ICT classroom LMSs: Examining the various components affecting the acceptance of college students in the use of blackboard systems

Abstract

A number of different academic departments at both college and university level implement Learning Management System such as Blackboard System in an effort to achieve economical improvements to course management. ICT initiatives in universities also are known to have implemented this method. Nonetheless, the successful adoption of the Blackboard System in IT Graduation Project courses necessitates that students in such fields accept the system. The UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) model has been applied in mind of examining the various factors known to effect the acceptance and use of the Blackboard system by students in IT Graduation Projects, which are known to comprise lab and theoretical lectures [4]. Moreover, this work seeks to represent ICT college students’ views on the various aspects known to effect the rejection or acceptance of such a system. With this in mind, a sample of 51 ICT college students was involved in the study, with ten focus group discussions carried out. The subjects communicated five key elements as impacting the application of the Blackboard System in the specific arena of IT Graduation Project classes in the KSA’s Taif University, namely effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, lab practice, performance expectancy and social influence.