Benefits and challenges of using LMS in blended learning: Views from EFL teachers and students at a Vietnamese public university

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.23335

Keywords:

Learning Management System (LMS), EFL teachers, EFL students, blended learning

Abstract

Blended learning combines conventional classroom activities and online learning using a variety of educational technology tools, Learning Management System (LMS) included. The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of EFL teachers and students about the use of LMS in blended courses. A mixed research method was adopted to collect data from 14 EFL teachers and 130 EFL students at a public university in central Vietnam through a web-based questionnaire and follow-up semi-structured interviews. The findings show that LMS offers EFL teachers and students a variety of benefits, including effective course organization and management, diverse teaching methods, flexible learning and teaching activities, and enhanced engagement and autonomy among students. However, the use of LMS in blended learning is perceived to be challenging because of technical issues such as unstable Internet connection and lack of needed devices, limited technical experience and skills, and a lack of e-learning pedagogy. Therefore, some recommendations were also proposed to improve the effectiveness of using LMS in blended learning.

Author Biography

  • Cao Thi Xuan Lien, University of Foreign Languages and International Studies, Hue University, Vietnam

    Ms. CAO Thi Xuan Lien is currently a lecturer at the Faculty of English, University of Foreign Languages and International Studies, Hue University, Vietnam, where she has been teaching EFL courses and ELT methodologies for over 10 years. She holds a BA in English Language Teaching from the University of Foreign Languages and International Studies, Hue University, and an MA in TESOL from the University of Hull, the United Kingdom. Her research interest includes CALL, CALT, and other educational technology, which can help to improve her teaching and inspire her students' learning. Her most recent study is related to blended learning in language education.

References

Aldiab, A., Chowdhury, H., Kootsookos, A., Alam, F., & Allhibi, H. (2019). Utilization of Learning Management Systems (LMSs) in the higher education system: A case review for Saudi Arabia. Energy Procedia, 160, 731-737. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2019.02.186

Al-Handhali, B. A., Al-Rasbi, A. T., & Sherimon, P. C. (2020). Advantages and disadvantages of the learning management system (LMS) at AOU Oman. International Journal of Technology, 1(2), 222-228.

Alharbi, S., & Drew, S. (2014). Using the technology acceptance model in understanding academics' behavioral intention to use learning management systems. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 5(1), 143-155. http://dx.doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2014.050120

Bhalalusesa, R., Lukwaro, E. E. A., & Clemence, M. (2013). Challenges of using E-learning management systems faced by the academic staff in distance-based institutions from developing countries: A case study of the Open University of Tanzania. Huria: Journal of the Open University of Tanzania, 14(1), 89-110.

Biney, I. K. (2020). Experiences of adult learners on using the Sakai Learning Management System for learning in Ghana. Journal of Adult and Continuing Education, 26(2), 262-282. https://doi.org/10.1177/1477971419864372

Bradley, V. M. (2021). Learning Management System (LMS) used with online instruction. International Journal of Technology in Education (IJTE), 4(1), 68-92. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.36

Cao, T. X. L. (2021). The use of a Learning Management System (LMS) in online learning at the University Of Foreign Languages, Hue University. Hue University Journal of Science: Social Sciences and Humanities, 130(6B), 49-63. https://doi.org/10.26459/hueunijssh.v130i6B.6262

Cavus, N., & Alhih, M.S. (2014). Learning management systems used in science education. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 143(8), 517-520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.07.429

Choi, M.-Y. (2019). A study on the interactivity of Smart LMS in a university class. Journal of Digital Convergence, 17(3), 395–404. https://doi.org/10.14400/JDC.2019.17.3.395

Darvin, A., Kosasih, J., & Hanafiah, N. (2021). Usability evaluation of Learning Management System. The Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (ICCSAI), 1, 269-272. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICCSAI53272.2021.9609730

Davis, F.D. (1989). "Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology." MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319-340.

Dawley, L. (Ed.). (2007). The tools for successful online teaching. IGI Global.

Elsayed, M. (2022). Exploring benefits and challenges of using Blackboard Collaborate as a remote learning tool among Qassim University EFL intensive course program students during the Covid-19 pandemic. IJAEDU-International E-Journal of Advances in Education, 8(22), 13-23. https://doi.org/10.18768/ijaedu.1068306

Essel, D. D., & Wilson, O. A. (2017). Factors affecting university students' use of Moodle: An empirical study based on TAM. International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education (IJICTE), 13(1), 14-26.

Garrison, D. R. (2011). E-Learning in the 21st Century A Framework for Research and Practice. Taylor & Francis.

Green, K. R., & Chewning, H.L. (2020). The fault in our systems: LMS as a vehicle for critical pedagogy. TechTrends, 64, 423–431. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-020-00480-w

Hamid, M. A., Salleh, S., & Laxman, K. (2020). A study on the factors influencing students' acceptance of Learning Management Systems (LMS): A Brunei case study. International Journal of Technology in Education and Science, 4(3), 203-217.

Holmes, K. A., & Prieto-Rodriguez, E. (2018). Student and staff perceptions of a learning management system for blended learning in teacher education. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 43(3), 21-34. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2018v43n3.2

Kabassi, K., Dragonas, I., Ntouzevits, A., Pomonis, T., Papastathopoulos, G., & Vozaitis, Y. (2016). Evaluating a learning management system for blended learning in Greek higher education. SpringerPlus, 5(101), 2-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-016-1705-8

Kalinga, E. A. (2010). Development of an Interactive eLearning Management System (Elms) for Tanzanian Secondary Schools. PhD Thesis, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden.

Kasim, N. N. M., & Khalid, F. (2016). Choosing the right learning management system (LMS) for the higher education institution context: A systematic review. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 11(6), 55-61. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v11i06.5644

Khan, M., Naz, T., & Medani, M. A. H. (2019). A multi-layered security model for learning management system. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 10(12). https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2019.0101229

Khoa, B. T., Ha, N. M., Nguyen, T. V. H., & Bich, N. H. (2020). Lecturers' adoption to use the online learning management system (LMS): Empirical evidence from TAM2 model for Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City Open University Journal Of Science-Economics And Business Administration, 10(1), 3-17. https://doi.org/10.46223/HCMCOUJS.econ.en.10.1.216.2020

Le, T. T. K., & Tran, B. T. (2022). Using Zalo application as a learning management system. The Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Frontiers of Educational Technologies, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1145/3545862.3545863

Lewis, A. L. (2016). Developmental English Professors’ Experiences with Learning Management Systems at An Urban Community College: Challenges, Benefits, And Other Perceptions. Dissertation Published by ProQuest LLC.

Liu, J. C., Brantmeier, N., Wilcox, D., Griffin, O., Calcagno-Roach, J., & Brannon, R. (2019). Faculty perceived functionality of learning management system: Development and validation of a scale. In: Ma, W., Chan, W., Cheng, C. (eds) Shaping the Future of Education, Communication and Technology. Educational Communications and Technology Yearbook. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6681-9_13

Michael, A. T. & Yaa, C. (2020) Using the Sakai Learning Management System to change the way distance education nursing students learn: are we getting it right?, Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning, 35(3), 201-221. https://doi.org/10.1080/02680513.2019.1704232

Mtebe, J. S., & Kissaka, M. M. (2015). Heuristics for evaluating the usability of learning management systems in Africa. The 2015 IST-Africa Conference, Lilongwe, 1-13.

Nguyen, N. T. (2021). A study on satisfaction of users towards learning management system at International University–Vietnam National University HCMC. Asia Pacific Management Review, 26(4), 186-196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmrv.2021.02.001

Pham, T. H. (2023). Fostering learner autonomy in a blended learning environment: EFL teachers’ practices at Hanoi University of Industry. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 3(3), 39–56. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.23333

Piña, A. A. (2013). Learning management systems: A look at the big picture. In Kats, Y. (Eds.), Learning Management Systems and Instructional Design: Best Practices in Online Education, 1-19. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmrv.2021.02.001

Prasetya, E. R. (2021). Perception and challenges integrating teaching English based on LMS Moodle during the Covid-19 pandemic. ELITE Journal, 3(1), 31-50. Retrieved from http://www.elitejournal.org/index.php/ELITE/article/view/50

Reid, L., & Reid, L. (2019). Learning management systems: the game changer for traditional teaching and learning at adult and higher education institutions. Global Journal of Human Social Science: G Linguistics & Education, 19(6), 1-13.

Rhode, J., Richter, S., Gowen, P., Miller, T., & Wills, C. (2017). Understanding faculty use of the learning management system. Online Learning, 21(3), 68-86. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v21i3.1217

Sackstein, S., Coleman, E., & Ndobe, T. V. (2019). Lecturers' Perceptions of Learning Management Systems Within a Previously Disadvantaged University. In P. Ordóñez de Pablos, M. Lytras, X. Zhang, & K. Chui (Ed.), Opening Up Education for Inclusivity Across Digital Economies and Societies (pp. 1-28). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-7473-6.ch001

Santiana, S., Silvani, D., & Ruslan, R. (2021). Optimizing LMS CANVAS for interactive online learning perceived by the students. Journal of English Education and Teaching, 5(4), 529-543. https://doi.org/10.33369/jeet.5.4.529-543

Sayfouri, N. (2016). Evaluation of the learning management system using students' perceptions. Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 30, 460. URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4166-en.html

Snoussi, T. (2019). Learning management system in education: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering, 8(12S), 664-667. https://doi.org/10.35940/ijitee.L1161.10812S19

Susanto, H., Chen, C. K., &Almunawar, M.N. (2018). Revealing big data emerging technology as an enabler of LMS technologies transferability. In: Dey, N., Hassanien, A., Bhatt, C., Ashour, A., Satapathy, S. (eds) Internet of Things and Big Data Analytics Toward Next-Generation Intelligence (pp. 123–145). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60435-0_5

Uong, T. G. T., Nguyen, D. K., & Nguyen, H. N. (2022). Teachers’ Feedback on Using Discord as an Online Learning Platform. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 2(4), 84–104. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.22246

Zakaria, M., Bustaman, H. A., Abd Manaf, K., & Abd Rahman, R. (2020). Exploring benefits and challenges of adopting Google Classroom from the perspective of higher institution learners. Test Engineering and Management, 83, 9739-9749.

Downloads

Published

26-07-2023

Issue

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Cao, T. X. L. (2023). Benefits and challenges of using LMS in blended learning: Views from EFL teachers and students at a Vietnamese public university. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 3(3), 78-100. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.23335

Similar Articles

1-10 of 129

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.