The Learning Management System Matters in Face-to-Face Higher Education Courses

A learning management system (LMS) is a critical technology platform for teaching and learning for nearly all institutions of higher education. Although an LMS is a driving force in online courses, it is not given in traditional face-to-face environments. The problem is an underutilization of an LMS in face-to-face higher education courses. This qualitative narrative inquiry study explored experiences of 20 instructors utilizing Blackboard Learn in traditional face-to-face courses. One overarching research question guided this study: What are the experiences of faculty and adjunct instructors concerning the use of LMSs in traditional face-to-face courses in higher education? The results identified the features and tools in the LMS used most frequently and how they were used in the LMS. Based on this study, it is possible to better understand the educational potential of the LMS to enhance traditional face-to-face courses.