Utilisation and Challenges of the Learning Management Systems in the Higher Education Institutions in Maldives: The Lecturers’ and Students’ Perspectives

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to discover the level of utilisation and challenges in using learning management system (LMS) from the perspective of the lecturers and students in higher education institutions (HEI) in Maldives. This study has examined the utilisation and challenges of LMS in the HEIs in Maldives by conducting a qualitative survey questionnaire with lecturers and students. In this study, three HEIs which are currently using an LMS in Maldives were selected. It was found that the LMSs are utilised for passive communication and they are underutilised for meaningful collaborative teaching and learning. The identified key challenges are the lack of planning and strategies for the LMS implementation, the lack of user participation and training, the need of models to track and forecast the evolution of LMS, and the need to support the decisions regarding LMS implementation. The LMS is at the heart of every successful modern HEI. The failure to implement an effective LMS could affect the success of the HEIs. The HEIs have realised that the failures of the LMS are because of the under-utilisation, lack of planning and strategies, and lack of integration with other information systems. Understanding these issues and challenges is significant for the senior management to take key decisions on implementing LMSs in HEIs to develop a more robust educational ecosystem.