Assessing the Usages of LMS at KAU and Proposing FORCE Strategy for the Diffusion

TL;DR

This study assesses Blackboard usage at KAU, finds low student engagement, and proposes the FORCE strategy to enhance adoption based on diffusion of innovation principles.

Contribution

It provides an empirical assessment of Blackboard usage at KAU and introduces the FORCE strategy to improve adoption of LMS technologies.

Findings

78% of students are inactive users of Blackboard

Low engagement explained by individual and organizational factors

Proposes the FORCE strategy to facilitate LMS diffusion

Abstract

Since the beginning of the Saudi Arabian academic year 1435 (Sept 2014), the web-based learning management system Blackboard has been introduced and made available to all instructors and students for all courses at King Abdulaziz University (KAU). The current study takes place to assess the current usages of the Blackboard usages at KAU. The data collected from the 923 students of the foundation year which represent about one-third of the total number of the male students for the academic 2016-2017. Based on statistical evidence gained from the students responses to the survey questions, 78% of the students are inactive users of the Blackboard. The study follows up with interviewing five instructors who teach first-year students in order to seek explanations of the Blackboard low usages by the students. The outcomes point significant processes at an individual level and as well as an organizational level. The Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) was used to study the case because it is believed to be the best explain such adoption of innovation at individual and organizational levels. Based on the current outcomes and the author's experience in teaching a computer course using Blackboard, a strategy called 'FORCE' is proposed for the diffusion process.