Evaluating the MBA students perceptions about UKZN elearning support systems which are Moodle and Student Central Systems.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Higher education institutions have a challenge to position themselves in line with the demands
of education through modern technology in the 21ˢᵗ century. The challenge is mostly limited
budget and technology resources coupled with policies that are stringent towards innovation.
Information and communication technologies (ICT) have been adopted by many industries as
the way of doing business and communicating with customers. Higher education institutions
cannot afford to be left out in this area. There is a growing need every year for Universities to
invest in learning support systems in order to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. The
time has come to extend teaching and learning beyond the classroom and learning support
systems compliment this concept very well.
The aim of this research is to assess the students’ perceptions about Moodle and Student Central
in the University of KwaZulu-Natal within the MBA program. The study also aims to evaluate
the contribution made by the ICS staff, academic staff and administration staff in making these
systems a success. The impact of user friendliness of these two systems is also evaluated based
on students’ perception.
A quantitative method was used in this research in a form of an online questionnaire which was
sent to the class representatives in the 3 MBA groups via Lime survey. Respondents
participated in the study voluntarily and the response rate was great. Some responses were
captured manually after questionnaires were handed to the different class groups. Results were
than analysed using descriptive analysis first provided by the Lime survey tool and further
analysis were done in Microsoft Excel.
The findings on this study were around the MBA students’ perceptions about Moodle and
Student Central were discussed. This included looking deeper into the variables like gender,
age and the Industry sector. Furthermore aspects of ICT support, the role of administrator and
the system user friendliness were found to have an impact on the students’ perceptions.
Comparisons were also made to existing literature where in some cases there were agreements
and in some cases there were differences.
The main recommendation were about a possible combination of the functionality from the
two systems and adding tools like collaboration which were highlighted in the study as
important factors when it comes to motivating students to make use of these systems for
teaching and learning purposes.
Description
Master of Business Administration. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville 2015.
Keywords
University of KwaZulu-Natal--Students--Computer-assisted instruction., University of KwaZulu-Natal--Students--Computer programs., Moodle., Instructional systems--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Educational technology., Theses--Business administration., eLearning support system., Student Central Systems.