Lecturers perceptions on blackboard: An investigation of blackboard usage in a Nursing Department at a Traditional University

Abstract

Online learning environments have become an established presence in higher education, but their effectiveness in the teaching and learning environment must still be evaluated. A learner management system can be used to provide course content, evaluate the students and course, improve collaboration and blended learning environments. These functions are especially important for nursing students that have practical obligations that take them away from the campus. The purpose of this article is then to evaluate the perceptions of nursing lecturers at a traditional university in South Africa after they first started using a LMS. Perceptions of nursing lecturers were assessed making use of focus groups. The research evaluated the perceptions of the staff during a focus group after they participated in 3 workshops that trained them to make use of Blackboard. The results show that staff had a favourable view of the learning management system but needed more assistance than what was anticipated initially. These implications for teacher education staff interested in providing high quality learning environments within an online space are provided.