Effectiveness of the Moodle Learning Management System in Health Sciences Education: An Analytical Evaluation of the Al-Rayan National Colleges Experience
Abstract
Background: This study assessed the implementation and effectiveness of Moodle, the Learning Management System at Al-Rayan Colleges, by examining usage patterns, user attitudes, and perceived barriers among students and faculty.
Methods: A descriptive–analytical cross-sectional design included 526 students and 100 faculty members from various academic levels and ranks. Data were collected using validated instruments covering system usage, user attitudes, and adoption obstacles.
Results: the study results indicated that students showed moderate engagement with Moodle, with a mean usage score of 1.95, primarily using features for lectures, materials, attendance, and grades. Faculty reported higher usage (mean 1.72), reflecting broader integration into teaching. Attitudes toward Moodle were generally positive, with faculty expressing a more favorable view (mean 1.25) than students (mean 1.74). Gender differences favored female students in both usage and attitudes. Students in Health Sciences and Nursing reported more active and positive engagement than those in Medicine. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive association between usage and attitudes (r = 0.70, p < .001), suggesting that increased interaction with Moodle improves user perception. Barriers had a moderate negative relationship with attitudes (r = –0.25) and a weaker negative relationship with usage (r = –0.15). Regression analysis identified system usage as the strongest predictor of students’ attitudes (β = .62, p < .001), while academic rank was the main determinant among faculty (β = –.41, p < .01).
Conclusions: Despite broad acceptance of Moodle, users reported significant challenges, especially insufficient training and inconsistent technical support. These findings highlight the need for strategic improvements in digital pedagogy, faculty development, and support systems to enhance the educational value of LMS platforms. The study contributes substantive evidence to the literature on LMS adoption in health sciences education and offers actionable insights for institutions aiming to improve the quality and sustainability of e-learning.
