Using a Learning Management System to Foster Independent Learning in an Outcome-Based University: A Gulf Perspective

Abstract

A survey based study was initiated in an outcome-based academic institution located in the Gulf region. The goal of this study was to learn about the students' attitude toward using a learning management system (LMS) (Blackboard learn + ) to take charge of their learning and to assess the awareness of the students about the learning outcomes used in the university IT programs. The survey was developed to target students in the College of Information Technology and included three categories: Learning Outcomes, Effective Use of Technology, and Communication and Confidence Development. In the first category, questions were asked to learn about the students' understanding of how learning outcomes are used in the IT College and University. In the second category, questions were asked to learn about the students' ability and willingness to use Blackboard in their courses. In the third category, questions were asked to learn about the students' preferred mode of communication and whether using Blackboard helped them build confidence and become independent learners. a technology mediated learning environment can provide a solution to improve academic performance, students confidence and help students become independent learners. Moreover, instructors can help by choosing the most appropriate teaching methods to foster student learning in segregated academic institutions.

Does a blended learning environment suit advanced practice training for pharmacists in a Middle East setting?

“…Disparate learner attributes might also influence successful execution of BLE in non‐Western backdrops. Academic success in BLE has been characterised by self‐regulation and intrinsic motivation which are not typical of students in the Middle East where rote memorisation and teaching‐centred learning styles predominate . Favourable learning outcomes and participant satisfaction with BLE in pharmacy course programming are primarily illustrated through study of Western‐oriented undergraduates.…”

Introducing blended learning: An experience of uncertainty for students in the United Arab Emirates

“…In support of a blended learning classroom, this author used a learning management system (LMS), ilearn, a customised version of Blackboard, that is also adopted in other UAE universities (Kemp 2010(Kemp , 2011Lansari, Tubaishat, and Al-Rawi 2010;Taha 2007). A survey was created and made available in the LMS.…”

“…Academic study is required for the implications of learning technology, but research has, for the most part, been conducted outside the Middle East region (Alebaikan and Troudi 2011;Kemp 2011;Lansari, Tubaishat, and Al-Rawi 2010). Technological change in education and society has an implication for pedagogy because ''optimal teaching and learning occur when teaching styles align with learning styles'' (Proserpio and Gioia 2007, p. 69).…”

A Framework for the Impact of Human Factors on the Effectiveness of Learning Management Systems

“…A vast majority of HEIs have been encouraged to use LMS as an instrument for teaching and learning interactively and collaboratively [29]- [31].…”