Evaluating learning management system and e-learning modules in maritime education

Abstract

Learning Management Systems (LMS) enables educational institutions to manage all aspects of the digital learning process, and getting feedback from actual users through an evaluation process is essential in determining how effective the system works, how convenient it is for the users, and what else needs to be done to improve it for optimum use. This descriptive-evaluative study aimed to determine the level of satisfaction of the instructors and the students with the Learning Management System (called the JeLMS) established by a higher institution in the Philippines as a platform for online instruction at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This investigation aimed to determine how effectively the system works based on specific parameters, how convenient it is for the users, and what else needs to be done to improve it for optimum use. This study also aimed to determine the students’ overall satisfaction with the learning modules uploaded in the JeLMS and to identify points that need improvement based on their experiences. The level of satisfaction of the faculty and students with the JeLMS was measured based on the following components: Functionality, Accessibility, Technical Features, and Cognitive Presence utilizing the framework of Anstey, Lauren & Watson, Gavan (2018). The level of students’ satisfaction with the quality of modules was done based on the aspects of Content and Organization, Language, Format, Learning Activities, Learning Materials, Assessment Instruments, and References Used. Data were collected through an online survey with a sample size of 534 students and 63 instructors selected using convenience sampling. The numerical data gathered from the survey were analyzed using the mean, frequency count, and rank. Data collected through the open-ended questions were analyzed thematically to arrive at common responses. The results revealed that the satisfaction of the instructors and the students with the JeLMS and the learning modules uploaded to it are at high levels. The data also revealed certain problems and difficulties and suggestions for improvement.