Abstract
Traditional teaching and learning methods have undergone a reform shift with the integration of ICT tools, especially learning management systems (LMS). They are emphasized as essential tools in the educational system. This paper examines the use LMS in higher education in the UAE. Based on semi-structured interviews conducted in the winter of 2018 and summer of 2019, the study revealed that 54 participants unanimously identified the highest degree of need for active participation in the investment of modern technologies within their universities. They mentioned a number of opportunities offered by the use of the Learning Management System (LMS) in the emirate educational institutions such as: The ease of organizing and delivering online courses, conducting online assessments, access to and availability of learning materials, the possibility of saving time and money for students and faculties, communication and interactivity. Respondents seem to be aware of some challenges in adopting the Learning Management System in their respective universities, particularly the lack of self-discipline of students in the online environment, the inconsistency of the Learning Management System with some academic programs offered in a number of emirate higher educational institutions, limited use of Arabic language and technical illiteracy.
Keywords
ICT, LMS, E-Learning, Education
INTRODUCTION
The advantages of learning management systems are not yet very clear in many universities of the Arab world. For this reason, it is essential that academics in Arab universities play a pivotal role in instilling technological innovation by supporting integrated programs and adopting them as a modern means of teaching and learning. In this research, the author chose to explore a number of views and trends first, regarding the nature of technological uses in faculties‟ sample workplaces in the UAE, especially LMS ; and then, regarding the most important challenges they face while trying to invest technology systems effectively in the learning process within their universities.
CONCLUSION
The study, based on semi-structured interviews conducted in the winter 2018 and summer 2019, revealed a consensus on the importance of LMS insertion in the educational institutions in the UAE. All participants claimed to be involved in the use of LMS in delivering courses; many of them were enthusiastic enough to make calls with colleagues to deepen their knowledge of new technologies and incorporate LMS into their teaching experience, especially colleagues of a certain age who lacked computer literacy. With regard to the level of uses of LMS, respondents noted that they are in-depth in some disciplines such as science, engineering and medical studies, and marginalized in specialties related to Arts and humanities. The opportunities offered by the use of LMS in education in the UAE are summarized by the participants as follows: Ease of organizing and delivering online courses and conducting online assessments, accessibility and availability of learning materials, the possibility of saving time and money for students and faculties, communication and interactivity. Respondents cited many challenges they face in adopting these technologies in their respective emirate universities, such as the lack of students‟ self-discipline, the Learning Management System (LMS) disproportion with certain academic programs, the limited usage of the Arabic language and the technical literacy. The results of the current study are consistent with previous studies, mainly on the challenges of Learning Management System(LMS).
Salehi [6] confirmed that insufficient technical supports at schools were considered as the major barriers preventing teachers to integrate ICT. The interviewee unanimously claimed their desire for multiple trainings to get familiar with the E-learning environment and to assure its usage. Al Ismail [7] also linked some of the challenges facing LMS to the difficulty of mastering technology, which may limit the feasibility of adopting it within the educational institution. Al Samarraie [8] perceived in his last research published in 2018 that prior technology experience of freshmen students may not be sufficient to use the LMS effectively. Students may still find it challenging to organize and manage different ideas in a way that enables them to link and share their individual tacit knowledge.
In the end, it is obvious that most of the challenges to rooting technology in education are related to technical aspects and users’ computer literacy. For these reasons, participants in the current research suggested intensifying training courses on the use of LMS for faculties and students as well as the adoption of learning management systems that recognize the Arabic language.
About KSRA
The Kavian Scientific Research Association (KSRA) is a non-profit research organization to provide research / educational services in December 2013. The members of the community had formed a virtual group on the Viber social network. The core of the Kavian Scientific Association was formed with these members as founders. These individuals, led by Professor Siavosh Kaviani, decided to launch a scientific / research association with an emphasis on education.
KSRA research association, as a non-profit research firm, is committed to providing research services in the field of knowledge. The main beneficiaries of this association are public or private knowledge-based companies, students, researchers, researchers, professors, universities, and industrial and semi-industrial centers around the world.
Our main services Based on Education for all Spectrum people in the world. We want to make an integration between researches and educations. We believe education is the main right of Human beings. So our services should be concentrated on inclusive education.
The KSRA team partners with local under-served communities around the world to improve the access to and quality of knowledge based on education, amplify and augment learning programs where they exist, and create new opportunities for e-learning where traditional education systems are lacking or non-existent.
FULL Paper PDF file:
Learning Management System in Education: Opportunities and ChallengesBibliography
author
Dr.Thouraya Snoussi, Associate Professor in Communication and Media, Academic Coordinator College of Communication, University Of Sharjah (UAE)
Year
2019
Title
Learning Management System in Education: Opportunities and Challenges
Publish in
International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE)
DOI
10.35940/ijitee.L1161.10812S19
PDF reference and original file: Click here
Nasim Gazerani was born in 1983 in Arak. She holds a Master's degree in Software Engineering from UM University of Malaysia.
Professor Siavosh Kaviani was born in 1961 in Tehran. He had a professorship. He holds a Ph.D. in Software Engineering from the QL University of Software Development Methodology and an honorary Ph.D. from the University of Chelsea.
Somayeh Nosrati was born in 1982 in Tehran. She holds a Master's degree in artificial intelligence from Khatam University of Tehran.
