Faculty perceptions about using a learning management system : a case study

Learning management systems (LMSs) are an important component of most universities. However, in some universities there are clusters of faculty who do not make use of LMSs. An LMS is a component of technology - a driver for enhanced learning and teaching. This study investigated the dominant faculty attitudes towards integration of an LMS into teaching and learning, since successful implementation of an LMS in an institution starts with instructors/lecturers embracing the system, which in turn initiates and promotes students' use of an LMS. Faculty perceptions of an LMS and factors or constructs that may influence their use or intention to use one were explored. An online survey questionnaire was sent to all faculty members within a faculty that services teacher education within the university. A quantitative approach was employed, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Descriptive and inferential statistics were determined and responses to the open-ended survey questions analysed. While, members of faculty were keen to adopt or tried to use the LMS, they had reservations about whether conditions existed to fully support its use in their teaching. The technology competence was perceived to be insufficient, which could be a contributor to the slow adoption of the LMS. Faculty managers must encourage and foster the use of LMSs by staff, this will have a positive ripple effect on student and mentor teachers and learners at large.