Learning Management System in Education: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Traditional teaching and learning methods have undergone a reform shift with the integration of ICT tools, especially learning management systems (LMS). They are emphasized as essential tools in the educational system. This paper examines the use LMS in higher education in the UAE. Based on semi-structured interviews conducted in the winter of 2018 and summer of 2019, the study revealed that 54 participants unanimously identified the highest degree of need for active participation in the investment of modern technologies within their universities. They mentioned a number of opportunities offered by the use of the Learning Management System (LMS) in the emirate educational institutions such as: The ease of organizing and delivering online courses, conducting online assessments, access to and availability of learning materials, the possibility of saving time and money for students and faculties, communication and interactivity. Respondents seem to be aware of some challenges in adopting the Learning Management System in their respective universities, particularly the lack of self-discipline of students in the online environment, the inconsistency of the Learning Management System with some academic programs offered in a number of emirate higher educational institutions, limited use of Arabic language and technical illiteracy.