Research Article
The Contribution of LMS to the Learning Environment: Views from the State University of Zanzibar
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-030-16042-5_27, author={Mwanajuma Mgeni and Maryam Ismail and Said Yunus and Haji Haji}, title={The Contribution of LMS to the Learning Environment: Views from the State University of Zanzibar}, proceedings={e-Infrastructure and e-Services for Developing Countries. 10th EAI International Conference, AFRICOMM 2018, Dakar, Senegal, November 29-30, 2019, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={AFRICOMM}, year={2019}, month={3}, keywords={Learning management systems Higher learning institution e-Learning Blended learning Zanzibar}, doi={10.1007/978-3-030-16042-5_27} }- Mwanajuma Mgeni
Maryam Ismail
Said Yunus
Haji Haji
Year: 2019
The Contribution of LMS to the Learning Environment: Views from the State University of Zanzibar
AFRICOMM
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-16042-5_27
Abstract
Learning Management Systems (LMS) have become a common feature in contemporary higher education institutions globally. In recent years, LMS have been adopted in some higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa including Tanzania, however, there are limited research in this area, which could hinder future developments. Therefore, this study investigates the adoption and usage of LMS as pedagogical tool among students and instructors at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA). The methodology used in this study included the review of the literature, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The study was conducted in Zanzibar from March 2016 to March 2017. A total of 431 students and 10 instructors participated in this study. The participants were selected based on the courses that have been involved in the pilot study. Microsoft Excel was used to present the findings in figures and tables. The findings reveal that 70% of instructors and 44.4% of students showed preferences to LMS system as a tools to be used in teaching and learning and 26.1% of students were neither agree nor disagree. However, there are various challenges influencing the level of use of LMS including, internet connections, access to computers, unfamiliar with Moodle and integration of LMS with others university systems. Overall, the study provided an insight into the environment surrounding the early adoption phases of LMS in SUZA, which offers a better understanding of the phenomenon. Subsequently, this will help enhance the adoption process in current contexts and assist in future utilization of LMS systems.