Faculty attitudes and perceptions concerning the use of course management systems in higher education

Includes bibliographical references (pages [176]-185).This study examined the factors that are related to faculty members’ attitudes (users and non-users) toward the use of Course Management Systems (CMS) tools in their teaching practices at higher education institutions. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of faculty members at one midwestem university toward the use of CMS tools; to identify potential issues and insights related to the use of CMS in higher educational settings; and to investigate what a higher education institution can do to improve the utilization of CMS at its campus. Data for this study were collected using two phases: a pilot study and primary study. The population for the pilot study consisted of 81 faculty members. The population for the primary study consisted of 733 faculty members. A Web-based survey was used as a primary source for data collection. A quantitative procedure was employed for data collection and analysis purposes. This study revealed several major findings: First, an increase in salary, receiving a stipend for using CMS, receiving a recognition/reward from the administration, merit pay, release time, teaching workload, and training m the use of CMS are the most important factors related to faculty use of CMS tools at this midwestem university. Second, faculty participants were or would be motivated because they believe that CMS tools provide an opportunity to improve their teaching and greater course flexibility for their students. Third, more than half of CMS faculty non-user participants are interested in using CMS tools and teaching a course that utilizes CMS tools in the future. Fourth, CMS tools are currently integrated into instruction at this midwestem university to its highest use. Fifth, faculty participants indicated that major concerns in utilizing CMS tools are lack of institutional incentives, CMS is difficult to utilize without the proper training, and adequate institutional support. Sixth, based on the research hypothesis tests, only two of the demographic variables (faculty rank and perceived use of CMS) were related to the level of faculty use of CMS.Ed.D. (Doctor of Education