Pharmacy Students Perception of the Application of Learning Management System in Patient-oriented Pharmacy Education: University of Benin Experience

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; Docebo 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 16.1owned computers and majority (82.1) use cybercafes for internet access. Frequent electric power failure; inadequate computer facilities; skilled personnel; and slow internet speed were identified by 64.8-82.5of the students as problems in using computer facilities in the University. While willingness to pay was not considered a problem; 80.4of the students were only willing to pay not more than US$ 7.96 per semester for internet access. Over 92of 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