Student Preferences for Online Interaction Platforms in Blended Learning: A Mixed-Methods Study

TL;DR

This study explores undergraduate students' preferences for online interaction platforms in blended learning, revealing a strong inclination towards instant messaging apps over institutional systems, driven by factors like convenience and peer popularity.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into students' platform preferences and the underlying reasons, emphasizing the need to align institutional platforms with students' digital habits.

Findings

Students prefer WhatsApp and Telegram over LMS platforms.

Key factors influencing preference include convenience, ease of use, and peer popularity.

Mismatch exists between students' habits and institutional platform offerings.

Abstract

As higher education increasingly adopts blended learning, understanding students preferences for online interaction platforms becomes critical for effective course delivery and engagement. This study investigates the platforms undergraduate students prefer for academic communication and explores the underlying reasons for these choices. Data were collected from 37 students enrolled in two summer courses at a Ghanaian university using a structured questionnaire consisting of both closed and open-ended items. Quantitative results revealed a strong preference for instant messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram over institutional learning management systems. Qualitative content analysis of the open-ended responses identified five key factors influencing platform preference: convenience and familiarity, ease of use, accessibility, popularity among peers, and support for real-time interactions. These findings highlight a significant mismatch between students communication habits and institutional platform offerings. The study highlights the importance of aligning digital learning strategies with students lived digital experiences to enhance interaction, collaboration, and learner satisfaction in blended learning environments.