Digital Delights

With the prevalence of teaching technologies, studies exploring the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in university courses highlight the economic and technical issues of LMS adoption. Yet, few studies explore how LMS functions as a pedagogical tool to support teaching and learning. This study examines Chickering and Gamson’s (1987) Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education to highlight areas in which LMS supports and/or hinders 'good' teaching and learning. Instructor and student perceptions of LMS around these seven principles are examined through in-depth interviews and focus groups, consisting of fieldwork conducted with seven leading instructors and three groups of students broadly representing all faculties at McMaster University. Preliminary findings suggest that LMS is particularly useful administratively but should not be viewed as a substitute to classroom teaching. Conversely, students are most engaged in the learning process, including on-line, when instructors translate their interests and passion in teaching through in-class environments.