Course management software usage pattern among transfer students

Abstract

E-Learning tools have been recognized as one of the most important tools to facilitate learning in tertiary education. However, in recent years it has also evolved as a multitasking tool to promote asynchronous learning among students. Malaysia as an education hub regularly draws large numbers of foreign students to pursue transfer degree programs here. It is observed that these students from various continents of the world have different perceptions on learning due to their cultural differences. Therefore, an e-learning platform is required to facilitate asynchronous learning. This paper explores the transfer students' usage pattern of a typical e-learning tool: Course Management Software (CMS) or commonly known as Blackboard in tertiary education. Though e-learning have provided fascinating multitasking tools, very limited attention is paid to transfer students' perceptions and the frequency of usage of the e-learning system. Therefore, a case study was conducted in an e-learning environment, on the usability of selected tools in CMS. Results of the research demonstrated that large percentage of students had very positive perceptions of certain e-learning tools and the frequency of usage of CMS is high; with vast majority of students using it frequently. Nevertheless, the findings also suggest that certain tools are redundant and do not assist in their learning process. Some implications of the findings are discussed in this paper.