The Application of Blackboard in the English Courses at Al Jouf University: Perceptions of Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of students on the use of Blackboard in the Department of English at Al Jouf University. Al Jouf University is located in Al Jouf province in the northwestern part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A cohort of 50 male students of the university participated in this study. The sample population was selected randomly. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The results of the study suggest that though the students neither agree nor disagree about Blackboard offering a lively and interesting environment, they report that Backboard offers variety in the learning of their courses and it helps them learn various aspects of their courses at their own pace. The findings imply that Blackboard could be used as an effective medium to provide variety in the instruction as well as to help create a motivational environment for learners.