Quantitative Analysis Between Blackboard Learning Management System and Students’ Learning

Abstract

: Proper use of the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) motivates students to engage with their studies but the students within Material Science and Engineering (MSE) often use these LMSs to copy mathematical derivations, scientific information and submit coursework tasks without spending much time interacting with the system. Quantitatively, there is a piece of missing information on how interaction with the Blackboard LMS influences students ’ performances. Statistical evaluations were made by using the average times students spent on Blackboard and their final examination grades for their three-year Bachelor's degree period. There was a linear positive correlation between the time students spent on the LMS and their grades. Observations also show that students engage more with LMS at certain periods within a week. It was recognised that the more students engage with the Blackboard, the more they construct information for themselves. This result provides a quantitative analysis that gives evidence of how time spent on LMS supports students’ learning.