AN INVESTIGATION OF BLACKBOARD USE IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT WITHIN EXTENDED CURRICULUM PROGRAMME: A NEXUS BETWEEN ECP LECTURERS AND STUDENTS

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.5241

Keywords:

Blended Learning, Nexus, Extended Curriculum Program, Learning Management System, Blackboard

Abstract

Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECPs) play a critical role in widening access and supporting epistemic success for underprepared students in South African higher education. While Learning Management Systems (LMSs) such as Blackboard are widely implemented, their potential to support systematic and collaborative curriculum development within ECPs remains underexplored. This study investigates the use of Blackboard for curriculum development in ECP contexts using a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology. The aim of this study is to design, implement, and evaluate Blackboard-supported curriculum development practices within Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECPs), by examining the interaction (nexus) between lecturers and students, in order to enhance curriculum coherence, engagement, and inclusive learning through a Design Science Research approach. This research leverages on qualitative method as the adopted methodology, using design science research framework approaches in having the opinion of Extended Curriculum program (ECP) lecturers and ECP students on the use of blackboard technology as a tool for curriculum development. Therefore, the data collected is analyzed using thematic NVivo Software to analyze the findings of the results. The study results obtained indicate responsiveness and user specific learning as the main theme. In conclusion, this study indicates a relationship between lecturers and students in the use of Blackboard technology for curriculum development. It is also important to highlight the continued evolution and integration of Blackboard within the curriculum development process, suggesting it has become a valuable tool in shaping the future of higher education. Practically, it offers evidence-based design principles for leveraging Blackboard analytics to support inclusive, systematic curriculum development in ECP contexts. The findings underscore the importance of aligning technological design, lecturer capacity development, and institutional support to realise the full curriculum development potential of LMSs.

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Published

2026-04-28

How to Cite

Bamigboye, O. (2026). AN INVESTIGATION OF BLACKBOARD USE IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT WITHIN EXTENDED CURRICULUM PROGRAMME: A NEXUS BETWEEN ECP LECTURERS AND STUDENTS. Veredas Do Direito, 23(7), e235241. https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.5241