Learning management systems and their impact on academic work
Brady, MalcolmORCID: 0000-0002-4276-3976 and O'Reilly, Naoimh
(2020)
Learning management systems and their impact on academic work.
Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 29
(3).
pp. 251-268.
ISSN 1475-939X
Enterprise-wide, repository-based, ubiquitously available, socially-oriented technologies such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) and virtual learning environments (VLE) are altering the nature of institutional teaching and learning processes. These technology induced changes are likely in turn to have an impact on the work experience of academics. This paper qualitatively examines the impact of LMS on several important academic relationships: with students, with colleagues, with the institution itself and with home. The research found that academics mainly used LMS as repositories of materials with some additional use for managing assessment; however, they make little use of communication, administration or monitoring features. Academics use LMS in ways and for purposes that suit themselves: use of LMS has not changed teaching habits or approaches. Academics were not concerned about impact of the technology on home-life or work-life balance. Academics reported little concern about intellectual property but nevertheless took measures to protect teaching materials.