Abstract:

This article is withdrawn from a PhD research in progress; it investigates early adaptation stages of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in Universities by academics. The study focuses on four areas, that is; 1) academics’ awareness towards LMSs’ role and functions, 2) the level of implementation by academics, 3) the amount of training provided for academic staff to support their use of LMSs and the use of its tools, 4) academics’ conceptions and future anticipations of LMSs.
These areas were investigated on three Saudi Universities, and data was gathered through both quantitative and qualitative methods. To commence the study, a literature review was undertaken followed by the development and implementation of an online questionnaire, then interviews with key personnel from the three universities understudy.
The results show that the majority of academics that have participated in the research were not aware of LMSs’ objectives and functions, and have never used one. The results also show that most of the academic participants have not attend any LMS’ training, however, those who attended one or more LMS’ training course implemented the tools provided within LMSs more than those who did not attend any training. In regards to their future views; academics believe that LMSs will have promising future role in Higher Education, nonetheless; do not really have a clear understanding of where it is heading and what are the true objectives of adapting it in their universities.
This study will help, through its findings, towards understanding the environment surrounding the early adaptation of LMSs in developing institutes, which can support a better approach towards implementing these systems in other similar contexts.

Keywords:

Learning Management System (LMS), HE development, academics, Saudi Universities, Higher Education, Saudi Arabia.