Higher Education in the New Reality: A Study of Students’ Preferences About Digital Learning in Mexico

Abstract

ABSTRACT Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education students had to switch to online classes to avoid infections, so universities had to adapt to a situation known as emergency remote education and had to provide digital content to simulate the traditional classroom experience. Now, as we transition from the pandemic, returning to in-person education has been a challenge. This period, often referred to as the “new normal,” is characterized by a mix of in-person and digital learning. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate students’ preferences for digital education in this new educational landscape. In this exploratory empirical study, the preferences of undergraduate students at a private university in Mexico were evaluated through a survey. This survey was applied by the Directorate of Educational Innovation and Digital Learning through institutional means in September 2022. It had multiple-choice questions and an open final question. A total of 2725 responses were obtained. Student responses were analyzed using a mixed methods methodology. Responses to multiple-choice questions were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, while responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using content analysis. The results show that although students prefer academic programs with 80 to 100% in-person, they also prefer digital or remote classes. This preference is highlighted by students who work and study simultaneously. These studies show that the hybrid and flexible format (HyFlex) can take off in this new normal. However, more studies are required to demonstrate its effectiveness in learning.