Course Management Systems Integration into Course Instruction

Literature Review

Current research reflects that education is yet to use technology at an optimal level (Bauer & Kenton, 2005; Project Tomorrow, 2008, as cited in Ertmer & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, 2010). Molenda (2008) observed that in using technology appropriately, it is the choices made by either instructor or learner on available tools, which determines effective use. Therefore, the tools of choice and manner of use of CMS resources by an instructor determine the learning environment that is made available to students. Kemp and Livingstone (2006) noted that many educators fail to take advantage of merging learning tools from different categories to create an environment that enhances learning in a truly collaborative manner.

Effective CMS should contain well organized features for content and delivery in a way that is progressive and allows learners easy reference and interactivity for an engaging experience. Nycz and Cohen (2007) observe that the presence of different interactive tools enable the achievement of desirable learning goals. However, these technological tools come with limitations (Kemp & Livningstone, 2006). As such, instructors who use the same tools repeatedly may believe that their course objectives are being met, and their students may agree with them in spite of inherent limitations.