In order to understand the research context of this study, a brief introduction of the targeted e-learning system and the research environment are presented.
One e-learning system that may support both the traditional teaching and online teaching is a course management system, also known as a learning management system. A course management system is web-based software used for delivery, tracking and managing education/training. It contains features for distributing courses over the Internet and online collaboration. The educators can track the progress of students using such software. The students may also submit their assignments, download course materials, track their grades, etc. by logging on to the system. Course management systems are very widely used in higher education. For example, in 2005, 95% of all higher education institutions in the UK were using course management systems (Browne et al., 2006).