Migrating learning management systems towards microservice architecture

Abstract

Microservice architecture provides on a set of modular, independent and fault-tolerant services. In recent years, new architectures have evolved with an emergence of recurrent, and effective architectural patterns essential in maintaining and scaling microservice-based systems. However, in the domain of education there is a lack of open-source, microservice-based systems that are easily configurable for various teaching, research, and commercial purposes. Preferably, these services should be orchestratable as part of other education-related service compositions as well. In this paper, a study of microservice-based learning management systems is conducted by focusing on two systems that the authors are involved in: WETO and Plussa. We report the current status of these systems through the lens of microservice architecture and draft a proposal for the synthesis of an ideal, decoupled learning management system.