).
The ChatEngine.cs file relies on Spin, a dialogue library written by Sam Bloomberg (https://github.com/redxdev/Spin). As such, learning content is structured in a sequence format, with activity elements that lead to other elements based on user input. Utitshala extends Spin to include a variety of what it calls 'sequence commands'. These commands form the structure of the Learning Design semantic language, and lead to specific chat outputs. For example, a learning design with a 'presentation' sequence command sends an album of images to the learner over Telegram, similar to a real-life presentation.
The sequence commands in this language include:
- next: sets the next activity element to send.
- opt: presents the learner with options, each leading to a different activity element.
- image: sends an image file, either compressed or uncompressed by the engine.
- sticker: sends a Telegram sticker.
- presentation: as above, sends an album of images, compressed or uncompressed.
- wait: holds the chat for a specific amount of time.
- input: receives input from the user for some purpose, such as when choosing an activity. Supports several forms of Regex.
- execute: executes one of several internal functions, such as checking if a user is registered.
- upload: prepares to receive a file and save it into the app's internal directories.
- forum: hosts a forum between learners, tracked asynchronously on a database table.
Utitshala also includes an ASP.Net MVC site, with support for schools and classrooms that learners may join. A primitive learning design editor is present, but requires expansion. The entity class model is provided within this git in ClassDiagram.cd.
After cloning the repo, open the Package Manager Console and run the following commands:
Add-Migration InitialCreate
Update-Database
If you see the error:
Directory lookup for the file "C:**\Utitshala\Utitshala\App_Data\aspnet-Utitshala-20210518051037.mdf" failed with the operating system error 2(The system cannot find the file specified.). CREATE DATABASE failed. Some file names listed could not be created. Check related errors.
Open Utitshala.csproj and remove the following line: <Folder Include="App_Data\" />
Then re-add the App_Data folder to the project.