Abstract:
This study employed a survey research design to assess the effectiveness of Moodle as
teaching and learning tool in the University of Zambia. The purpose of this study was to
assess how both lecturers and students view Moodle in term of what it is, how it is used, how
effective, reliable it is, the challenges they faced and if they would recommend it.
The University of Zambia was purposively sampled and total of 100 students and 8 lecturers
were target. Students were sampled through simply random sampling so as to give equal
chances of participation to students while lecturers were purposively selected. Questionnaire
and interview guide were administered to students and lecturers respectively. All interviews
were transcribed and coded for themes. After systematic analysis it was discovered that many
students were not aware of what Moodle despite services being offered by the University
library to train students on how to use Moodle it was but it was not the case for lecturer, as
many of them were aware of it but showed no interest to further their acquaintance with it
despite the management putting up trainings for lecturers. It was concluded that many most
of the respondent only heard of it but were rarely or hardly used it.
The researchers recommended that more effort, time and emphasis should be put in to
educate both lecturers and students on the use of Moodle and how they can fully benefit from
it. In addition, lecturers and students should also be well educated and trained on how to
operate and access Moodle in order to reduce cases of failure to operate or use. Internet
connectivity on campus should also be in abundance and cater for students at any time or
place when they wish to access or use it; this would reduce failure of use because of internet
problems.
