ENHANCED LEARNER SATISFACTION: AN ASSESSMENT OF BLACKBOARD’S USABILITY AS A LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the level of satisfaction of first-time users of the Open University of Mauritius’ Learning Management System (LMS). Surveys demonstrated that many tutors complained about the usability and adaptability of e-learning platforms: they perceived that the features were not user-friendly. Limited research across educational contexts, including Mauritius, has been conducted to discern and assess the usability and adaptability of Blackboard and the level of tutor satisfaction in using the new LMS. This becomes pertinently significant to understand in the context of Online Distance Learning (ODL), whereby most of the teaching and learning occur online. The study is based on the assumption that Blackboard is highly usable and adaptable to the extent that the students’ learning is ascendant with more student engagement and proactivity. The questionnaire was employed as the methodology to collect data on the usability, the frequency, the level of satisfaction with the online features, tools and the support offered in their use of the new LMS. The findings of the study highlight that Blackboard facilitates the learning process with its user friendliness, enabling learners to capitalise on its use and statistical evidence demonstrate that the respondents were highly satisfied with the provided support. This paper recommends assessing the usability and adaptability of Blackboard as an LMS at the Open University of Mauritius to enhance learner engagement and learners’ overall learning experience.