Factors Influencing Students' Use of Schoology Learning Management Platform and the Impact on Online Learning in ICT University, Cameroon

Abstract

The study investigated the impact of Learning Management Systems (Schoology) on Online Learning Case Study ICT University Cameroon. Using schoology is challenging to some students in the ICT University. Students have issues completing courses that have been scheduled online, students getting frustrated, Students failing to submit their
assignment on time, Students dropping courses, Students not attending classes and students finding themselves in the position of retaking courses not because they are lazy or are not working hard but because of frustration either because the platform could not submit the assignment or the tools and features in this platform was not easy to use. This study
attempted to answer the research questions: ‘How does technical support, usage of features and tools and Instructor online presence impact on schoology impacts online learning in the ICT University?'
Primary data were collected by randomly distributing questionnaires to students. 180 students participated in the study by providing data which was sought through the use of questionnaires. Only 160 was deemed valid. Numeric data collected was analyzed quantitatively using statistical tools. The opinions of males and females were found. Findings of the study revealed that tools and features have a statistically significant relationship with online learning, thus, this implies the other variables (instructors' presence and technical support) as components of learning management system (schoology) do no impact online learning significantly. The study recommended that, Since the world is turning into a digital atmosphere where almost everything is now computerized, developing in the learning aspect is also crucial thus calling for the need to improve on the learning systems in Cameroon. Online learning should be introduced and well developed with tools and features that would facilitate the learning process. Lecturers should also understand that their
presence online is highly needed by students in order to facilitate and direct them on how to go about their studies easily.
This research recommends a similar study to be done but concentrate on the government schools. There is need for a study to be conducted to determine the challenges facing online learning in Cameroon, this will help in enhancing online learning in Cameroon, thus positively affecting the growth of the economy.