Pharmacy Students Perception of the Application of
Learning Management System in Patient-oriented Pharmacy
Education: University of Benin Experience
Patrick O Erah*, Emmanuel A Dairo
Pharmacotherapy Group, Department of Clinical Pharmacy &
Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of
Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
*For Correspondence:
E-mail:
p_erah@yahoo.com
or erah@uniben.edu
Tel:
+234-802-336-0318 or +234-805-526-3622
International Journal of Health Research,
June
2008; 1(2):
63-72
Received: 10-May-08 Revision received:
02-Jun-08 Accepted for publication: 04-Jun-08
Original Research Article
Abstract
Objective:
To evaluate pharmacy students’ perception of the application of learning
management system (LMS) in their education in a Doctor
of Pharmacy program in Benin City.
Method:
In a special ICT class, 165 pharmacy students were introduced to LMS
using an open source program, DoceboÓ
after which a questionnaire with core questions in five
domains, namely, sociodemographic data, access to
computer and internet, problems in applying ICT
facilities, perception of e-learning and LMS was
administered. Students’ responses to the questionnaire
were analysed.
Results:
Although most students (84%) had access to internet, only 16.1% owned
computers and majority (82.1%) use cybercafés for
internet access. Frequent electric power failure,
inadequate computer facilities, skilled personnel, and
slow internet speed were identified by 64.8–82.5% of the
students as problems in using computer facilities in the
University. While willingness to pay was not considered
a problem, 80.4% of the students were only willing to
pay not more than US$ 7.96 per semester for internet
access. Over 92% of them felt that LMS will make
teaching and learning more exciting and effective when
combined with the traditional teaching approach.
Conclusion:
The use of LMS will improve the teaching and learning of pharmacy
students.
Keywords:
LMS, e-Learning, pharmacy students, ICT, teaching and learning
