Exploring students' perceptions of moodle as a tool for enhancing transformative learning in a rural university in Tanzania
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Distance Education and E-Learning (IJDEEL)
Abstract
This study examines students’ perceptions of Moodle as a tool for enhancing transformative learning in a rural setting. Specifically, it aims to examine students' ability to access and utilise the platform, identify challenges they face when using the Moodle LMS, and quantify their perceptions of the features offered by the system. Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected from 1,412 rural university students in Tanzania. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank the challenges associated with using Moodle LMS. The study revealed that a vast majority of students (96.8%) at the rural university have used Moodle LMS, primarily via their smartphones. While students appreciated the platform's flexibility for learning anytime and anywhere, the unavailability of learning materials within the LMS was the most significant challenge, followed by issues with self-enrollment, as indicated by the RII. Despite these challenges, 63% of students perceived Moodle as user-friendly and reported positive experiences. Although Moodle facilitates easy access to learning resources and supports self-directed learning, instructors need to provide updated materials and engage students in collaborative activities to foster transformative learning.
Description
Paper submitted to the "International Journal of Distance Education and E-Learning (IJDEEL)" for publication
Keywords
E-learning, transformative learning, blended learning, Moodle LMS, Relative Importance Index (RII), online discussion forums, Mezirow transformative learning theory, Activity Theory, Learning Management Systems (LMSs), Moodle Platform, Moodle E-learning Platform
Citation
APA