Digital Transformation of Learning Management Systems at Universities: Case Analysis for Student Perspectives

Introduction

Digital Learning Management Systems (DLMSs) are widely adopted (Rogers, 1995) and used at universities for streamlining teaching and learning tasks, as they effectively manage learning tools and resources for user participants (students and teachers) (Kats, 2010; Orr, 2003; Rogers, 1995; Unwin et al., 2010). Research suggests that innovation within the university education over the past decade as a result of digital learning management systems, which have been found to significantly benefit students’ understanding and academic progress (Alnsour, Muhsen, Dababnah, Eljinini, & Barhoum, 2011; Orr, 2003; Rogers, 1995). In this study DLMSs refers to Digital Learning Management Systems. DLMS applications are multifunctional, enabling students to have ubiquitous access to systems, watch lectures, download course materials and upload assignments online (AlQudah, 2014).

The latter provides convenience to students as never before and is conducive to study. To have efficient functioning of a DLMS, it is necessary to enable well-established links between data that is indexed by search engines, and web bots that connect and bind information together (Babić, 2012). DLMS empowers users and offers a greatly enhanced user experience overall (McIntosh & Torres, 2014; Phillipo & Krongard, 2012).

A DLMS greatly simplifies learning and deliverables, such as tests, assignments and other forms of assessment, with the use of multimedia applications that incorporate team learning through dynamic, real time, documented collaboration (Potter & Thompson, 2019). Some examples include the use of chat, file transfer and assessment applications. A DLMS creates new platforms for the active learner and results in greatly expanding the learning curve. To fully understand the nature and implications of different DLMSs, it is vital to explore exactly what the DLMS context is (Ahmad, Chinade, Gambaki, Ibrahim, & Ala, 2012). This study is based on the most recent and related literature explaining various scenarios where DLMSs address learning issues in the digital environment in a way that was not possible in the previous confines of print logics.

The research contribution is based on the higher educational sector at Jordanian universities. Research zone has applied in Jordanian universities, which are an educational institutions with a good reputation and each university has several branches across Jordan. The university management recognises the importance of IT for educational purposes; in its initial stages, it created an Information Technology Centre for supporting and train the users on DLMS.

This research study aims to identify the factors that impact on the acceptance of the DLMS at Jordanian universities. This research also investigate the acceptance and use of DLMS at Jordanian universities. It also focuses on the factors influencing acceptance of the DLMS at these Jordanian universities. However, the university management seeks, through related parties, to achieve the following goals:

• •

  Provide all possible means of modern machine technologies (servers- information centre-operation centre-computer workshops-television digital learning management system such as Blackboard or Moodle) and necessary operating systems;

• •

  Guarantee the application of information systems;

• •

  Automate (machines of procedures and models) all information tasks;

• •

  Take advantage of networks affiliated with the university, such as email services, banner system and television transmission of lectures and activities;

• •

  Provide an environment suitable for spreading digital learning management system and applications and related training;

• •

  Achieve high levels of information security from the source to the users;

• •

  Safety of procedures and policies that guarantee the provision of electronic services.