USAGE OF MOODLE AND CANVAS AS A PLATFORM FOR E-LEARNING COURSES BY STUDENTS ENROLLED IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

E-learning is an innovation that employs technology to extend learning opportunities beyond space and time boundaries. Online courses include a wide range of subjects and can be accessed by students at any time and from any location. The aim of the present study was to understand the level of usage of Moodle and Canvas as e-learning platforms by students enrolled in Higher Educational Institutions through a descriptive survey method. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 200 Higher Education Institution students studying in colleges of Jammu District. A self-devised questionnaire on the Usage of E-learning Platform (QUeLP) was used. The findings of the study revealed that 30% of the students have enrolled in MOOCs while 70% are not. Further, 54% of students used e-learning platforms every day. Significant differences were found in the usage of e-learning platforms between gender (Male and Female), age groups (18- 20, 21-23, 24+ years), different classes (MEd, BEd, BA, BSc & BCom), institutions and departments (UG and PG). Further, no significant difference was found in usage of elearning platforms by the students with respect to residential background (Urban and Rural) and Stream (Science, Commerce and Humanities). The study also revealed that 31% of the students have used Moodle or Canvas platforms as e-learning platforms while 69% do not. Average satisfaction with Moodle was moderate, with a score of 3.96 on a five-point scale, while Canvas had a somewhat lower satisfaction level with a score of 2.52.