Investigating the Adoption Rate of Students' Mental Model with the Structure of the Learning Management System of the University of Tehran by Card Sorting Method

Background and Aim: E-learning is an important topic  in the educational settings and students are  significant prerequisites of it,  who have an essential role for the acceptance and effective use of e-learning management systems so that knowing their attitudes and mental models is essential for the successful implementation of such a method. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the Adoption Rate of studentschr('39') mental model with the structure of the learning management system of the University of Tehran using the card sorting method.    Methodology: Research had qualitative approach with card sorting and interview tools. Usabilitest software, descriptive statistics, distance matrix, and hierarchical clustering were used to analyze the data. Sample consisted of 15 postgraduate students at Tehran  University (second semester of the academic year 2019-2020) that were interacting with the learning management system (Moodle). Findings: Findings indicate that out of 42 cards examined, the status and classification of 36 cards (85%) in the learning management system were fully consistent with the participantschr('39') mental model and only in some cases such as "Help" and" Recent lessons referred" according to their mental model, users expected these sections to be placed in other categories. As well as labeling; 66% of users found the "settings" tag more appropriate than their "preferences" and the function of some, such as "medal management", "medal preferences" was unclear to them. Also, the categories presented in the three sections: "User Profile", "Quick Access" and "My Lessons" were approved by users. Conclusion: The results show that the degree of adaptation of studentschr('39') mental model to the structure of the learning management system of the University of Tehran is at a desirable level.