Attitude and perceptions of the faculty toward use of LMS in a tertiary medical college: An interventional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: E-learning has become a new technique of instructional strategy during the current instructional era where we are surrounded with the uncertainty of pandemic outbreak and unrest in the educational system. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze and modulate the attitude and perception of the faculty towards the use of the Learning Management System for teaching and learning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 faculty members of Symbiosis Medical College for Women Pune. An elaborated research tool was designed to measure the attitudes and perception of the faculty members toward the use of the learning management system in teaching. The research tool was administered before and after the LMS sensitization workshop to all the participants. Workshop was planned to sensitize faculty regarding MOODLE (E-learning platform) RESULTS: Statically, significant change in the mindset of the faculty members was found after sensitization workshop regarding incorporating LMS as an instructional method. Statistically, significant variations were found in the attitude toward using LMS based on gender variation, (0.021, F = 5341), experience (0.033, F = 0.189), and discipline (0.052, F = 0.233). Based on the themes derived from responses faculty felt that training and sensitization will help them to use LMS more effectively. CONCLUSION: Use of blended learning strategies are need of an hour, there are lot of problems which can be faced by the faculty members while incorporating use of LMS in their routine teaching process. Training sessions for implementing any e-learning platform should be done on priority basis to increase its use more effectively.