Lecturers' Perceptions of the Use of Learning Management Systems

Abstract

Learning management systems (LMSs) provide possibilities to facilitate online teaching and learning; to create communities of inquiry, support dialogue and collaborative learning; and reduce students' sense of disconnectedness in distance learning. Nevertheless, studies show that LMSs are often under-utilized. This article reports on lecturers' perceptions of the use of an LMS in an open distance learning (ODL) institution in South Africa. The authors used a phenomenological case study and followed a qualitative approach. Interviews were conducted with ten lecturers from eight academic departments. The results reveal that participants used the LMS mainly for administration and to a lesser extent for teaching and learning, with a limited presence of a community of inquiry. The challenges reported by interviewees had poor access to the internet, a lack of skills, fear, and workload. The study suggests that if lecturers used the LMS for teaching and learning, it will yield many benefits for students.