An Empirical Study on the Use of the Sakai Learning Management System (LMS): Case of NUST, Zimbabwe

Abstract

There has been a major increase in the use of information Communication Technology (ICT), particularly Electronic Learning (e-learning) blended with face-to-face (f2f) in teaching to cater for increased student enrolments. E-learning is a technology based method with time and space independence and facilitated by Learning Management Systems (LMSs), computer programs used to create, manage, deliver and retrieve learning content such as Sakai. Much prior studies on LMSs have focused on their adoption and acceptance. This research thus sought to understand the reasons for some lecturers to be dissatisfied with the e-learning platform experience despite their benefits. A questionnaire based survey of 70 lecturers was conducted. The results showed that lack of awareness and the technical knowhow were among the critical factors that influenced the utilization of the Sakai LMS at NUST. This provides useful information to the university management on the need and importance of the LMS users training and refresher courses.