E-Learning: A Tool for Enhancing Teaching and Learning in Educational Institutes Abubakar Mohammed 1 , Sanjeev Kumar 2 , Bashir Maina Saleh 3 , Aishatu Shuaibu 4 1 Department of Information Technology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola, Nigeria. 2 Department of Information Technology, NIMS University Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. 3 Department of Computer Science, NIMS University Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. 4 Centre for Distance Learning, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola, Nigeria. Abstract – Educational institutions have adopted the use of information and communication technology (ICT) at various levels ranges from communication, examination and even human resource management. This paper explores the use of e-learning in enhancing teaching and learning in educational institutes. The paper is a descriptive research and uses unified modeling language (UML) techniques to provide descriptions and models of e-learning practice in educational institutes. The models were presented using Use Case and Activity diagrams as the results of the study. The models show the interactions based on email interactions, social media (network), computer-based test (CBT), and learning management system (LMS). Finally, the paper recommends that e-learning platforms should be used at various levels of educational institutions, government and education regulatory bodies should enforce the adoption of e-learning in addition to conventional teaching modes, and teachers should be encouraged to share learning materials and tasks to students using electronic means. Keywords – E-learning, Tool, Enhancing, Teaching and Learning, Educational Institutes. I. INTRODUCTION Information and Communication Technology has brought a lot of changes and innovations into various fields. Innovative changes were made in various educational institutes as a result of ICT. Many institutions were using information systems for managing their records both academic and non-academic matters. Some institutions were using ICTs infrastructures in terms of communications within and outside the schools, conduct of examinations, human resource management, etc. However, one important aspect that is affected by ICTs innovation in educational institutions is the teaching and learning section. The introduction of e-learning platforms has reduced a lot of hardship associated to teaching in various institutions. Teachers find it very easy to share and distribute learning materials to students. E-learning involves acquisition of knowledge and skills using electronic technologies such as computer and internet [1] . It gives an opportunity to access and share learning materials in various formats such as word document, PDF, PPT slideshows, audio and videos for demonstration, chat and messaging forums for interactions with instructors or other learners. Therefore, this paper will explore the use of e- learning in enhancing teaching and learning in educational institutes. This can be achieved with the following objectives: 1) To identify the current practice of e-learning in educational institutes. 2) To identify the level of enhancement e-learning made to educational institutes. II. LITERATURE REVIEW A. Concept of e-learning 1) What is e-learning? E-Learning can be viewed as learning through electronic means. It involves acquisition of knowledge and skills using electronic technologies such as computer and internet [1] . eLearning enables you to learn anywhere and anytime irrespective of geographical locations. Before the evolution of internet, distance courses were offered to students on particular skills or subjects. In 1840s, Isaac Pitman usually teaches his students shorthand by correspondence. In 1954, a Harvard university professor invented a teaching machine that allowed schools to manage instructions to students. In 1960s, the first computer based training (CBT) program known as PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations) was introduced to the world. PLATO was originally developed for students of Illinois university but later ended up being used by other schools within that area. In 1970s, e- learning became more interesting and interactive as Britain Open University was interested to take the advantage of e- learning. Their educational system was purely on learning at distance. Course materials are usually delivered to students through post and correspondence with tutors or instructors are done through mail [2] . However, with the introduction of internet, the university delivered courses materials, educational experiences as well as correspondences to students through emails. More technological advancements were made in 20 th and 21 st centuries to improve e-learning. These makes schools to deliver courses online and education is widely available and accessible to people regardless of their geographical and time constraints. Business organizations also adopted e-learning platforms to educate and train their employees. This has given workers the opportunities to Abubakar Mohammed et al, / (IJCSIT) International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technologies, Vol. 8 (2) , 2017, 217-221 www.ijcsit.com 217