Student Perceptions of Learning Management Systems in a University Environment: Yahoo Groups vs Blackboard

The widespread use of the internet and communication networks has increased electronic learning (E-Learning) at the expense of face-to-face learning. This increase was supported by the use of learning management systems such as Blackboard, Moodle, and WebCT. Kuwait University introduced the use of Blackboard in 2005 to be used by faculty members in support of their hybrid or blended teaching experience. Before the introduction of Blackboard, many faculty members used and continue to use Yahoo Groups as a simple alternative to learning management systems. This paper measures the perceptions of Kuwait University students of the use of Yahoo Groups as compared to Blackboard across level of education. A total of 102 students participated in the study by answering a structured questionnaire followed by a focus group to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using Yahoo Groups vs. Blackboard. The results showed a great division across level of education, while the great majority of undergraduate students favor the use of Yahoo Groups over Blackboard, a narrow majority of graduate students favor the use of Blackboard. Yahoo Groups scored higher on simplicity, ease of use, and accessibility while Blackboard scored higher on student participation in the discussions and submitting assignments.