AC 2011-872: STUDENT REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEARNING MAN- AGEMENT SYSTEM

Use of learning management systems (LMS) in higher education is quickly growing. Methods of applying LMS vary among institutions. According to students, what content makes a successful learning environment in an LMS? What can universities do to better impact students in these systems? And what types of tools do students really desire? Using these questions to direct student focus group sessions at the School of Engineering and Technology (E & T) at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), researchers examined critical elements students identified as necessary to embrace a learning management system within their studies. Researchers examined five vital areas affecting students in relationship to the LMS: overall impression of the LMS, communication, collaboration, sense of community, and online courses within the LMS. Three focus groups were held and detailed notes were taken from the discussions that took place in these sessions. A diverse and representative group of students from the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI attended the sessions. Results indicated that students “expected” the LMS to be used if available to instructors. Researchers also discovered that students desired to be “in control” of their studies and felt that the LMS did assist with student management of their studies especially in regards to online courses. Communication tools were identified as a necessary component to improve student usage and also to create a sense of community within the LMS. Training for both instructors and students was also a constant theme in the discussions. Since students communicated that they were not given formal training in the LMS, their engagement within the system was delayed. Finally, two major findings in the study were that the LMS must (1) contain the necessary tools that students require to support their courses and (2) that instructors must set up the LMS effectively to encourage both engagement and a “sense of community” for students. Students count on being able to have all of the necessary elements within their reach in a LMS to aid them with their studies. Administrators, IT professionals and instructors must create an LMS that is both engaging and responsive to students in order to impact student learning success.