Do web-based pedagogical tools promote self-regulated learning in university students : a case study of the learning management system at National University of Sciences and Technology in Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Education forms the core of all developmental activities. There exists a strong relationship between education and socio-economic development. However, only the education that prepares individuals which contribute to the society has the potential to unriddle dismal economic growth in the developing countries. The education system in most of the developing countries can be streamlined by employing technology to facilitate the learning processes. Hence an indirect yet a decisive role of technology for better education which paves the way to socio-economic development cannot be denied. Many universities even though they have employed technology into their education system continuously fail to establish effective learning process for the students. Therefore, this study has been conducted aiming to address a similar issue and to examine the use of the LMS at the National University of Sciences and Technology in Islamabad, Pakistan. The study essentially examines whether the use of the Learning Management System (LMS) assists the students to achieve better self-regulated learning and subsequently do the students report better satisfaction with their learning outcomes and productivity level. The study employs a quantitative approach based on descriptive and inferential statistics. The results from this study can help to improve the ways the LMS can be optimally utilized at NUST to effectively facilitate the learning process. Additionally, other universities based in Islamabad can take lessons concerning the use of Web-Based Pedagogical Tools (WBPT) to boost self-regulation and learning outcomes.