ISSN(Online): 2320-9801 ISSN (Print): 2320-9798 International Journal of Innovative Research in Computer and Communication Engineering (An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization) Vol. 4, Issue 8, August 2016 Copyright to IJIRCCE DOI: 10.15680/IJIRCCE.2016. 0408090 15092 An E-learning Framework based on Responsive Web Design for Improved Mobile Usability Felix Sigei 1 , George Okeyo 2 , Wilson Cheruiyot 3 PG Student, Department of Computing, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Kenya 1 Lecturer, Department of Computing, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Kenya 2 Senior Lecturer, Department of Computing, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Kenya 3 ABSTRACT: Responsive Web Design (RWD) is a series of techniques and technologies that are combined to make delivering a single application across a range of devices as practical as possible. While RWD has been largely applied to websites, most of the web applications including e-learning systems have not really benefited from this concept. E- learning systems require a different RWD strategy due to their unique content and information architecture. This work seeks to suggest an ideal responsive web design strategy for an e-learning framework that will improve mobile usability of e-learning systems. A case study of the Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (MOODLE) Learning Management System (LMS) was considered in this work due to its popularity, customizability, and large community support. We developed an e-learning framework using the insights pointed out by Google Mobile-Friendly Test on the mobile usability challenges of the MOODLE LMS. The developed responsive e-learning framework was evaluated by comparing it with the non-responsive MOODLE LMS. The results showed that the e-learning framework based on RWD had a mobile user experience rating of 95% compared to 63% of the non-responsive MOODLE LMS. KEYWORDS: E-learning framework, Responsive Web Design, Mobile Usability, Mobile user experience, MOODLE. I. INTRODUCTION E-learning refers to the use of technological tools for education as defined by Nichols [1]. E-learning, as a new paradigm of education, has been steadily gaining support in the last decade and various stakeholders (researchers, practitioners, and institutions) perceive its value according to Saade and Kira[2]. E-learning facilitates access to learning content anytime and anywhere thereby transforming the education process. Mobile devices are increasingly finding their way into the education sector creating a paradigm shift in learning from e- learning to Mobile Learning (m-learning). M-learning is a mode of distributing learning content with portable devices such as Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Tablet Personal Computer (PC), electronic book, and mobile phone. This has been necessitated by the ubiquitous nature of the users who need to share and access learning content anywhere, anytime and on any device. Having e-learning systems ready for mobile devices is therefore imperative. Usability is a qualitative attribute that determines how easy the user interface can be utilized. Ali [3] asserted that an e- learning system’s user interface should therefore be designed in such a manner that it is easy to use. Personalization is a particular strength of mobile devices and the small screen size and the subsequent navigation challenges mean that it is really important for developers to be careful with content of mobile applications. Adaptation is an important concept and plays a role in the usability of any software or mobile application considering vast and different user needs. The ubiquity of users has thus led to the need for personalized learning systems. A framework for e-learning was developed by Khan [4] to create a successful e-learning experience for diverse learners. The E-learning framework encompasses eight dimensions that seek to provide guidance in the planning, design, delivery, evaluation and implementation of e-learning environments. The eight dimensions of the E-learning