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11 – 20 of over 1000Edda Tandi Lwoga and Mercy Komba
The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that predict students’ continued usage intention of web-based learning management systems (LMS) in Tanzania, with a specific focus…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that predict students’ continued usage intention of web-based learning management systems (LMS) in Tanzania, with a specific focus on the School of Business of Mzumbe University. Specifically, the study investigated major predictors of actual usage and continued usage intentions of e-learning system, and challenges of using the e-learning system.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 300 third year undergraduate students, with a rate of return of 77 per cent. A total of 20 faculty members were also interviewed. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was utilized in the study.
Findings
The results show that actual usage was determined by self-efficacy, while continued usage intentions of web-based learning system was predicted by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, self-efficacy, and actual usage. Challenges for using web-based LMS were related to information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure barrier, LMS user interface was not user friendly, weak ICT policies, management and technical support, limited skills, lack of awareness, resistance to change, and lack of time to prepare e-content and use the e-learning system.
Practical implications
The study findings are useful to e-learning managers and university management to identify important factors and develop appropriate policies and strategies to encourage long-term usage of e-learning systems for future studies and lifelong learning.
Originality/value
By using UTAUT in the context of continued usage intentions and the integration of an additional construct (“self-efficacy”), the extended UTAUT model fits very well in the web-based learning systems in Tanzania, in particular where such studies are scant. The findings can be used in other institutions with similar conditions in investigating the continued usage intentions of e-learning systems.
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Mohamed Ismail Mohamed Riyath and Uthuma Lebbe Muhammed Rijah
The study investigates the factors that impact the adoption of learning management systems (LMSs) among educators for effective implementation of open and distance learning (ODL…
Abstract
Purpose
The study investigates the factors that impact the adoption of learning management systems (LMSs) among educators for effective implementation of open and distance learning (ODL) environment in advanced technological institutes (ATIs).
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the extended technology acceptance model (TAM) and analyses data using the partial least square–based structural equation modelling approach to validate the construct and test proposed hypotheses. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from the respondents.
Findings
This study reveals that perceived self-efficacy and job relevance significantly impact perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU). PU, PEU and service quality significantly impact attitudes of educators, which impact their behavioural intention and actual use of LMS as a chain reaction.
Practical implications
The management should organise hands-on training sessions to improve educators' computer self-efficacy and explain the importance of the LMS and its features to offer an effective ODL environment for delivering high-quality education.
Originality/value
The previous studies focused on LMS use from the students' point of view rather than educators. This study investigates educators' LMS adoption in ATIs using the extended TAM. The findings may be helpful for management to implement an effective ODL environment that offers fully integrated distance learning and e-learning during the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
Bee Leng Chew, Marnisya Abdul Rahim and Vighnarajah Vighnarajah
Recent advancement in technological development has encouraged distance learning institutions to be more productive and creative in effectively utilizing the Learning Management…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent advancement in technological development has encouraged distance learning institutions to be more productive and creative in effectively utilizing the Learning Management System (LMS). Among the many measures employed is the integration of federated search engine into the LMS which allows for a more productive and wider scope of information retrieval through the provisions of library resources and services. The purpose of this paper is to report one such case study in Wawasan Open University exploring the integration of federated search engine (EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) widget) into the learning spaces of LMS. Widgets resemble apps that enable the integration of EDS functionality in providing access for students to retrieve library learning resources from the convenience of the LMS, excluding the need to log onto the library.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a discussion that highlights the development and conjectural implementation of a framework on the integration of the EDS widget into the University’s LMS. Data collection includes meta-analysis data from the micro- and macro-level infrastructure that make up the framework, namely, end-user layer, system layer and data management layer.
Findings
Findings from this study addressed significant importance to the library in promoting effective search and utilization of information needs. The findings will also make clear recommendations in developing effective collaborations between the library and faculties. Although the implementation of this framework is still in a developmental stage, this study still provides pertinent information in validating the integration of EDS into the University’s LMS.
Research limitations/implications
While serious limitations are not anticipated, possible concerns do exist with programming algorithms in the integration of EDS into the LMS. These challenges will be reported in the paper as reference for future replications of study
Practical implications
One key implication is the increase in the usage of the library resources and the potential to reach a larger audience of remote library users.
Originality/value
The primary advantage is to minimize the need for multiple gateway login while ensuring the library to monitor relevant library databases activities throughout the system check of the LMS.
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Ilia Maslov, Shahrokh Nikou and Preben Hansen
This paper aims to explore the perspectives of university students on the learning management system (LMS) and determine factors that influence user experience and the outcomes of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the perspectives of university students on the learning management system (LMS) and determine factors that influence user experience and the outcomes of e-learning.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper employs a mixed-method approach. For qualitative data, 20 semi-structure interviews were conducted. Moreover, for quantitative data, a short survey was developed and distributed among the potential respondents.
Findings
The results showed that students, particularly in programs where courses are mainly offered online, are dependent on such learning platforms. Moreover, the use of modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment (Moodle) as an application of LMS was rated positively, and e-learning was considered as an effective sustainable learning solution in current conditions.
Originality/value
The authors have illustrated empirically how the notion of UX of the LMS provides a means of exploring both students' participation in e-learning and their intention towards using such learning platforms.
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Jason Watson and Pervaiz K. Ahmed
This paper briefly introduces the trends towards e‐learning and amplifies some examples of state of the art systems, pointing out that all of these are, to date, limited by…
Abstract
This paper briefly introduces the trends towards e‐learning and amplifies some examples of state of the art systems, pointing out that all of these are, to date, limited by adaptability and shareability of content and that it is necessary for industry to develop and use an inter‐operability standard. Uses SCORM specifications to specify the skeleton of an architecture to develop an advanced learning management system.
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Madison N. Ngafeeson, Yuba R. Gautam and Joseph A. Manga
The COVID-19 global pandemic reframed the argument for the importance of learning management systems (LMS) in unprecedented ways. Meanwhile, LMS users were forced to use these…
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 global pandemic reframed the argument for the importance of learning management systems (LMS) in unprecedented ways. Meanwhile, LMS users were forced to use these technologies despite the heightened anxiety compounded by the pandemic, very little technical preparation and the postpandemic learning environment that cannot depend on these pandemic-imposed regulations and adoptions. This study aims to examine the impacts of behavioral control and anxiety emotions on adoption decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
This quantitative research uses structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships.
Findings
Results showed that perceived behavioral control is very important in boosting ease of use perceptions while computer anxiety exhibited a negative impact on perceived ease of use.
Research limitations/implications
This research used cross-sectional data from a medium-sized university. Results must, therefore, be interpreted with this understanding in mind. Nonetheless, this research demonstrates the critical roles of control and emotions in technology adoption decisions among students in an online learning environment.
Originality/value
This research highlights the importance of behavioral control and anxiety emotions in technology adoption decisions. It reveals that to drive adoption, students’ control perceptions must be increased while simultaneously keeping anxiety emotions at bay. This understanding is key to communicating buy-in of LMS to students.
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Ilias G. Basioudis, Paul de Lange, Themin Suwardy and Paul Wells
The purpose of this study is to investigate student perceptions of the design features included in an “off the shelf” Learning Management System (LMS) in teaching undergraduate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate student perceptions of the design features included in an “off the shelf” Learning Management System (LMS) in teaching undergraduate accounting students.
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaire responses from 846 accounting students studying in the UK, Australia and New Zealand provide international data to develop a model to explain student perception of the LMS.
Findings
The final model shows student satisfaction with the use of a LMS is positively associated with three variables: usefulness of lecture notes, bulletin boards and discussion forums, and other LMS tools. Further, the comparison of cultural differences of the three countries shows all students treat the provision of notes as a desirable attribute on a LMS. Findings also suggest that although students find the provision of materials over the LMS does not enhance student engagement in class, overall a comparison of the three countries shows all students treat the provision of notes as a desirable attribute of a LMS.
Research limitations/implications
Future research should collect ethnicity data to enable an analysis of cultural influence on student perceptions of the LMS.
Practical implications
As increased motivation to learn is found to contribute to improved achievement of learning outcomes, the study's findings have implications for faculty contemplating the adoption of a LMS in their courses. The findings specifically confirm that usefulness of lecture notes, use of bulletin/discussion boards, and other LMS tools are positively endorsed by students and hence increase their motivation to learn.
Originality/value
The current paper adds to the literature as the motivation to use and engage with LMSs by accounting students is not well understood.
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The integration of a Learning Management System (LMS) at the Arab Open University (AOU), Kuwait, opens new possibilities for online interaction between teachers and students. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The integration of a Learning Management System (LMS) at the Arab Open University (AOU), Kuwait, opens new possibilities for online interaction between teachers and students. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of the LMS at AOU, Kuwait as a communication tool in the E‐learning system and to find the best automated solution possible.
Design/methodology/approach
The study participants were 500 students (270 female and 230 male) from AOU, Kuwait. The participants began to use the LMS in January 2009 and, up to the date of the analysis, used the system continuously during three academic years. The researcher used a quantitative research design because the descriptive statistics were demonstrated in frequency counts and percentages and the responses were analyzed numerically.
Findings
This study found that the majority of the AOU, Kuwait students welcome the LMS system at their university. However, there are many reasons why LMSs have failed, including high cost of technology, poor decisions, competition, and the absence of appropriate (or any) business strategies, especially market assessment of consumer demand.
Originality/value
This project identifies different milestones in delivering the LMS process and recommends the best solution to automate the E‐learning procedure at the Open University, Kuwait. The goal is to reduce time, effort and cost when implementing this new solution. The study suggests that students are important stakeholders whose active involvement increases exchange of pedagogical information and promotes interaction among teachers.
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To illustrate the value of using a learning management system to streamline training administration tasks and, especially, to provide evidence of compliance for the authorities in…
Abstract
Purpose
To illustrate the value of using a learning management system to streamline training administration tasks and, especially, to provide evidence of compliance for the authorities in regulated industries.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach to this topic is via interviews with experts. Officials from five US‐based organisations – four health‐care and one pharmaceutical organisation – explain the value of a learning management system to their particular organisation. They also outline the additional benefits that they have experienced – such as medical staff being able to spend more time with patients. There are also comments from an industry analyst specialising in learning management systems.
Findings
Learning management systems not only enable training to be standardised and co‐ordinated within the largest and most fragmented organisations but also provide accurate records of learning and competence – which are vital in highly regulated industries.
Practical implications
These are that every organisation in a “regulated” industry – especially those in the health‐care sector – should use an enterprise‐wide learning management system to improve the efficiency of their staff training and development. Moreover, they should use the user‐monitoring and record‐keeping functions of the learning management system to keep automated, up‐to‐date records of knowledge, skills and competencies for that industry's regulatory bodies.
Originality/value
This paper demonstrates – albeit anecdotally – the value of a learning management system, not just for the training function but also in operational terms. As such, it should be of interest not only to training and HR professionals but also to those responsible for organisational strategy, planning and operation.
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Christos Skourlas, Anastasios Tsolakidis, Petros Belsis, Dimitris Vassis, Argyrw Kampouraki, Panos Kakoulidis and Georgios A. Giannakopoulos
Institutional repositories (IR) are usually used to archive and manage digital collections including research results, educational material, etc. Learning management systems (LMS…
Abstract
Purpose
Institutional repositories (IR) are usually used to archive and manage digital collections including research results, educational material, etc. Learning management systems (LMS) form a popular basis for e-learning and blended learning. This paper aims to study how to integrate IR and LMS to support accessibility of disabled students and students with learning difficulties (dyslexic students) in higher education. Customised ontologies focusing on disabled students can be used to facilitate indexing, and access of items in the repository.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors propose a simple methodological approach to establish an integrating system for supporting accessibility. First, the authors review research works related to adaptive learning environments (ALEs) and blended learning, and discuss issues of the interoperability of IR and LMS. Then, based on the review, the authors discuss the use of an integrated ALE for supporting disabled students in the domain of higher technological education. The integrated system is based on IR, LMS and assistive and adaptive technology. The open source software platform DSpace is used to build up the repository applications Use of the web ontology language (OWL) ontologies is also proposed for indexing and accessing the various, heterogeneous items stored in the repository. Various open source LMS (e.g. openeclass) could be used to build up the integrated system. Finally, the authors describe experimentation with a prototype implemented to provide the mentioned capabilities.
Findings
The technology is mature enough for building up integrated systems, combining capabilities of IR and LMS, for supporting disabled students. The use of ontologies focused on disabled students could facilitate the use of such integrated systems. Customisation and operation of a platform, for the selection and use of portions of OWL ontologies, could be based on the open source software Protégé. Such a platform forms a basis to create an appropriate ontology suitable for specific domains, e.g. the domain of technological education. Finally, the authors argue that the combined use of the OWL platform and the DSpace repository with open source LMS platforms could support domain experts for creating customised ontologies and facilitating searching.
Originality/value
A new perception of the term integrated system for supporting disabled students in the higher education context is presented. This perception tries to combine the IR technology that supports the self-archiving approach of information, open LMS technology and the user-centred approach to support students and manage the “life of information”.
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