FAQs
Overview
Please refer to the items below to answer common questions about our learning management study.
What is the LMS Study Initiative?
The Learning Management System (LMS) Study is a routine university-wide initiative aimed towards measuring the efficacy of and satisfaction with Pepperdine's LMS, Courses. The 2018-2020 study is now closed.
Why pursue an LMS study?
Pepperdine recognizes how learning needs and available technologies continue to evolve. In collaboration with all five Pepperdine schools, the Technology & Learning team regularly seeks feedback from students and faculty on their user experiences to inform data-based decision-making. The formal study was a due diligence exploration and will repeat approximately every 3-5 years.
Does this initiative mean that Pepperdine is, or will be, moving to a different LMS?
No. First and foremost, this is an investigative mission. The university seeks to gather feedback on the LMS through surveys, focus groups, and town halls.
An assessment of other available tools in the market was conducted. A select number of vendors were invited to demonstrate their product to the Pepperdine community through the Educational Technology User Group (ETUG) meetings during the Summer 2019 term.
Community-wide surveys were conducted and student focus groups were held. Faculty focus groups were started in early 2020 but could not be completed due to COVID-19 campus closures and the emergency shift to remote instruction. Given the impact of COVID-19 and based on favorable feedback from the community in the early phases of the study, we have closed the study and will continue with Courses (powered by Sakai).
What was the outcome of the recent LMS Study?
Given the impact of COVID-19 and based on favorable feedback from the community in the early phases of our research, we have closed the study and will continue with Courses (powered by Sakai). The formal study was a due diligence exploration and will repeat approximately every 3-5 years. You may review the 2018-20 LMS Study Executive Summary.
What was the outcome of the previous LMS Study?
Prior to adopting Sakai as the primary LMS for Pepperdine University in 2011, the Technology & Learning team conducted a thorough needs and perception assessment of faculty and staff. You may review the 2009-10 LMS Study Executive Summary.