Title: Designing online learning scenario: a software engineering approach to incorporating communication tools

Authors: Ouariach Fatima Zahra; Ouariach Soufiane

Addresses: Educational Science, Language Didactics, Human and Social Sciences, Higher Normal School of Tetouan, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Morocco ' A Research Team in Computer Science and University Educational Engineering, Higher Normal School of Tetouan, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Morocco

Abstract: This study addresses the need for systemic design in online higher education by proposing a pedagogical scenario based on a deductive approach. Our novel contribution lies in applying software engineering principles, specifically using the unified modelling language (UML), to formally model the integration of four key communication tools: discussion forums, wikis, videoconferencing, and instant messaging. The methodology follows two phases: first, elaborating the scenario structured around three systems (input, learning, output), and second, formalising it with a complete set of UML diagrams (class, use case, activity, and sequence). The major finding is a comprehensive UML model that serves as a reproducible blueprint for this integrated learning environment. The practical applicability of this model is demonstrated through the development of four user interface prototypes, validating the approach and its alignment with pedagogical goals.

Keywords: communication tools; asynchronous learning; synchronous learning; teaching scenario; modelling; prototyping.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2025.152772

International Journal of Learning and Change, 2025 Vol.17 No.5, pp.488 - 513

Received: 13 May 2025
Accepted: 16 Sep 2025
Published online: 10 Apr 2026 *

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