Published on: March 2026 2026
VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL MODE OF LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION: EXPERIENCES AND REFLECTIONS OF STUDENTS
Deepak Kumar Bikash Nahak Behera
Jagannath Kunar , Hrushikesh Panigrahi, Pramod Behera
Article Status
Available Documents
Abstract
Purpose- The debate between online and physical learning has become more relevant, particularly in higher education, with the rapid adoption of digital platforms and the shift caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores students’ experiences and preferences regarding online versus physical learning environments at Dharanidhar University.
Design/methodology/approach- Using a survey design, data were collected from 197 students, using quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (interviews) methods. The study investigates both modalities' key factors such as interaction, feedback, teaching quality, and time management. Results show a strong preference for physical classroom learning (69.81%) over online learning (19.81%), with students valuing face-to-face interaction, immediate feedback, and collaborative learning. However, online learning was appreciated for its flexibility and personalized pace.
Findings- Overall, the findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the effectiveness of these learning modalities and provide insights into optimizing education delivery in future academic settings.
Originality- The research highlights the importance of tailored teaching methods, the role of immediate feedback in enhancing learning outcomes, and the need for effective time management strategies in both modes. The study also points to the growing significance of blended learning, which combines online and physical education approaches.
How to Cite this Paper
Kumar, D., Nahak, B. & Behera, (2026). Virtual And Physical Mode of Learning in Higher Education: Experiences and Reflections of Students. International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, <i>02</i>(03). https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i3.063
Kumar, Deepak, et al.. "Virtual And Physical Mode of Learning in Higher Education: Experiences and Reflections of Students." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, vol. 02, no. 03, 2026, pp. . doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i3.063.
Kumar, Deepak,Bikash Nahak, and Behera. "Virtual And Physical Mode of Learning in Higher Education: Experiences and Reflections of Students." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management 02, no. 03 (2026). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i3.063.
Search & Index
References
- Aker, J. C., & Mbiti, I. M. (2010). Mobile phones and economic development in Africa. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 24(3), 207–232. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.24.3.207
- Barnes, C., Forde, C., & Sturman, L. (2020). Effective time management strategies for teachers and students in higher education. Teaching in Higher Education, 25(6), 695–710. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2019.1657397
- Chen, X., Zou, D., Cheng, G., & Xie, H. (2020). Detecting latent topics and trends in educational technologies over four decades using structural topic modelling: A retrospective of all volumes of Computers & Education. Computers & Education, 151, 103855. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.103855
- Chu, Y. H., & Li, Y. C. (2022). Student perceptions of online and face-to-face learning in higher education. Sustainability, 14(9), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095126
- Cindy, L., et al. (2020). Online learning satisfaction and academic performance in higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17, 38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-020-00216-z
- Dhawan, S. (2020). Online learning: A panacea in the time of COVID-19 crisis. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 49(1), 5–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047239520934018
- Eun, B. (2020). The role of interaction in learning and development: A sociocultural perspective. Educational Psychology Review, 32(2), 355–374. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-019-09512-5
- Fowler, G. A. (2014). Online education: The good, the bad, and the ugly. The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1002/abc.21199
- Gherheș, V., Stoian, C. E., Fărcașiu, M. A., & Stanici, M. (2021). E-learning vs. face-to-face learning: Analyzing students’ preferences and behaviours. Sustainability, 13(8), 4381. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084381
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
Ethical Compliance & Review Process
- •All submissions are screened under plagiarism detection.
- •Review follows editorial policy.
- •Authors retain copyright.
- •Peer Review Type: Double-Blind Peer Review
- •Published on: Mar 13 2026
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. You are free to share and adapt this work for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution.