scholarly journals Exploring the Potential of Blended Learning and Learning Management Systems (LMSs) for Higher Education in Aceh

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zamzami Zainuddin

The paper aims to explore the potential of the blended learning approach for higher education in Aceh. This is a conceptual paper that attempts to provide the concepts and theories associated with implementing the blended learning approach on college-level students and lecturers. Blended Learning is a learning model that is enriched with traditional learning methods and online education materials. In a typical blended learning environment, students may learn contents outside of the class through websites or Learning Management Systems (LMSs), but engage in practical, hands-on activities during class hours. The author believes the blended learning is a potentially effective approach if implemented for higher education in Aceh, especially Banda Aceh, which has adequate internet access in numerous areas. Integrating the blended learning approach will enhance students’ self-paced learning in Aceh, and in turn improve their critical thinking and collaborative learning. This study also encourages lecturers in Aceh to implement the blended learning approach in their teaching and learning practices, as well as urges the use of various LMSs or Web 2.0 tools as online learning platforms. Finally, the practice of blended learning will support Universities in Aceh in transforming teaching and learning activities from being traditional, to becoming technology-based learning environments.

10.31355/42 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 065-077
Author(s):  
Agyei Fosu

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose...................................................................................................................................................................................................... The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge base on factors likely to impede implementation and adoption of web-based learning management systems to blend with traditional methods of lecturing in universities to cater for the next generation of learners in Africa and Eastern Cape Province South Africa in particular. Background........................................................................................................................................................................................................ The shift from the industrial economies to 21st century digital and knowledge-based economies, fueled by rapid Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) such as Internet, YouTube, Chartrooms, Skype, Social media networks and its introduction to the educational system not only resulted in a new teaching approach globally but also paved way to usher in new generation of learners (anytime, anywhere learners) in the higher education system. Despite the fact that universities and other institutions of higher education in developed countries and some Africa countries have since recognized that the 21st century global digital and knowledge-based economies evolution has ushered in the next generation of learners, and as a result have taken the necessary steps to blend the traditional method of lecturing in higher education with web-based learning management systems in order to accommodate these learners. However, in Africa not much research have been done on the readiness of higher education institutions in terms of blending web-based learning management systems with the traditional method of lecturing to cater for the next generation of learners. Methodology....................................................................................................................................................................................................... Quantitative and two non-probability sampling methods, namely, quota and purposive sampling was used to investigate the technological skills of selected lecturers from universities within Buffalo City Metropolitan as one of the core component to check the readiness of their faculty for the next generation of learners. Contribution........................................................................................................................................................................................................ This research will add to the growing knowledge about the blending of web-based learning management with the traditional style of lecturing in higher education in the 21st century digital economies. Findings.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. The results indicated that the participating lecturers need to be trained and sup-ported in the skills of using of the ICTs and computer programs applicable to enhance web-based learning in teaching and learning environment in higher education in order to cater for the next generation of learners associated with the 21st century digital economies. Recommendations for Practitioners................................................................................................................................................................. Much as there is a need for increased in investment in infrastructure within higher education institutions to support teaching and learning, continuous sup-port and training for academics to be technologically literate and also be abreast on rapidly evolving field of ICTs is paramount as it can expedite the teaching and learning process in higher education. Recommendation for Researchers................................................................................................................................................................... There is the need to explore in depth the other two components suggested by Mishra and Koehler (2007) which can serve as barriers for successfully integration of technology into teaching and learning by locus of knowledge. Impact on Society............................................................................................................................................................................................... The research will assist stakeholders, policy makers and agencies tasked with transforming institutions of higher learning to identify the barriers likely to hinder transformation efforts and address them accordingly. Future Research................................................................................................................................................................................................. Conducting research on technological skills of students are critical in this context.


Author(s):  
Betul Özkan Czerkawski ◽  
Dawn Panagiota Gonzales

A Learning Management System (LMS) offers a set of tools for e-learning delivery and management. For institutions offering online or blended courses, an LMS has a profound impact on teaching and learning because it is the main technology used in higher education e-learning courses. This chapter discusses major trends, issues, and challenges with the LMS in the context of online instruction for higher education. The chapter ends with a discussion of new trends with LMSs.


Author(s):  
Michael F. Beaudoin

In this era of student-centered, collaborative, constructivist learning, augmented by social networks and other virtual environments featuring learner autonomy, self-direction and independence, the role of instructors in online education is undergoing continuous evolution since the advent of the Internet, and the proliferation of Learning Management Systems (LSM) to support teaching and learning. This chapter examines the role of the online instructor, and indeed, poses the provocative question: does there remain a useful and meaningful role for what is arguably the increasingly ‘invisible’ instructor in many online settings. Factors that contribute to this phenomenon, such as the proliferation of new technology, the emphasis on self-directed learning, a changing student clientele, emerging modes of assessment, etc. are noted. Findings from a various studies of student attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of what is critical for success in online courses are highlighted, including data suggesting that the role of instructors and the features of Learning Management Systems are relatively minor factors for achieving success in online learning. The implications of these trends for the future role of the professoriate are also considered.


Author(s):  
S. M. Samarasinghe ◽  
G D T D Chandrasiri

Developments in Information technology has made rapid changes in the traditional teaching and learning methods in organizations, such as higher education institutions. This new method of teaching and learning is enabled mainly through Learning Management Systems. Issues in effective implementation and management of such systems have drawn the attention of many researchers. However, LMS success research still lacks particularly in the Sri Lankan higher education context. Hence, the purpose of this research was to examine the success of e-Learning systems in the Sri Lankan higher education context. The conceptual model was tested by fitting it to data collected from undergraduate students using learning management systems. This was the first study to test a multidimensional e-Learning systems success model (DeLone and McLean’s, 2003, IS success model) in the Sri Lankan context. Of the quality dimensions considered, quality of the information/content provided by the system was the most influential. Student satisfaction had the largest effect size on benefits to students. This study provides meaningful insights particularly relevant to e-Learning implementers in higher education in Sri Lanka.


Author(s):  
Dr. Lester Reid

This qualitative case study explored how learning management systems influence adult learners' method of acquiring higher education, how learning management systems influence adult learners transformative learning and how learning management systems is a game-changer for traditional teaching and learning at adult and higher education institutions. This empirical study focused on the perspectives of faculty members, students, and academic leadership concerning learning management systems utilization, benefits, preference, and satisfaction that influenced traditional teaching and learning at adult and higher education institutions. The qualitative and quantitative research methods conducted by the scholars in this empirical study shows positive and optimistic responses from faculty members and students regarding learning management system preference, utilization, appreciation, and satisfaction for online teaching-learning at adult and Higher education institutions. The study shows the trend, and directions adult and higher education institutions are taking to meet the demands and competition to deliver online education to adult learners.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Kite ◽  
Timothy E Schlub ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Silvia Choi ◽  
Sarah Craske ◽  
...  

Learning management systems have become a key component of teaching and learning in higher education. However, the evidence on the importance of learning management systems to learning is still in its infancy. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role that the Canvas learning management system played in the Sydney School of Public Health at the University of Sydney, Australia. To do this, we conducted interviews with lecturers ( n = 9) and postgraduate coursework students ( n = 7) from the School during Semester 2, 2018. We analysed the interviews thematically, identifying one overarching theme: that Canvas is predominantly used and perceived as an information repository by teaching academics and students. This means that lecturers place course materials on the learning management system for students to use and are making limited use of other, more interactive features of the learning management system, despite interaction being seen as essential to effective teaching and learning. This use of Canvas was explained by two factors: (1) face-to-face learning is perceived as superior to online learning and (2) the existence of skill and capacity barriers that hinder improved online teaching and learning practice, even where professional development opportunities exist for lecturers. We argue that this represents suboptimal use of a learning management system, especially when online learning is likely to become more significant in the coming years. To address this issue, we recommend employing and appropriately resourcing educational designers within higher education settings. These specialists can aid lecturers in the creation of genuinely interactive online environments so that the benefits of online teaching and learning can be fully realised.


10.28945/4593 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agyei Fosu

[The full paper was previously published in the International Journal of Community Development & Management Studies, 3, 65-77.] Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge base on factors likely to impede implementation and adoption of web-based learning management systems to blend with traditional methods of lecturing in universities to cater for the next generation of learners in Africa and Eastern Cape Province South Africa in particular. Background: The shift from the industrial economies to 21st century digital and knowledge-based economies, fueled by rapid Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) such as Internet, YouTube, Chartrooms, Skype, Social media networks and its introduction to the educational system not only resulted in a new teaching approach globally but also paved way to usher in new generation of learners (anytime, anywhere learners) in the higher education system. Despite the fact that universities and other institutions of higher education in developed countries and some Africa countries have since recognized that the 21st century global digital and knowledge-based economies evolution has ushered in the next generation of learners, and as a result have taken the necessary steps to blend the traditional method of lecturing in higher education with web-based learning management systems in order to accommodate these learners. However, in Africa not much research has been done on the readiness of higher education institutions in terms of blending web-based learning management systems with the traditional method of lecturing to cater for the next generation of learners. Methodology: Quantitative and two non-probability sampling methods, namely, quota and purposive sampling was used to investigate the technological skills of selected lecturers from universities within Buffalo City Metropolitan as one of the core component to check the readiness of their faculty for the next generation of learners. Contribution: This research will add to the growing knowledge about the blending of web-based learning management with the traditional style of lecturing in higher education in the 21st century digital economies. Findings: The results indicated that the participating lecturers need to be trained and supported in the skills of using of the ICTs and computer programs applicable to enhance web-based learning in teaching and learning environment in higher education in order to cater for the next generation of learners associated with the 21st century digital economies. Recommendations for Practitioners: Much as there is a need for increased in investment in infrastructure within higher education institutions to support teaching and learning, continuous support and training for academics to be technologically literate and also be abreast on rapidly evolving field of ICTs is paramount as it can expedite the teaching and learning process in higher education. Recommendations for Researchers: There is the need to explore in depth the other two components suggested by Mishra and Koehler that can serve as barriers for successfully integration of technology into teaching and learning by locus of knowledge. Impact on Society: The research will assist stakeholders, policy makers and agencies tasked with transforming institutions of higher learning to identify the barriers likely to hinder transformation efforts and address them accordingly. Future Research: Checking technological skills of students are critical in this context.


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