What Happens to the Scores? The Effects of Learning Management Systems Use on Students' Course Evaluations

Abstract

Learning Management Systems (LMS) are web-based systems that allow instructors and/or students to share materials, submit and return assignments, and communicate online. In this study, we explored the possible effects of LMS use on students' assessments of courses, instructor effectiveness, and their own learning. We examined the relationship between instructors' LMS use over two academic terms and three items from students’ course evaluations, and used the results from a user survey to inform our understanding of the relationship between course ratings and LMS use. Findings suggest that students do not rate courses more highly when instructors use LMSs. However, survey data shows that students value LMSs but perhaps for reasons different from instructors’. As instructors gain experience with tools within LMSs that foster interaction outside the classroom, their use of these systems may lead to improvements in course evaluation scores.