A case study on using a course management system: comparing students' and teachers' views

Angie H Y Sun, Allan H K Yuen and Robert Fox
University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong SAR, China

Course management systems (CMSs) are widely employed in Hong Kong universities. They serves various functions and can be used in a variety of ways for supporting traditional classroom teaching. However, it is debatable whether a CMS actually enhances collaboration and interaction among students. This paper explores the dynamics of teachers and students in a particular undergraduate course using a home-grown course management system. The case study was part of a two-year research project which aimed to provide a better understanding of CMS implementation, and to formulate guidelines for educators, teachers and administrators for planning the deployment of a CMS at a university in Hong Kong. The current study focused on the use of the CMS discussion forum through a group assessment among students. Observation of the students' response patterns revealed that they all submitted responses to the forum at the last minute. Feedback from both the teachers and the students was analysed and compared, and the results showed that students on this course just wanted the convenience of the CMS and did not agree that the CMS facilitated the exchange of ideas with peers and instructors -- a view which deviated from the teachers' expectations. The results were also consistent with the earlier stage of the investigation on the university-wide survey results.