A Pilot Study on Part-Time Occupational Therapy Students’ Engagement and Academic Performance in Learning Neuroanatomy using Canvas LMS

Authors

  • Aisha Mohd Din Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiTM Cawangan Selangor Campus Puncak Alam, Malaysia
  • Nur Amira Ismadi Center of Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiTM Cawangan Selangor Campus Puncak Alam, Malaysia
  • Fatma Ali Hussain Alashkham Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Zawia, Zawia City, Libya
  • Amir Muhriz Abdul Latiff Department Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, UiTM Cawangan Selangor Campus Sungai Buloh, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI34.7473

Keywords:

Canvas LMS, neuroanatomy, occupational therapy, engagement

Abstract

Neuroanatomy is a challenging subject for part-time occupational therapy students. The use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) can provide flexible platforms that provide interactive e-resources to increase student engagement in neuroanatomy. This pilot study aimed to determine the students’ engagement level on Canvas LMS and correlate with their academic performance. The Student Engagement Questionnaire was used to assess engagement levels, and final exam grades were analysed. Results showed that 63% of students demonstrated good engagement, with a noticeable improvement in academic performance. In conclusion, Canvas LMS effectively supports engagement and enhances academic outcomes in neuroanatomy for part-time occupational therapy students.

References

Ahmadi, G., Mohammadi, A., Asadzandi, S., Shah, M., & Mojtahedzadeh, R. (2023). What are the indicators of student engagement in learning management systems? a systematized review of the literature. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 24(1), 117-136. DOI: https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v24i1.6453

Almoslamani, Y. (2018). Effectiveness of student engagement using learning management system in the blended learning environment at Saudi Electronic University.

Alselaiti, N. (2023). Enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes through education technologies in medical education. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 19(3), 1356-1367. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.19.3.1922

Bains, M., Kaliski, D. Z., & Goei, K. A. (2022). Effect of self-regulated learning and technology-enhanced activities on anatomy learning, engagement, and course outcomes in a problem-based learning program. Advances in Physiology Education, 46(2), 219-227. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00039.2021

Campbell, S., Greenwood, M., Prior, S., Shearer, T., Walkem, K., Young, S., & Walker, K. (2020). Purposive sampling: complex or simple? Research case examples. Journal of research in Nursing, 25(8), 652-661. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987120927206

Crisostimo, M., & Barbeau, M. (2022). The Development and Evaluation of Online Neuroanatomy Resources for OT Students. The FASEB Journal, 36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.S1.R5754

Diaz, C. M., Linden, K., & Solyali, V. (2021). Novel and innovative approaches to teaching human anatomy classes in an online environment during a pandemic. Medical science educator, 31(5), 1703-1713. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-021-01363-2

Green, R. A., & Hughes, D. L. (2013). Student outcomes associated with use of asynchronous online discussion forums in gross anatomy teaching. Anatomical sciences education, 6(2), 101-106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.1310

Fredricks, J. A., Blumenfeld, P. C., & Paris, A. H. (2004). School engagement: Potential of the concept, state of the evidence. Review of educational research, 74(1), 59-109. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543074001059

Hall, S., & Border, S. (2020). Online neuroanatomy education and its role during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) lockdown. World neurosurgery, 139, 628. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.05.001

Javaid, M. A., Schellekens, H., Cryan, J. F., & Toulouse, A. (2020). Neuroanatomy of the spinal pathways: Evaluation of an interactive multimedia e-learning resource. MedEdPublish, 9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15694/mep.2020.000088.1

Kassab, S. E., Al-Eraky, M., El-Sayed, W., Hamdy, H., & Schmidt, H. (2023). Measurement of student engagement in health professions education: a review of literature. BMC Medical Education, 23(1), 354. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04344-8

Kuzminykh, I., Ghita, B., & Xiao, H. (2021). The relationship between student engagement and academic performance in online education. 2021 5th International Conference on E-Society, E-Education and E-Technology, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3485768.3485796

Morris, N. P., Lambe, J., Ciccone, J., & Swinnerton, B. (2016). Mobile technology: students perceived benefits of apps for learning neuroanatomy. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 32(5), 430-442. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12144

Odekeye, O. T., Fakokunde, J. B., Metu, D. V., & Adewusi, M. A. (2023). Perception of Learning Management System (LMS) on the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, 19(1), 7-19.

Park, J. H., & Choi, H. J. (2009). Factors influencing adult learners' decision to drop out or persist in online learning. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 12(4), 207-217.

Pringle, Z., & Rea, P. (2018). Do digital technologies enhance anatomical education? Practice and Evidence of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 13(1), 2-27.

Soffer, T., & Cohen, A. (2019). Students' engagement characteristics predict success and completion of online courses. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 35(3), 378-389. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12340

Vogt, K. L. (2016). Measuring student engagement using learning management systems [Master’s thesis, University of Toronto]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

Downloads

Published

2025-11-29

How to Cite

Mohd Din , A., Ismadi , N. A., Ali Hussain Alashkham , F., & Abdul Latiff , A. M. (2025). A Pilot Study on Part-Time Occupational Therapy Students’ Engagement and Academic Performance in Learning Neuroanatomy using Canvas LMS. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 10(SI34), 105–113. https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI34.7473