"Learning Management Systems (LMS) are web-based systems that allow instructors and/or students to share materials, submit and return assignments, and communicate online. In this study, we explored the uses and perceived benefits of using a LMS to support traditional classroom teaching as reported by instructors and students at a large American Midwestern university. We examined two years of survey data focusing on specific uses of the LMS that emphasized either efficient communication or interactive teaching and learning practices. We matched aggregate user log data with corresponding survey items to see if system use was consistent with patterns seen in the survey results. Findings suggest that instructors and students value tools and activities for efficient communication more than interactive tools for innovating existing practices. However, survey item analysis reveals that instructors and students also highly value the teaching and learning tools within the LMS. (Contains 10 tables and 2 figures.)"
Steven Lonn and Stephanie D. Teasley. 2009. Saving time or innovating practice: Investigating perceptions and uses of Learning Management Systems. Comput. Educ. 53, 3 (November 2009), 686-694. DOI=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2009.04.008
1. SUMMARY
The paper conducted a 2-year research into the users’ perceptions and users’ actual uses in order to identify if there is any inconsistency. It turned out that there are differences in the way instructors and students perceive and use the LMS. Inconsistencies were also found within each group regarding their perceptions and their actual uses. Overall, LMS are mainly used for delivering course materials.
2. STRENGTHS
The paper has a quite solid research methodology combining qualitative research and quantitative research. The time span is also decent (2 years). Sophisticated methods like T-tests, Chi-square tests, multinomial logistic regressions were used in quantitative research
The paper also presents a lot of detailed data together with decent amount of interpretations. That results in numerous interesting findings regarding the perceptions and the actual usages of the system.
3. WEAKNESSES
The paper could have used more graphics so that readers can quickly grab the gist of the data mentioned. While detailed numbers should be appreciated, I personally think charts are more fit and detailed numbers can always be put in the Appendix section.
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