Title: Learner-content interaction in distance learning models: students' experience while using learning management systems

Authors: Toni Malinovski; Maja Lazarova; Vladimir Trajkovik

Addresses: Faculty of Information Science and Computer Engineering, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Rugjer Boshkovik, 16, P.O. Box 393, 1000 Skopje, R. Macedonia ' Faculty of Information Science and Computer Engineering, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Rugjer Boshkovik, 16, P.O. Box 393, 1000 Skopje, R. Macedonia ' Faculty of Information Science and Computer Engineering, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Rugjer Boshkovik, 16, P.O. Box 393, 1000 Skopje, R. Macedonia

Abstract: Distance education or distance learning is a process that provides access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance. It is a field of education that focuses on the involvement of technology and the social aspect, while delivering knowledge and training to students over distance. This study focuses on the social aspect regarding learner-content interaction in distance learning models, evaluates several learning management systems while investigating the relations among different variables which impact the degree of students' learning experiences. A survey among students in different universities was conducted, Structural Equation Model (SEM) was created and analysed with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), for better understanding of the factors which predicts student satisfaction from such learning environments. Research findings illustrate the relationship among usability, adaptability of the system and students' experience. Limitations to the research and recommendations for future research are also being discussed.

Keywords: distance education; learners; content interaction; student experiences; distance learning; learning management systems; LMSs; social aspects; higher education; SEM; structural equation modelling; CFA; confirmatory factor analysis; student satisfaction; learning environments; system usability; system adaptability; state universities; Macedonia; Saints Cyril and Methodius University; Skopje; Saint Clement of Ohrid University; Bitola; Saint Kliment Ohridski; Goce Delcev University; Stip; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning; internet; world wide web; innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIE.2012.052737

International Journal of Innovation in Education, 2012 Vol.1 No.4, pp.362 - 376

Received: 23 May 2012
Accepted: 07 Jan 2013
Published online: 26 Mar 2013 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article