Perceived usability of learning management systems and university websites: A systematic review

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a systematic meta-analysis of perceived usability evaluation studies of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and University Websites used in the context of higher education. The research was conducted after studying, organizing, and analyzing the results of 33 research papers, which report evaluation of the perceived usability of LMS and websites using the System Usability Scale (SUS). The results obtained were organized and analyzed according to the following: (a) the usability score obtained by the SUS questionnaire, (b) the type of educational technology used (LMS or University website), (c) the type of participant (student or teacher), (d) the age and (e) the number of participants in each study. Statistical analysis demonstrated a satisfactory level of perceived usability both for LMS and for University Websites respectively. Moreover, participants' age was found to be significantly associated with SUS score as well as the number of participants in the LMS context. However, as far as university websites are concerned, the number of participants does not seem to be related with SUS score. In addition, no significant difference was derived in the LMS context between SUS score and the type of participant (student - teacher). Finally, there was no significant improvement of the perceived usability over time both for the Learning Management Systems and for the University Websites. The reported findings will provide useful benchmarks for teachers and educational technology designers.