Exploring Benefits and Challenges of Using Blackboard Collaborate as a Remote Learning Tool Among Qassim University Efl Intensive Course Program Students During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, using Blackboard platform as a learning tool has dramatically increased in Saudi universities. Still, learners lack effective knowledge of using Blackboard platform. Accordingly, there is a pressing need to concentrate on using Blackboard platform during the COVID-19 pandemic to improve learning outcomes. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the benefits and challenges of using Blackboard Collaborate as a learning tool by EFL ICP students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus group interviews were used to collect data from a purposive sample of 15 Saudi male ICP students who took part willingly in this study. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. The findings showed that using Blackboard Collaborate as a learning tool can help the students enhance online cooperative learning, flexible learning in a variety of ways other than traditional classes, having access to a wide range of information for academic purposes and ability to use technology effectively. Additionally, the findings showed that the challenges faced by ICP students include insufficient technical knowledge and training, limited and poor internet connection, inability to upload and download large size files and problems with logging in password. It was intended that this research would be useful to all higher education institutions stakeholders in general. However, with only a few participants, this study was limited to EFL ICP students at Qassim University. Further research may use a quantitative or mixed-method approach to provide generalizable results.

Benefits and challenges of using LMS in blended learning: Views from EFL teachers and students at a Vietnamese public university

“…Inadequate technical support and insufficient technical skills were also identified as significant obstacles for teachers and students integrating LMS into their lessons. The studies by Bhalalusesa et al (2013), Suzanne et al (2019), Al-Handhali et al (2020), and Elsayed (2022 also highlight technical problems as commonly faced challenges in LMS usage. In addition to technical issues, teachers and students expressed concerns about the effectiveness of teaching and learning activities on LMS.…”

“…However, the study also showed that lecturers encountered many obstacles in terms of learning style and culture, elearning pedagogy, technological problems, and time management when LMS is integrated into their teaching practice. Meanwhile, Elsayed (2022) conducted a qualitative study to explore the benefits and challenges of using Blackboard Collaborate as a learning tool from the perspectives of EFL students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The data were collected from focus group interviews with 15 students.…”

Effects of Big Data Analytics in Learning Management Systems for Improving Learners’ Academic Success

“…LMSs can be used by students to access various educational resources offered by teachers and meanwhile, interact with classmates (Homavazir;Gopal, 2018). In Najran university, Blackboard LMS has been adopted as a platform to manage the educational resources and facilitate synchronous and asynchronous interaction in all courses (Elsayed, 2022). For example, as recommended in a few past studies (Song et al, 2017;Granić;Marangunić, 2019;Byrd, 2014), it offered course content, a synchronous chat room, an asynchronous forum, blogs, online tests, grade displays, notifications, alerts, calendars, and various multimedia files, like images, music, sound, animations, and video clip.…”