Voices from the rural classroom

A qualitative exploration of undergraduate student perceptions of learning management systems

Abstract

Learning Management Systems are becoming increasingly indispensable in higher education, but their adoption in rural universities presents very different challenges and opportunities, influenced by geographical location, infrastructure, and socio-cultural factors. The qualitative research here aims to analyse undergraduate students' perspectives on Learning Management Systems at a rural university in South Africa, with the aim of understanding how these digital tools are perceived in a resource-poor setting. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology as the underpinning theory, a phenomenological method was employed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 40 students from four faculties. Thematic analysis outlined four main themes as follows: (1) the two-sided nature of the access to digital technology, Learning Management Systems act as a barrier to the educational gap but on the other hand, it stresses the existence of the digital divide; (2) the battle between the promise of technology and the reality of the teaching process; (3) the necessity of helping tools that are responsive to both culture and context; and (4) the influence of Learning Management Systems on the academic community, the issue is whether it will be the case of boosting or bottlenecking. The study not only reveals that the Learning Management System is a promising solution to the learning problems of rural institutions, but it also calls for the tackling of issues that cause the success of these solutions to be dependent on such prevalent factors as unstable connectivity, varying degrees of digital literacy, and the need for more gentle and inclusive instructional design. Thus, the present research contributes to the discussion of digital equity in rural higher education and offers practical insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to implement Learning Management Systems in meaningful, sustainable, and fair ways.