Students' learning preferences and patterns of media and information technology usage in higher education institution

Within the context of technological change and globalisation, virtual universities are facing two challenges: the demand of designing educational technologies and the willingness to accept the trend in students' learning preferences for new emerging technologies.Furthermore, the expansion of websites era, which comprises the development of web 2.0 and web 3.0, enables a shift from users' participation to users' collaboration. Therefore, virtual universities need to consider not only students' learning outcomes but also their preferences and satisfaction with emerging technologies, in the context of the web era. This paper will explore the learning behaviour, the frequency of technology usage for studies and the satisfaction with the use of media and information technologies. In order to investigate this, a representative empirical survey was conducted in a HEI in Wales, using a structured questionnaire with 143 questions. A non probability sample of students was asked questions regarding media, technology use for learning as well as students' preferences and satisfaction with technology. Statistical analysis of the data will include analysis of variances and means values, as well as ranking the media services. The preliminary results showed that Facebook, Google and instant messenger were the most used by students. The findings will help to improve the understanding of media and information usage patterns by students. The results of the survey will support previous research on new emerging technologies.Additionally, as part of an international research project conducted throughout Europe and Asia, this paper will help the validation of a theoretical model on media acceptance.