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Effects of Blackboard on the work-life balance of students and lecturers

Gbur, Markus (2013) Effects of Blackboard on the work-life balance of students and lecturers.

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Abstract:In the modern world of increased work intensity, workload and resulting stress the concept of work-life balance has become an important topic for both academics and practitioners. Technology has been identified as an influential factor on the balance of these two domains. Since in the context of universities no research has been done in this field, this study aimed at getting insights into the usage of the technology of e-learning platforms, its implications and effects on the work-life balance of students and lecturers. The research object was the e-learning platform ‘Blackboard’ and research context the ‘University of Twente’. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve students and nine lecturers. On the basis of these, codes and sub-codes were found that described the usage and the relationship between the usage of Blackboard and the perceived work-life balance. The finding that was most noticeable is that for lecturers it was found no influence of Blackboard on their work-life balance, while for students both positive and negative influences of Blackboard on their work-life balance was found. The same was found for the influence on the private life, because for lecturers there was no influence perceived but for students both positive and negative impacts were detected. Reason for this might be that students use Blackboard passively as information receivers while lecturers use it actively as deliverers. Lecturers thus have more control over the system. The most important given recommendation is to introduce a policy where no announcements can be posted on Blackboard during evenings and weekends to enhance the work-life balance of students. The uniqueness of this study lies in its special focus on e-learning platforms and its assessment of the work-life balance of students. Due to its explorative and qualitative character, this study can serve as basis for different future studies.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/64026
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