Custom LMS Development for the Flagship Academy Program

Having successfully transitioned to an online format, Binary Studio Academy continued to grow in both the number of students and the variety of technology tracks offered. However, as the program scaled, using separate platforms for lectures, communication, and assignments, such as popular video and messaging services, became increasingly inconvenient.

It became clear that switching to an LMS was necessary to streamline the management of the entire learning process. After briefly evaluating existing solutions, Binary Studio realized that custom LMS development would be more beneficial. Several factors influenced this decision:

• We already had a ready-to-use test module created in the previous stage
• We wanted full control over all components and their customization
• Importantly, we had a talented pool of experienced engineers and enthusiastic students willing to contribute to the creation of the platform

When we decided to build a custom LMS, our primary focus was on developing the platform's core logic and content management capabilities. The system was designed to enable the creation of course stages and allow for the seamless transition of students between these stages, either manually or automatically. Each stage can incorporate a variety of content types, including video lectures, homework assignments, written materials in attached files, and tests.

In addition to the course content management features, the LMS was built to streamline administrative tasks. The platform allows admins to easily sort students, transfer them from stage to stage, and input essential information, such as comments after interviews or feedback from mentors during the project phase. This information can be quickly accessed and managed within each student's profile, ensuring that administrators have a comprehensive view of each student's progress and performance.

By designing the LMS with both course content management and administrative efficiency in mind, we aimed to create a platform that simplifies the entire learning process for all participants.

The Binary Studio team built the LMS platform using a primarily JavaScript technology stack. We developed the front end with React and powered the back end with Node.js, along with Fastify and Inversify frameworks. PostgreSQL was chosen as the database, and the platform was hosted on DigitalOcean, with some microservices running on MS Azure. Furthermore, we prioritized manually created solutions over UI libraries to ensure full control and customization of all components.

In 2018, we released the complete version of our LMS platform, featuring expanded functionality and a branded design. The platform offers a comprehensive set of features to support the entire learning process, from application to graduation.

• The user journey begins with a registration page where applicants can choose their desired technology track, provide basic information, and self-evaluate their current skills. The system then guides them through an initial screening phase, which includes a timed online exam with immediate results provided by an automated system.
• Once enrolled, students can access static pages, such as the welcome page and resource lists, to help them prepare for the course. The platform allows mentors to create and assign tasks, homework, and tests to students while providing automatic correction. This streamlined process saves time for both students and mentors, facilitating a more efficient learning experience.
• Effective mentor management is another key aspect of the Academy LMS. Administrators can assign mentors to individual groups of students, allowing them to review and provide additional feedback on specific students or lessons.
• To support data-driven decision-making, the Academy LMS offers performance analytics through integration with Kibana, a data visualization dashboard software for Elasticsearch. The platform monitors student performance and generates statistics for each assignment. Students can also track their progress throughout the Academy, receiving detailed information on their performance and areas for improvement.
• The system incorporates various user roles and permission levels, catering to the different requirements of administrators, mentors, and students. This ensures that each user has access to the appropriate features and information based on their responsibilities within the Academy.

Since the release of the all-in-one LMS platform, Binary Studio has been continuously supporting and maintaining the system. The team delivers necessary fixes and improvements to ensure a smooth learning experience for students and mentors. Along the way, several additional features have been added to enhance the platform's functionality and user experience.

One notable example is the integration of EasyMeets, Binary Studio's own meeting scheduling solution, into the LMS. This integration allows students to select convenient interview times directly from the LMS interface, streamlining the scheduling process and eliminating the need for additional communication.

Another useful feature enables students to share their certificates and project details with people outside the LMS system. Upon completing the program, students can easily showcase their achievements and project work to potential employers or other interested parties. This feature helps students capitalize on their newly acquired skills and experience.

As Binary Studio Academy continues to evolve, the team is committed to providing an exceptional learning experience through its highly customizable LMS platform.