Effectiveness of Learning Management Systems in Developing Essay Writing Skills as a Form of Creative Writing for Undergraduate Students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to use the available tools in Learning Management Systems (LMS) environments in developing essay writing skills among the students of College of Science and Humanities Studies in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. This was done by constructing a digital content in the literary essay based on developing essay skills as a form of creative writing skills on the Blackboard platform. The participants of this study were 31 female undergraduate students from second year, Early Childhood Department. A list of essay skills was prepared as a form of creative writing to achieve the objectives of the study, and an Essay Writing Skills test was also prepared. This study adopted a quasi-experimental research design with one group (pre-post research design) to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the independent variable (LMS) and the dependent variable (Essay writing skills). The results showed that the effectiveness of the designed unit had positive effects in developing essay writing skills in general and its sub-skills (Form, language, writing the introduction, presentation, and writing the conclusion) in particular with significant differences between pre- posttests in favor of the post- test. The study recommended using the teaching tools available within LMS environments to develop essay writing as a form of creative writing skills at all level of education in general, and at the undergraduate level in particular.