Assessing the effectiveness of moodle as a teaching and learning tool at the university of Zambia

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.