The Adoption of Technology-Enhanced Instruction to Support Education for All

This study aimed at investigating the efforts of academic tutors at Arab Open University in Jordan (AOU) to implement technology enhanced instruction through using the learning management system software Moodle (LMS). The AOU has adopted an open learning approach. The aim is to support its vision to reach students in different parts of Jordan and other countries; and to overcome the barriers of communication between students and tutors. The LMS is currently used to deliver online materials to supplement traditional face-to-face teaching, and to increase learning opportunities in coordinated network enhanced classrooms. The LMS used at the AOU integrates communication tools, including a bulletin board, chat room, private-e-mails and calendars on the Websites for courses offered at the university. In addition, graphics, video, and audio files can be incorporated into the website. Such features can facilitate interaction between faculty members and students. A survey method for data collection was used in this study and a questionnaire was developed and analyzed that revealed implementing LMS at the appropriate level not only enhanced learning and teaching skills of students and tutors, but also helped students to participate at the expanding and evolving e-based international academic level. Factors such as ease, convenience and accessibility were important factors in influencing academic use of the system. This study also revealed some challenges and obstacles faced in implementing LMS to support the vision of education for all at the university level.