The Blackboard Learning Management System in the Preparatory Year:
Perceptions of EFL Students
Abstract
This research was carried out at Dammam University’s Preparatory Year
and Supporting Studies Deanship during the second semester of the
academic year 2020-2021. The population included both genders with
different levels of English proficiency (Tables No. 1 and No. 2). A
random process was used to choose the samples. A total of 255 students
were selected from a total population of 756. The Sample Size Calculator
(https://www.surveysystem.com/sscalc.htm), a public service of Creative
Research Systems survey software, was used to establish the size of the
sample that represents the target population of students. Students’
perceptions of learning and teaching processes via Blackboard were among
the variables used to create the samples. In the preparatory year, 255
students from the scientific, engineering, and health tracks responded
to the survey, out of a total population of 756 at the 95 percent
confidence level. Quantitative data was collected using mostly closed
questions in the same previous questionnaire for students of both
genders. The participants’ basic personal data was collected in the
first section (Students’ gender, track, and level of English
proficiency). A five-point Likert scale was used to measure differences
in opinions about the Blackboard experience in the other sections of the
questionnaire (Not at all Effective/Strongly disagree, Slightly
Effective/Disagree, Moderately Effective/Neutral, Very Effective/Agree,
Extremely Effective/Strongly agree). The final section included
open-ended questions designed to elicit further recommendations from
both sets of participants regarding problems. The averages were
calculated using statistical operations on the collected data for the
analysis