Authors :
Rekha Rajan; Reccab Ochieng Manyala
Volume/Issue :
Volume 6 - 2021, Issue 2 - February
Google Scholar :
http://bitly.ws/gu88
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3ztOROn
Abstract :
Electronic learning (E-learning) has become a
popular method globally because of the advancements in
communication, networking, and broadcast technologies.
Not many studies have been carried out on the
effectiveness of E-learning tools specifically using Moodle
(Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning
Environment) platform during the COVID-19 pandemic
in the developing countries. This paper presents the
findings of an initial study that was undertaken to
examine the students’ level of knowledge towards Elearning using Moodle platform during the lockdown
period in Zambia. It also aimed to assess the perception of
students on the use and effectiveness of Moodle platform,
a widely used open-source Learning Management System
(LMS) in the learning of Introductory Physics. The study
showed that the knowledge about E-learning among the
Introductory Physics students at the University of Zambia
is high (23%), medium (40%) and low (30%). The study
results also indicate that despite Moodle’s great potential,
majority of the students (81%) who responded in the
study mainly used it to access repository course materials.
Different factors such as lack of internet access in some
remote areas, network issues, cost, lack of training and
enforced use of E-learning may have contributed to the
negative perception on the effectiveness of Moodle for
learning. The results of the study form a strong
foundation for a more effective use of Moodle for teaching
and learning of Introductory Physics and possibly other
subjects.
Keywords :
E-learning, Moodle, Student’s Perception, COVID-19
Electronic learning (E-learning) has become a
popular method globally because of the advancements in
communication, networking, and broadcast technologies.
Not many studies have been carried out on the
effectiveness of E-learning tools specifically using Moodle
(Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning
Environment) platform during the COVID-19 pandemic
in the developing countries. This paper presents the
findings of an initial study that was undertaken to
examine the students’ level of knowledge towards Elearning using Moodle platform during the lockdown
period in Zambia. It also aimed to assess the perception of
students on the use and effectiveness of Moodle platform,
a widely used open-source Learning Management System
(LMS) in the learning of Introductory Physics. The study
showed that the knowledge about E-learning among the
Introductory Physics students at the University of Zambia
is high (23%), medium (40%) and low (30%). The study
results also indicate that despite Moodle’s great potential,
majority of the students (81%) who responded in the
study mainly used it to access repository course materials.
Different factors such as lack of internet access in some
remote areas, network issues, cost, lack of training and
enforced use of E-learning may have contributed to the
negative perception on the effectiveness of Moodle for
learning. The results of the study form a strong
foundation for a more effective use of Moodle for teaching
and learning of Introductory Physics and possibly other
subjects.
Keywords :
E-learning, Moodle, Student’s Perception, COVID-19
