Challenges Facing Students in Using Learning Management System (LMS) in the Face of COVID-19 in the Faculty of Business Studies at Takoradi Technical University

Abstract

Learning Management System (LMS) has been an effective medium for most schools, colleges and universities to engage students and disseminate instructional materials during the coronavirus pandemic. Notwithstanding, students who have experienced the LMS platform in their learning express concerns which appear to outweigh the positives of the system. Hence, this study was conducted to explore the challenges students face in the use of the LMS in the faculty of Business Studies at the Takoradi Technical University. Cross-sectional survey design was employed with a sample size of 200 business students and data were collected via questionnaire. The study found that students were not trained and equipped with requisite knowledge and skills to use the LMS before its introduction. In addition, there were no technical and students support system to guide the students to learn through the LMS. Also, high cost of internet data, slow internet and Wi-Fi connectivity in the University were some of internet challenges which have resulted in students demotivated and see the LMS as not effective system for learning in the university. It is recommended that the university management is to organize training to equip students with the needed knowledge, skills and understanding to effectively use the LMS. Also, the university management should partner with the telecommunication networks such as MTN, Vodaphone etc. to provide affordable data for students to access the LMS.