Measuring the usability probability of learning management software using logistic regression model

Abstract

Usability is an important component of software applications in a domain such as e-learning. In this paper, the use of Moodle and Blackboard learning management softwares are studied from academic disciplinary domain perspectives. The primary users of focus are the academic staff at an African University. A quantitative research approach was used to conduct a survey study using 67 university lecturers who volunteered to participate in the study. The participants were drawn from the Faculties of Education, Engineering, Humanities, Social Science and Science. Of the 67 participants, 66 (99%) are aware of the availability of Blackboard and Moodle learning management softwares, and only 1 (1%) claim to be ignorant of the platforms. 43 of the participants make use of Blackboard, 11 make use of Moodle while 13 do not use either platforms for reasons of preferences to conventional traditional teaching and learning methods. Although the use of Blackboard and Moodle are convenient platforms for the creation and distribution of teaching materials, course assessment, communication and collaboration between users; such platforms are supposedly not suitable in teaching and management of studio based courses, and analytical courses in some disciplines due the users limited experience in the platforms. Furthermore, performing logistic regression analysis on the data set suggests that respondents who indicated strongly agree are 4.96 times more likely to use Blackboard (Odd Ratio = 4.96), and 1.00 times more likely to use Moodle (Odd Ratio=1,00) than those who strongly disagree.