Evaluating the effectiveness of learning management systems for remote assessments during COVID-19

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in accurately assessing students' levels remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the abrupt shift to online learning due to the pandemic, universities heavily depended on LMS for instruction, necessitating remote assessments from students' homes. The study focused on evaluating the efficacy of LMS in this context. Researchers employed a descriptive method, gathering data through questionnaires and interviews with faculty and students at Northern Borders University. The research explored the role of LMS in online examinations, the perceptions of students and faculty towards LMS, and their effectiveness in both summative and formative evaluations. Results indicated that while students generally accepted LMS usage, they required further training for test-taking. LMS enabled faculty to diversify and assess their teaching methods. However, improvements are needed in evaluating practical skills remotely. Challenges remain in preparing students to complete practical assignments effectively, suggesting a need for advanced technical solutions within LMS to support their execution. The study recommends ongoing training for students to enhance their remote learning and testing capabilities, particularly in practical and applied tests.