Share Paper: An Examination of the Usefulness of a Learning Community System and Blackboard in both Online and Face-to-Face Courses

  1. Francisca Marshall, Florida State University, United States
  2. Wenting Jiang, Florida State University, United States
  3. Vanessa Dennen, Florida State University, United States
Wednesday, October 21 11:15-11:35 AM Alii III

Abstract: In order to improve the pedagogical and social interaction of a hybrid course, a department at a major southeastern university created an online learning community system (LCS), designed with a Facebook-style format. This system was built to supplement their current learning management system (LMS)-Blackboard. This study examines the usefulness of the LCS tools and features compared to that of the LMS. Participants’ perceptions were documented via survey and follow-up interviews. The results showed benefits associated with both type of course systems.