A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master’s in Information and Communication Science and Engineering of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology
According to previous works, Learning Management Systems (LMSs) have been facing
obsolete rendering barriers such as accessibility of the system due to network disruption and
bandwidth expenses, Digital literacy, user’s perception towards the use of an online LMS in
taking a course, policies towards E-learning acceleration and support, Information literacy,
technological barriers, lack of relevant technical training and assistance in using LMS for the
instructors, LMS’s lack the ability to cater for the cultural differences, navigational issues, and
misrepresentation of contents and insufficient content and credible resources. This study
applied a mixed methodology and data collection was carried online, with sample survey of
open and closed ended questionnaires and online interviews. Sampling technic used was
snowball and the case of convenience which involved 338 participants inclusive of 112
facilitators/teachers and 226 students.
Identified prominent existing barrier by users was navigational issues, and misrepresentation
of contents, which associated user experience and usability issues, using an open and free
learning management system Moodle, a “Jifunze kwa Moodle” prototype was created.
Assessment was conducted to identify tools to be applied and improve user experience and
usability in the final prototype of the “Jifunze Kwa Moodle” platform using Rapid Application
Development.
Online teaching and learning tools such as H5P and BigBlueButton were integrated into the
platform to entice interaction between facilitator and students. The platform was shared, and
only 20 users had accomplished the tasks assigned, thus 6 facilitators and 14 students. Users
assessed the platform through task-based scenarios so as to accommodate responses and
improve the platform, tasks such as initiating a class using H5P and BigBlueButton were
essential for the instructors and students had to attend some sessions. Conclusively this study
opens up the opportunity to engage in making learning management systems user friendly,
interactive and simpler using online teaching and learning tools to accommodate different
users’ need.