Abstract:

Classroom instructors are utilizing a Learning Management System (LMS) in conjunction with the Internet as a supplemental means towards educating their students. Students in a developing country who attend secondary schools come from a range of backgrounds. Some of them have been exposed to technology whilst others have not. However, with the increase in the use of mobile technology and social networking tools, many students seem to be quite technologically savvy. The intent of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a LMS as a valid tool in educating students enrolled in an Information Technology (IT) curriculum class in a secondary school in South Africa. Focus was given to the students’ perception and interaction with the LMS in collaboration with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Likert scales were incorporated into surveys regarding attitude as a means of assessing responses as well as focus group interviews that were conducted with students. As a result, information attained was utilized in response to the primary issue; “What are learners’ experiences and attitudes when using a LMS?” With texts indicative of qualitative data and tables and statistics indicative of quantitative data, analysis using constructs from the Diffusion of Innovations Theory (Rogers, 1995) was done as a means of data assessment. A comprehensive review of the Diffusion of Innovations Theory was critical towards understanding the results of the study which yielded data that students had a positive perception with regard towards the LMS as a beneficial supplemental application and expressed no reservation concerning its use beyond the Information Technology curriculum class.

Keywords:

Learning Management Systems, Diffusion of Innovation, Technology Integration, Teaching and Learning.