CASE STUDY
Prior to DTLS , the university was finding it challenging to motivate teaching staff to use their Learning Management System ( Blackboard Learn ), with some faculty members lacking the information on its use . Through training and workshops , the university has been able to more confidently support LMS use and adoption at the institution .
Results
So far , the university has experienced various improvements after implementing DTLS . Using technology along the education process , such as online learning for course delivery and materials , has become more evident with DTLS , with communication between faculty and students vastly improving , especially among distance students . According to Alhazmi , by motivating faculty to use the available technology , students have also become motivated to learn new skills , develop self-learning and to use the tools available to their full advantage . Certified and trained faculty member , Dr . Fouad Jamaani , a Finance professor at Taif university , noted that the smoothness and practicality of the topics , as well as the instructor ’ s knowledge has greatly empowered him to improve his teaching approach and to understand the needs of his students . “ The acquired skills from the DTLS will surely enable me to design a suitable online course that will meet the multiple needs of my students , while ensuring maximum course design efficiency ,” Dr Jamaani explained . He also believes that DTLS has helped him to better understand his students ’ needs and to reflect those back with improved pedagogical practices thanks to the various features available on Blackboard Learn .
Dr Fawaz Saaed Alassery , Dean of E-Learning and Information Technology , Taif University , said e-learning generally is focused on providing learning through electronic technologies to access the educational course outside the purview of tradition classroom .
“ However , with e-learning , electronic modes are not only limited to access the educational work , but it also entails , discussion , analysis and examination of the coursework . E-learning shows that , with such transformation there has been improvement in decision making skills of the students as well as of the teaching staff ,” Dr Alassery said . “ Furthermore , the success of e-learning depends on the development and selection of appropriate of learning management systems and focusing on training which the teaching staff are experiencing a better and direct communication with the students which improves the participation quality as a whole .”
Dr Tarek Alwerthan , Education Professor , Taif University , added that learning about all the available
Blackboard features has been instrumental and plans to share that knowledge with students .
On whether the team at Taif University would recommend DTLS to other institutions , Alhazmi explained that there are many advantages to using the Blackboard Learn LMS to its full capacity , which is made possible through the series . By providing teaching staff the right professional development to deliver effective online learning experiences , students deeply benefit from an educational experience that will encourage them to share their beliefs and ideas .
“ This teaching method makes students to be bold and to express their ideas and seek facts , more than if they were in a traditional classroom . Online education provides an opportunity for all students because they can express their opinion and voice through the communication tools available such as email , discussion boards and chat rooms .”
To prepare higher education students for today ’ s interconnected and highly technology-driven society , universities and academic staff must have the right tools and knowledge to deliver high quality teaching and learning experiences with technology . As Taif University has shown , having an LMS in place is only the first step to achieving best in class education .
The Blackboard Digital Teaching and Learning Series promotes consistency in the pedagogy delivery across the institution and helps teaching staff feel confident in their teaching approach and delivery for 21st century learners . p
ONLINE EDUCATION PROVIDES AN
OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS BECAUSE THEY CAN EXPRESS THEIR OPINION AND VOICE THROUGH THE
COMMUNICATION TOOLS AVAILABLE SUCH AS EMAIL , DISCUSSION BOARDS AND
CHAT ROOMS .
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