Authors Katie Linder Mary Ellen Dello Stritto
License CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0
Student Device Preferences
for Online Course Access and
Multimedia Learning
Mary Ellen Dello Stritto, Ph.D.
Katie Linder, Ph.D.
Oregon State University Ecampus Research Unit
Student Device Preferences for Online Course
Access and Multimedia Learning
Mary Ellen Dello Stritto, PhD
Kathryn E. Linder, PhD
Ecampus Research Unit
Oregon State University Ecampus
Suggested citation: Dello Stritto, M. E. & Linder, K. E. (2018). Student device preferences for
online course access and multimedia learning. Corvallis, OR. Oregon State University Ecampus
Research Unit.
April 2018
CONTENTS
List of Tables & Figures ................................................................................................................................. 2
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Definitions ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Key Findings ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Results................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Student Device Ownership ............................................................................................................. 8
Device Preferences for Different Purposes ................................................................................ 9
Reasons for Choosing Preferred Devices .................................................................................. 12
New Device Purchasing for Educational Purposes ................................................................. 17
Age Group Comparisons................................................................................................................ 18
Virtual Reality ................................................................................................................................... 21
Conclusion: Future Directions and Additional Research ..................................................................... 23
Methodology .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Description of Respondents ....................................................................................................................... 25
Appendix A: Survey Instrument ................................................................................................................ 28
Appendix B: Data Tables ............................................................................................................................. 35
About the Research Unit at Oregon State University Ecampus ....................................................... 44
Cover design by Nick Saemenes
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-
NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
1
LIST OF TABLES & FIGURES
Figure 1: Percentage of students who owned and borrowed different electronic devices ........... 9
Figure 2: Student device preferences for accessing the LMS homepage ........................................ 10
Figure 3: Percentage of students indicating devices that are preferred and devices that are
ideal for viewing video content ................................................................................................................. 10
Figure 4: Percentage of students indicating devices that are preferred and devices that are
ideal when learning with simulations and games .................................................................................. 11
Figure 5: Reasons why students chose particular devices for accessing the LMS homepage,
viewing videos, and learning with simulations and games ................................................................. 12
Figure 6: Reasons why students preferred different device types for accessing the LMS ..….….13
Figure 7: Reasons why students preferred different device types for viewing video content .. 14
Figure 8: Reasons why students preferred different device types for learning with simulations
and games …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16
Figure 9: Purposes for which students would most likely purchase a new device ........................ 17
Figure 10: Percentage of students who would consider buying a new device if they thought it
would benefit their education .................................................................................................................... 18
Table 1: Students’ willingness to spend money on a new device to benefit education……………..18
Table 2: Percentage of students who owned desktops and laptops by age group ........................ 19
Table 3: Percentage of students who preferred each device for accessing the LMS by age
group ................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Table 4: Percentage of students who preferred each device for viewing video content by age
group ................................................................................................................................................................ 20
Table 5: Percentage of students who preferred each device for learning with simulations and
games by age group ...................................................................................................................................... 20
Table 6: Percentage of students who would purchase a new device for games/entertainment
and education by age group ....................................................................................................................... 20
2
Figure 11: Students’ perspectives on virtual reality as a relevant tool for the future of online
education......................................................................................................................................................... 21
Table 7: Students’ perspectives on virtual reality as a relevant tool for the future of online
education by age group .............................................................................................................................. 22
Figure 12: Class level of survey respondents and all Ecampus students ......................................... 25
Figure 13: College affiliation of student respondents.......................................................................... 26
Table 8: Race/ethnicity categories for survey respondents and all Ecampus students ............... 27
Table 9: Age categories of survey respondents and all Ecampus students .................................... 27
3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This study originated from our multimedia development team at Oregon State University
Ecampus. One of our developers was interested in exploring what devices students are using
to engage with their online classes and what drives their choices. This research interest
stemmed from a broader organizational question of how much time and resources to devote
to the development of online materials for the mobile environment. Thus, a focal point for this
research study was the question: Are students who take our online courses using their mobile
devices to access their online courses and multimedia course materials?
In spring 2017, the Ecampus Research Unit surveyed students who had taken one or more
online courses in the current or previous term to learn more about what types of devices they
owned, what they preferred to use to access their course materials, and why they preferred
those devices.
We very much appreciate the over 2,000 students who took the time to answer the survey and
share their preferences and perspectives with us. We wish to thank Mike Miller for proposing
the initial study idea and for his collaboration on the survey design and study recruitment.
Many thanks to Amy Donley for her amazing abilities with data visualization for this report.
Finally, we express gratitude to Oregon State Ecampus for funding this study.
Dr. Mary Ellen Dello Stritto
Assistant Director of Research, Oregon State University Ecampus
Dr. Katie Linder
Research Director, Oregon State University Ecampus
April 2018
4
DEFINITIONS
Desktop: desktop PC, desktop Mac
Laptop: laptop PC, laptop Mac
Smartphone: iPhone, Android phone, other smartphones
Tablet: iPad, Android tablet, Windows tablet, other tablets
5
KEY FINDINGS
Student Device Ownership
Smartphone and laptop ownership among students is pervasive. All but two of the 2,035
students in this study reported owning a smartphone, and over 99% owned laptops. Just
over half of respondents owned some form of tablet. However, only 35% owned a desktop
computer.
Very few students were borrowing devices, by comparison. In this study, desktop
computers were borrowed by 8% of respondents, with just over 5% borrowing laptops.
Less than 5% reported borrowing tablets, and less than 2% borrowed smartphones.
Device Preferences for Different Purposes
Student respondents overwhelmingly preferred laptops for accessing their learning
management system (LMS) homepage (73%). The majority preferred laptops for viewing
video content (68%) and for learning with simulations and games (59%).
Less than 10% of students preferred smartphones and tablets for viewing video and for
learning with simulations and games.
In the majority of cases, students viewed their preferred devices (laptops and desktops) as
also the ideal devices to use when viewing video and learning with simulations and games.
Reasons for Choosing Preferred Devices
Overall, regardless of what device they preferred, convenience, ease of use, and
effectiveness were all important reasons for students’ choices of preferred devices.
Across all four device types about the same percentage of students indicated that their
preferred devices were easy to use for accessing the LMS and viewing video. However, for
learning with simulations and games, ease of use was a more frequent reason for
preferring tablets.
The majority of student respondents indicated that desktops and laptops were preferred
for accessing the LMS, viewing video content and learning with simulations and games
because these devices were the most effective.
Of the four devices, smartphones were least likely to be chosen as effective for accessing
the LMS, viewing videos, and learning with simulations and games.
6
New Device Purchasing for Educational Purposes
Three-quarters of students (74.8%) would consider buying a new device if they thought it
would benefit their education.
About one-quarter of students (26.9%) indicated they would purchase a new device to
benefit their education, if they could afford it.
7
RESULTS
The goal of this study was to gather information from students taking online courses at
Oregon State University to determine their preferred devices to view and interact with
multimedia for the purpose of their education. In particular, we were interested in exploring
why students are using a particular device to engage in online learning and if that device is
actually their preferred and/or ideal device.
When designing this project, we were guided by the following research questions:
1. What are the range of devices that students use to access their online courses and to
view video and other multimedia?
2. Why do students use certain devices to access their online courses and to view video
and other multimedia?
3. Are the devices that students currently use the same as what they would consider to be
the ideal devices for viewing video and multimedia?
Oregon State University Ecampus comprises online students from all 50 states and over 50
countries. The 2,035 respondents in this study reported taking an average of 4.9 online classes
in the past year (SD=4.1). The respondents were found be demographically similar to the
student population who were currently enrolled in one or more Ecampus courses at the time
of data collection. For more information on the study methodology and a description of
participant demographics, see pp. 24-27.
The results of the study are discussed in the following sections: student device ownership,
device preferences for different purposes, reasons for choosing preferred devices, new device
purchasing for educational purposes, age group comparisons, and virtual reality.
Student Device Ownership
Nearly 100% of the respondents owned some form of a smartphone (only two reported they
did not). The largest number of respondents 1,249 (61.4%) owned iPhones, an additional 783
(36.3%) owned Android phones, and 45 (2.2%) owned other smartphones (see Figure 1).
Laptop ownership outweighed desktop ownership among the respondents. More than half,
1,172 (57.6%) owned PC laptops, and 845 (41.5%) owned Mac laptops. Overall, 99% of
respondents owned some type of laptop.
The percentage of desktop computer owners was smaller with 553 (27.2%) of the respondents
owning PC desktops, and only 157 (7.7%) owning Mac desktops for a total of nearly 35%
desktop computer ownership. Ownership of tablets was slightly higher with a total of 1,145
respondents (56.3%) owning tablets. The largest number owned iPads (661, 32.5%), 329
8
(16.2%) owned Android tablets, and 155 (7.6%) owned Windows tablets. An additional 95
respondents (4.7%) indicated they owned other devices; 32 of these devices were e-readers
and 21 were Chromebooks. Eight respondents mentioned Linux desktops or laptops.
Respondents were also asked about devices that they borrow (see Figure 1). The largest
number of respondents (224 or 11.0%) indicated they borrowed desktops, 113 (5.6%)
borrowed laptops, 88 (4.4%) borrowed tablets, and 30 (1.4%) borrowed smartphones.
Figure 1: Percentage of students who owned and borrowed different electronic devices
Device Preferences for Different Purposes
All Ecampus students are required to access their online courses through the Canvas learning
management system (LMS). Students overwhelmingly preferred laptops for accessing their
LMS homepage with a total of 1,488 respondents (73.1%) preferring laptops (see Figure 2). A
total of 399 respondents (19.6%) preferred desktop computers with desktop PCs preferred by
338 (16.6%) and only 61 (3%) preferring desktop Macs. Only 89 (4.3%) preferred their
smartphones for accessing the LMS. There were very small numbers of students preferring
iPads (28, 1.4%) and other tablets (31, 1.5%) to access the LMS course homepage.
We were interested in students’ input on what devices they preferred for viewing video
content in their online courses. In addition, we asked what students thought was their ideal
platform for viewing video content, regardless of whether they currently used that device or
not.
Given that almost all of the students owned laptops, it is perhaps not surprising that a large
number of respondents (1,376, 67.6%) reported the laptop as the preferred device for viewing
video (see Figure 3). A much smaller number (387, 19%) indicated that desktops were
9
preferred, while 132 (6.5%) identified tablets and 112 (5.5%) identified smartphones as
preferred for viewing video. Twenty-eight respondents (1.4%) did not answer this question.
Figure 2: Student device preferences for accessing the LMS homepage
When students were asked about which devices were ideal for viewing video content (whether
or not they used that device), the largest number of respondents (1,224, 60.1%) indicated
laptops were ideal, which is similar to the number who chose laptops as preferred. Compared
to the number who preferred desktops (387, 19%), a slightly larger number (488, 24%)
indicated that desktops were ideal for viewing video. Further, a slightly larger number (184,
9%) indicated that tablets were ideal for viewing video compared to those who preferred
tablets (132).
Figure 3: Percentage of students indicating devices that are preferred and devices that are ideal for viewing video
content
10
Finally, 111 (5.5%) respondents indicated that smartphones were ideal for viewing video,
which is exactly the same percentage who indicated smartphones were preferred. Twenty-
eight (1.4%) respondents did not answer this question.
Similarly, we were interested in students’ input on what devices they preferred when learning
with simulations and games, and what devices they thought were ideal for learning with
simulations and games.
Again, laptops were preferred by 1,201 respondents (59%) when learning with simulations
and games (see Figure 4). More than one-quarter (569, 28%) preferred desktop computers,
while smaller numbers chose tablets (107, 5.3%) and smartphones (130, 6.4%) as preferred
devices. Twenty-eight respondents (1.4%) did not answer this question.
Laptops were chosen as ideal for learning with simulations and games by 1,103 respondents
(54.2%), which is similar to the percentage who preferred laptops. Nearly one-third (628,
30.9%), chose desktops as ideal devices. A much smaller number (139, 6.8%) chose tablets as
ideal, and only 121 (6%) chose smartphones as ideal for learning with simulations and games.
These percentages were similar to the percentages who indicated that these same devices
were preferred for learning with simulations and games. Forty-four (2.2%) respondents did not
answer this question.
Figure 4: Percentage of students indicating devices that are preferred and devices that are ideal when learning
with simulations and games
Considering the results of device ownership and the results of the preferred devices together
suggests that students own laptops and prefer laptops for video, and learning with simulations
and games. However, results of their ideal device choices suggest that small percentages of
the respondents may prefer to use desktops and tablets for these purposes instead of their
laptops.
11
Reasons for Choosing Preferred Devices
We also asked respondents about their reasons for choosing their preferred devices. The
survey focused on four main reasons: convenience, ease of use, effectiveness for the type of
content, and whether students did not have access to a better device option. Students were
asked why they chose a particular device for accessing their LMS homepage, for viewing
videos, and for learning with simulations and games.
The results showed that overall, regardless of what they chose as a preferred device,
convenience, ease of use, and effectiveness were all important reasons for their choices (see
Figure 5). A total of 1,437 respondents (70.6%) indicated that their preferred device was the
most effective for accessing their LMS home page, 1,379 (67.8%) indicated that their
preferred device was the most effective for viewing videos, and 1,344 (66%) indicated that
their preferred device was the most effective for learning with simulations and games.
Similarly, at least half of the students indicated that their preferred device was convenient for
accessing the LMS (1,127, 55.5%), convenient for viewing video (1,070, 52.6%) and
convenient for learning with simulations and games (1,012, 49.7%). Finally, 1,118 (54.9%)
indicated that their preferred device was easy to use with their LMS homepage, 991 (48.7%)
indicated it was easy to use for viewing video, and 1,113 (54.7%) indicated it was easy to use
to learn with simulations and games. Smaller numbers indicated that they did not have a
better option for accessing their LMS homepage (104, 5.1%), viewing video (106, 5.2%) or
learning with simulations and games (106, 5.2%).
Figure 5: Reasons why students chose particular devices for accessing the LMS homepage, viewing videos, and
learning with simulations and games
Smaller numbers of respondents (143, 7.0%) indicated they had other reasons for choosing
their preferred device for accessing the LMS and for viewing videos (83, 4.1%). The majority of
these respondents commented about their desktops and laptops. Many indicated that their
desktops were preferred for both purposes because of larger monitors or dual screens. Those
who commented about their preference for laptops also commented on screen sizes. A few
12
mentioned that their laptop screen size was preferred over their tablets and phones. A number
of other comments related to problems with the LMS app for smartphones and tablets, such as
it was difficult to navigate, content was not visible, and that the app needed improvement.
Some of the 82 respondents (4.0%) who indicated they had other reasons for choosing their
preferred device for learning with simulations and games also commented on the larger screen
size of desktops and laptops. Several also commented that desktops were preferred because
they have more power and processing speed. A few commented that they had not
encountered simulations or games in their course content.
Reasons for preferred device for accessing the LMS
The reasons students chose a particular device to access the LMS homepage varied by the
device. Figure 6 shows that of those who chose a desktop as their preferred device (n=399),
the vast majority (325, 81.5%) indicated that the desktop was most effective for viewing the
LMS homepage. Many chose convenience (164, 41.1%) and ease of use (187, 46.9%) as
reasons for preferring desktops. Only nine (2.3%) indicated they did not have a better option.
Forty-five (11.3%) provided other reasons for preferring desktops such as the larger screens of
desktops, the ability to use two screens, and faster processing speeds.
Figure 6: Reasons why students preferred different device types for accessing the LMS
The pattern of responses was similar for those preferring laptops (n=1,488), with 1,087
(73.1%) respondents choosing the laptop as most effective for viewing the LMS homepage,
while more than half (826, 55.5%) indicated they preferred the laptop for convenience, and
860 (57.8%) preferred it for ease of use. A smaller number (90, 6.0%) did not have a better
option. Eighty-six (5.8%) provided other reasons for preferring laptops such as laptops having
larger screens and being easier to use compared with smaller devices (tablets and phones), and
problems with the functionality of the LMS app on other devices such as tablets and phones.
13
Of those respondents who chose tablets (n=59) as their preferred device for accessing the
LMS homepage, 50 (85%) preferred it for convenience, while 34 (58%) preferred it for its ease
of use, and 13 (22%) for its effectiveness for viewing the LMS homepage. Only four (6.8%) did
not have a better option. Seven respondents (11.9%) provided other reasons for preferring
tablets, such as the portability of tablets and compatibility issues.
Finally, of those who chose smartphones (n=80) as their preferred device for accessing the
LMS homepage, 87 respondents (97.8%) indicated their reason was convenience, while 37
(42.4%) preferred it for ease of use. Twelve (13.5%) said that smartphones were preferred
because they were most effective for accessing the LMS, and only one (1.1%) did not have a
better option. Five (5.6%) respondents provided other reasons for preferring smartphones,
such as the convenience of always having a phone.
These results suggest that laptops and desktops are preferred devices because they are most
effective for accessing the LMS. However, tablets and smartphones are preferred for their
convenience. Across all four device types, laptops and tablets were preferred slightly more for
their ease of use.
Reasons for preferred device for viewing videos
The reasons students chose a particular device for viewing videos varied by the device. As
shown in Figure 7, of those who chose a desktop computer (n=387) as their preferred device, a
majority of respondents (317, 81.9%) indicated that desktops were the most effective for
viewing video, while many chose convenience (157, 40.6%) and ease of use (163, 42.1%) as
reasons for preferring desktops.
Figure 7: Reasons why students preferred different device types for viewing video content
14
Very few respondents (8, 2.1%) indicated they did not have a better option. Thirty (7.8%)
provided other reasons preferring desktops. Most of the reasons related to the larger screen
size and the ability to have dual screens, which made the videos easier to see.
The pattern of responses was somewhat similar for those who chose laptops (n=1,376) as their
preferred device. A large number of respondents (999, 72.6%) indicated that laptops were
most effective for viewing video, while over half chose convenience (717, 52.1%) and ease of
use (713, 51.8%) as reasons for preferring laptops. Fewer indicated they did not have a better
option (94, 6.8%). Finally, 37 respondents (2.7%) provided other reasons for preferring
laptops such as portability and the ability to connect to larger screens.
For those who chose tablets (n=132) as their preferred device for viewing video, three-
quarters of respondents (99, 75.0%) chose convenience as their reason for preferring the
device and 61 (46.2%) indicated it was preferred for ease of use. A smaller number (44,
33.3%) preferred the tablet because it was the most effective for viewing video. Only three
(2.2%) said they did not have a better option. Seven (5.3%) respondents provided other
reasons for preferring tablets, with four of those responses relating to the portability of
tablets.
Finally, of those who chose smartphones (n=112) as their preferred device for viewing video,
the overwhelming majority of respondents (97, 86.6%) indicated that convenience was the
reason they preferred this device. Nearly half (54, 48%) indicated they preferred smartphones
for ease of use. However, only 19 (17.0%) indicated that smartphones were preferred because
they were most effective for viewing video, and only one (.9%) indicated they did not have a
better option. Nine (8.0%) respondents provided other reasons and, of those, three were
related to portability.
These results suggest that desktops and laptops are preferred devices because they are seen
as most effective for viewing videos. Similar to the results for the LMS, tablets and
smartphones are preferred for video viewing because of convenience. Across all four device
types approximately the same percentage of students indicated that their preferred devices
were easy to use, with a range of between 42% and 52% of respondents selecting that reason.
Of the four devices, smartphones were least likely to be chosen as effective for viewing videos.
Reasons for preferred device for learning with simulations and games
The reasons students chose a particular device for learning with simulation and games also
varied by device (see Figure 8). Of those students who chose a desktop computer (n=569) as
their preferred device, more than three-quarters (454, 79.8%) indicated that desktops were
the most effective for learning with simulations and games, while half chose ease of use (285,
50.5%) and 227 (39.9%) chose convenience as reasons for preferring desktops. Few (13,
2.3%) indicated they did not have a better option. A slightly larger number (36, 6.3%)
provided other reasons for preferring the desktop. The most frequent other reasons were a
preference for larger screens and the processing power and speed of desktop computers.
15
Figure 8: Reasons why students preferred different device types for learning with simulations and games
The pattern of responses was similar for those who chose laptops as their preferred device
(n=1,201). The largest number of respondents (833, 69%) indicated that laptops were most
effective for viewing simulations and games, while more than half chose ease of use (679,
57%) and convenience (620, 51.6%) as their reasons for choosing this device. Further, 82
(6.8%) indicated they did not have a better option. Finally, 37 (3.1%) provided other reasons
for preferring laptops. Again, the most common other reason was that laptops had a larger
screen size relative to tablets and phones. A few respondents commented that they had not
encountered simulations and games in their courses.
The patterns of responses for tablets and smartphones as preferred devices for learning with
simulations and games were somewhat different. Of those who preferred tablets (n=107),
more than two-thirds of students indicated that they chose tablets for ease of use (76, 71%)
and convenience (74, 69.2%), while only 35 (32.7%) indicated that they chose tablets because
they were the most effective for learning with simulations and games. Only four respondents
(3.7%) indicated they did not have a better option. Four (3.7%) provided other reasons for
preferring tablets, and three of those reasons were about portability.
Of those who preferred smartphones (n=130), the majority of respondents (91, 70%)
indicated they chose that device for convenience, and more than half (73, 56.2%) chose it for
ease of use. A much smaller number (22, 16.9%) indicated they chose smartphones because
they were most effective for learning with simulations and games. Only seven (5.4%) reported
they did not have a better option. Finally, five (3.8%) provided other reasons, which varied
from portability to the preference for a touch screen.
Similar to the reasons endorsed for viewing video, the results for learning with simulations and
games suggest that desktops and laptops were preferred devices because they are most
16
effective for this type of use. However, tablets and smartphones were preferred by some for
their convenience. In addition, tablets were preferred by many for their ease of use. For the
other three device types, about the same percentage of students indicated that their preferred
devices were easy to use, ranging between 50% and 57% selecting that reason. Of the four
devices, smartphones were least likely to be chosen as effective for viewing simulations and
games, however they were most likely to be chosen for convenience.
New Device Purchasing for Educational Purposes
When student respondents were asked about the purposes for which they would purchase a
new device, the largest number (799, 39.3%) indicated that they would be most likely to
purchase a new device for education (see Figure 9). Only slightly fewer (722, 35.5%) indicated
they would most likely purchase a new device for their job or work. A smaller number (298,
14.6%) would be most likely to purchase a new device for games/entertainment, and 99
(4.9%) would most likely purchase a new device for communication purposes.
Figure 9: Purposes for which students would most likely purchase a new device
The remaining 73 respondents (3.6%) chose other purposes. One-third (24) of respondents
who chose other indicated they would buy a new device to upgrade an older or broken device.
More than a dozen respondents indicated that they would purchase a device for more than
one or all of the purposes listed in the question. A few others indicated they would buy a new
device for travel or personal use. Forty-four respondents (2.2%) did not answer this question.
The respondents were asked if they would consider buying a new device if they thought it
would benefit their education. The majority of respondents (1,552, 74.8%) said yes, 349
(17.1%) were not sure, and 120 (5.9%) said no (see Figure 10). Forty-four respondents (2.2%)
did not answer this question.
17
Figure 10: Percentage of students who would consider buying a new device if they thought it would benefit their
education
A follow-up question asked students about spending money on a new device to benefit their
education (see Table 1). A total of 548 (26.9%) respondents indicated that they would
purchase a new device if they could afford it, while 116 (5.7%) indicated that they would not
purchase a device for this reason. One quarter (514, 25.3%) indicated they would spend
between $400 and $999, and slightly fewer (448, 22%) would spend between $100 and $399.
A smaller number (261, 12.8%) would spend $1,000 or more, and only 104 (5.1%) would
spend $99 or less. Forty-four (2.2%) respondents did not answer this question.
Response options Percentage
Would not purchase for this reason 5.7%
Would purchase if I could afford it 26.9%
$0-$99 5.1%
$100-$399 22.0%
$400-$999 25.3%
$1,000 or more 12.8%
Missing n=44 (2.2%)
Table 1: Students’ willingness to spend money on a new device to benefit education
Age Group Comparisons
To determine if there were age-related response differences, the results were also analyzed
using the following age categories: 18-24 years, 25-34 years, and 35 years and older. The
following is a summary of the results of this age-group analysis.
Student respondents in the 25-34 and 35+ age groups were more likely to own desktops (PC
and Mac) compared to those in the 18-24 age group (see Table 2). Over half of the students in
each age group owned PC laptops. However, for those over 35, the percentage who owned PC
laptops is significantly higher (69.2%) than the other age groups. Respondents in the 18-24
18
age group were more likely to own Mac laptops (46.9%) compared to those in the 25-34 and
35+ age groups.
Age group
Device owned
18-24 25-34 35+
PC desktop 17.4% 33.3% 42.5%
Mac desktop 5.0% 9.0% 13.5%
PC laptop 51.6% 58.3% 69.2%
Mac laptop 46.9% 40.0% 32.1%
Total n 967 568 386
Table 2: Percentage of students who owned desktops and laptops by age group
In all age groups, laptops were preferred for accessing the LMS by the majority of students
(see Table 3). However, the preference was overwhelming for the 18-24 age group (81.8%).
While the overall preference for desktops was low for the three age groups, students who were
in the 24-35 and 35+ age groups were more likely to prefer desktops for accessing the LMS
compared to those who were 18-24 years old (10.8%).
Age group
Preferred device for
accessing LMS
18-24 25-34 35+
Desktop 10.8% 28.2% 28.8%
Laptop 81.8% 63.9% 65.3%
Tablet 2.2% 3.5% 3.1%
Smartphone 5.3% 4.4% 2.8%
Total n 967 568 386
Table 3: Percentage of students who preferred each device for accessing the LMS by age group
Across the age groups, the majority of the student respondents preferred laptops for viewing
video (see Table 4). However, the preference for laptops was highest for the 18-24-year-old
group (78.5%). Students who were in the 24-35 and 35+ age groups were more likely to prefer
desktops for viewing video compared to those who were 18-24 years-old (11.6%).
19
Age group
Preferred device for
viewing video
18-24 25-34 35+
Desktop 11.6% 25.4% 28.9%
Laptop 78.5% 60.3% 57.5%
Tablet 4.8% 7.7% 9.2%
Smartphone 5.0% 6.6% 4.5%
Total n 954 559 381
Table 4: Percentage of students who preferred each device for viewing video content by age group
The majority of students in all three age groups preferred laptops for learning with simulations
and games (see Table 5). However, the preference for laptops was highest for those in the 18-
24-year-old group (65.4%). Students in the 24-35 and 35+ age groups were somewhat more
likely to prefer desktops for learning with simulations and games compared to the 18-24 age
group.
Age group
Preferred device for
simulations and games
18-24 25-34 35+
Desktop 21.9% 36.3% 32.3%
Laptop 65.4% 54.4% 54.1%
Tablet 5.1% 4.5% 7.3%
Smartphone 7.5% 4.8% 6.3%
Total n 954 559 381
Table 5: Percentage of students who preferred each device for learning with simulations and games by age group
Across all three age groups, small percentages indicated they would purchase a new device for
games/entertainment purposes (see Table 6). Students in the 35+ age group were the least
likely to purchase a new device for games/entertainment (9.7%). Students in the 35+ age
group were slightly more likely to purchase a new device for education purposes (45.8%)
compared to the other age groups.
Age group
Purchase a new device
for:
18-24 25-34 35+
Games/entertainment 16.8% 17.0% 9.7%
Education 37.4% 39.9% 45.8%
Total n 949 552 380
Table 6: Percentage of students who would purchase a new device for games/entertainment and education by
age group
20
Virtual Reality
As we continue to explore new technologies in online education, we wanted to get a sense of
what students who take online courses thought about the relevance of virtual reality (VR) in
the future of online education.
When asked, about one-quarter of respondents (501, 24.6%) indicated that it was too early to
tell if VR is a relevant tool for the future of online education (see Figure 11). A similar number
(449, 22.1%) said yes, it was a relevant tool. A smaller number (372, 18.3%) did not know
enough to comment, and 241 (11.8%) said no, it was not a relevant tool. Forty-four (2.2%)
respondents chose not to answer this question.
Figure 11: Students’ perspectives on virtual reality as a relevant tool for the future of online education
Age group comparison
Responses to this question varied by age group (see Table 7). The percentage of respondents
who replied yes, VR is a relevant tool for the future of online education was higher for the 35+
age group (31.6%) compared to the other two age groups. In contrast, the percentage of
respondents who replied no was higher for the 18-24-year-old group (15.4%) compared to the
other two groups. In addition, the percentage of respondents who indicated yes, but only if the
costs come down was highest for the 18-24-year-old group (24.2%) and lowest for the 35+ age
group (14.5%).
21
Age group
VR relevant tool?
18-24 25-34 35+
Yes 19.5% 21.4% 31.6%
No 15.4% 10.9% 6.1%
Too early to tell 23.2% 27.7% 26.6%
Don’t know enough to 17.7% 18.5% 21.3%
comment
Yes, but only if the 24.2% 21.6% 14.5%
costs come down
Total n 949 552 380
Table 7: Students’ perspectives on virtual reality as a relevant tool for the future of online education by age group
22
CONCLUSION
Future Directions and Additional Research
The current study arose from the question: Do we need to develop our courses and multimedia
for every device type? As multimedia development efforts become increasingly important to
technology integration in the higher education classroom, and to blended and online learning,
gathering data regarding student preferences helps us learn more about how to focus
development efforts where they are needed most. Mobile development, in particular, is a
growing trend that can be time consuming and expensive. The results of this study inform our
discussions of the development of multimedia for different devices, and ultimately help us to
better serve learners in higher education.
The results of this study show a wide range and variety of usage of the four main device types:
desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. However, the students in this study
overwhelmingly owned laptops and preferred to use those devices to access their online
courses and engage with videos and other multimedia. While this study showed that some
students were using tablets and smartphones to access their course materials, they were rarely
preferred, although they were used for convenience.
The results of this study provide some data to assist in leveraging our staffing resources,
particularly those resources related to multimedia design. For example, since this study
suggests that a large number of students are less likely to own or prefer to use tablets for
accessing their online courses and engaging with multimedia, the question is raised about
whether we should focus less of our educational multimedia designers’ time on developing for
those devices.
Importantly, this study did not explore the impact of ability on the preference for student
devices. Future studies could examine if there are differences in the preferred and ideal
devices for students with disabilities compared to students without disabilities.
Additionally, repeating this study in the coming years will be an important step in
understanding how student device preferences are changing over time. As technology
continues to evolve, it may be that ease of use, convenience, and other rationales for device
preferences evolve as well.
23
METHODOLOGY
Ecampus students who had been enrolled in at least one fully online course at Oregon State
University within winter 2017 and/or spring 2017 terms were recruited via email to complete
the student device preferences survey. The survey was administered online. Data collection
occurred over a three-week period in April of 2017. Recruitment emails were sent to 15,704
students. The response rate for the survey was 13%. Upon completing the survey, respondents
were given the opportunity to enter a drawing for one of ten $25 Amazon gift cards. The
online survey included 20 closed-ended questions to measure device use, perceptions of
preferred and ideal devices used for different purposes, reasons for preferred devices, and
questions about purchasing new devices.
Data analysis
Descriptive analyses were conducted using SPSS. Open-ended responses were analyzed using
content analysis and induction. Subgroup analyses were conducted for the age variable. After
data cleaning, there were 2,035 responses that were used for data analysis. The demographics
of survey respondents were compared to the demographics of the population of Ecampus
students taking one or more fully online courses (11,612 students), at the time the survey was
administered in spring term of 2017.
24
DESCRIPTION OF RESPONDENTS
Overall GPA
A total of 1,984 student respondents provided their overall GPA. The average GPA was 3.39
(SD=.48) with a range of .58 to 4.65.
Class Level
Three-quarters of the respondents (1,598, 78.5%) were undergraduate students. Graduate
students made up 164 (8.1%) of the respondents. The remaining 273 (13.4%) students did not
fit the undergraduate or graduate categories. The majority of these other students were post-
baccalaureate students or individuals pursuing second degrees (see Figure 12). Comparing the
class-level distribution of survey respondents to the distribution for all Ecampus students
shows that the survey sample resembles the distribution of class levels of the Ecampus
population during the term of data collection (spring 2017). However, the survey sample
included a smaller percentage of seniors (36% compared to 42.9%) and slightly larger
percentages of juniors, sophomores, and freshmen than the overall Ecampus population.
Figure 12: Class level of survey respondents and all Ecampus students
25
College affiliation
Student respondents’ self-reported majors were collapsed into the colleges that house those
majors. Figure 13 shows the college affiliations of the respondents who provided a major
(N=2,010; 25 students did not provide a major). The largest percentage of students reported
majors in the College of Engineering (477, 23.7%) and Liberal Arts (389, 19.4%), which are the
colleges with the largest enrollments of the Ecampus student population. The category of
other included the responses of undecided, non-degree seeking, and unknown.
Figure 13: College affiliation of student respondents
Gender
The majority of the survey respondents self-identified as female (1,252, 61.5%), and 731
(35.9%) identified as male. Thirty-eight (1.9%) identified as other gender identities (trans
male/trans female, genderqueer, different identities), 11 (<1%) chose not to identify, and
three (<1%) chose not to respond. In the population of overall Ecampus students, 52.1%
identify as female, 46.5% as male and 1.5% as other or chose not to identify. Thus, the survey
respondents were slightly more likely to be female when compared to the population of
Ecampus students.
Race/Ethnicity
The majority of the survey respondents self-identified as White (1,595, 78.4%), which is
slightly higher than the percentage of all Ecampus students who identified as White (65.7%)
26
(see Table 8). The next largest number was 158 respondents (7.8%) who identified as Asian;
which is higher than the 6.2% who identified as Asian in the overall Ecampus population. The
130 respondents (6.4%) who identified as two or more races closely matched the 6.6% who
similarly identified in the population. The 88 (4.3%) respondents who identified as Hispanic/
Latino represented a much smaller percentage than those who identified as Hispanic/Latino in
the population (8.7%).
Survey All Ecampus
Race/ethnicity
respondents students
American Indian or
0.9% 0.6%
Alaskan Native
Asian 7.8% 6.2%
Black or African
American 0.9% 1.8%
Hispanic/Latino 4.3% 8.7%
Native Hawaiian or
0.7% 0.4%
Other Pacific Islander
White 78.4% 65.7%
Two or More Races 6.4% 6.6%
Other 0% 6.7%*
Missing/Unknown 0.6% 3.2%
*Other = Non-resident alien
Table 8: Race/ethnicity categories for survey respondents and all Ecampus students
Age
The average age of the survey respondents was 28 years (SD=9.1) with a range of 18-66 years
old. The largest number 967 (47.5%) were between the ages of 18-24. Over one-quarter (568,
27.9%) were between 25 and 34, and the remaining 386 (18.9%) were 35 years-old or older. A
total of 114 (5.6%) did not provide valid age data in the form of birthdate. Table 9 compares
the distribution of age categories for the survey respondents and the population of all
Ecampus students (average age=26). The survey sample contained a smaller percentage of
students aged 18-24 and a slightly larger percentage of students who were 35 years-old or
older compared to the population of Ecampus students.
Survey All Ecampus
Age
respondents students
18-24 47.5% 58.4%
25-34 27.9% 28.2%
35+ 18.9% 13.2%
Missing 5.6% N/A
Table 9: Age categories of survey respondents and all Ecampus students
27
APPENDIX A: SURVEY INSTRUMENT
Explanation of Research Study
Oregon State University is collecting data for a research project that explores what devices
students are using for their online classes and what drives their choices. This study has been
approved by Oregon State University’s IRB.
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete a survey that should take
approximately 10 minutes.
You will have the option at the end of the survey to provide your email if you would like to be
entered into a drawing for one of ten $25 Amazon gift cards.
Your participation in this survey is completely voluntary and your answers will be reported
only in the aggregate. You may choose to leave the survey at any time. Your decision to take
part or not take part in this study will not affect your grades, your relationship with your
professors, or your standing at Oregon State University.
Because this study involves web-based research, there is a possibility of a breach of
confidentiality. The research team has attempted to minimize risk to the study
participants. All records and data collected as part of this study will be kept in a confidential
environment.
There are no anticipated benefits that you will experience from the study.
If you have questions about this research, you can contact Michael Miller, Media Developer for
Ecampus at Oregon State University (mike.miller@oregonstate.edu).
If you have any questions about your rights as a research subject, you may contact the Oregon
State University Human Research Protection Program at 541-737-8008 or
irb@oregonstate.edu
Thank you for taking the time to respond to our Survey on student device usage for online
classes.
28
Do you consent to this research?
o Yes
o No
Are you considered an adult in the state in which you reside?
o Yes
o No
Are you currently incarcerated?
o Yes
o No
What year are you?
o Freshman
o Sophomore
o Junior
o Senior
o Graduate Student
o Other (please describe) ________________________________________________
What is your major? __________________________________________________
With which gender do you identify?
o Male
o Female
o Trans male/Trans man
o Trans female/Trans woman
o Genderqueer/Gender non-conforming
o Different Identity (please state) ________________________________________________
o Prefer not to identify
When is your birthday? ________________________________________________________________
29
With which race/ethnicity do you identify?
o American Indian or Alaskan Native
o Asian
o Black or African American
o Hispanic/Latino
o Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
o White
o Two or More Races
What is your overall GPA? ________________________________________________________________
How many online classes have you taken in the past year (including those you are currently
enrolled in)? ________________________________________________________________
Which of these devices do you own or borrow? (select all that apply)
Own Borrow N/A
Desktop PC o o o
Desktop Mac o o o
Laptop PC o o o
Laptop Mac o o o
IPad o o o
Tablet Windows o o o
Tablet Android o o o
IPhone o o o
Android Phone o o o
Other Smartphone o o o
Other (please
describe) o o o
30
Overall, what device do you prefer to use when accessing your Canvas homepage?
o Desktop PC
o Desktop Mac
o Laptop PC
o Laptop Mac
o IPad
o Tablet Windows
o Tablet Android
o IPhone
o Android phone
o Other Smartphone
What reason best describes why you prefer that device? (check all that apply)
□ Convenient
□ Easy to use
□ Most effective for viewing this type of content
□ Don't have a better option
□ Other (please describe) _______________________________________________
What device do you prefer to use when viewing video content?
o Desktop PC
o Desktop Mac
o Laptop PC
o Laptop Mac
o IPad
o Tablet Windows
o Tablet Android
o IPhone
o Android phone
o Other Smartphone
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What reason best describes why you prefer that device? (check all that apply)
□ Convenient
□ Easy to use
□ Most effective for viewing this type of content
□ Don't have a better option
□ Other (please describe) ________________________________________________
Of the following options, what is your ideal platform for viewing video content (whether you
currently use the option or not)?
o Desktop PC
o Desktop Mac
o Laptop PC
o Laptop Mac
o IPad
o Tablet Windows
o Tablet Android
o IPhone
o Android phone
o Other Smartphone
What device do you prefer to use when learning with simulations and games?
o Desktop PC
o Desktop Mac
o Laptop PC
o Laptop Mac
o IPad
o Tablet Windows
o Tablet Android
o IPhone
o Android phone
o Other Smartphone
32
What reason best describes why you prefer that device? (check all that apply)
□ Convenient
□ Easy to use
□ Most effective for viewing this type of content
□ Don't have a better option
□ Other (please describe) ________________________________________________
Of the following options, what is your ideal platform for learning with simulations and games
(whether you currently use the option or not)?
o Desktop PC
o Desktop Mac
o Laptop PC
o Laptop Mac
o IPad
o Tablet Windows
o Tablet Android
o IPhone
o Android phone
o Other Smartphone
For which of these purposes would you be most likely to purchase a new device?
o Games/entertainment
o Education
o Communication
o Work/job
o Other (please describe) ________________________________________________
Would you consider buying a new device if you thought it would benefit your education?
o Yes
o No
o Not sure
33
If so, how much would you be willing to spend?
o I would not purchase a new device for this person
o I would spend $0 - $99
o I would spend $100 - $399
o I would spend $400 - $999
o I would spend $1000 or more
o I would purchase a new device if I could afford it
Do you think Virtual Reality is a relevant tool for the future of online education?
o Yes
o No
o Yes, but only if the cost comes down
o Too early to tell
o Don't know enough to comment
We appreciate your willingness to provide your input, however you are ineligible to be a
participant in this study. Thank you for considering this research.
34
APPENDIX B: DATA TABLES
What year are you?
Frequency Percent
Freshman 113 5.6%
Sophomore 270 13.3%
Junior 482 23.7%
Senior 733 36.0%
Graduate Student 164 8.1%
Other (please describe) 273 13.4%
Total 2035 100.0%
With which gender do you identify?
Frequency Percent
Male 731 35.9%
Female 1252 61.5%
Trans male/Trans man 7 .3%
Trans female/Trans woman 4 .2%
Genderqueer/Gender non-
14 .7%
conforming
Different Identity (please
13 .6%
state)
Prefer not to identify 11 .5%
Missing 3 .1%
Total 2035 100.0%
With which race/ethnicity do you identify?
Frequency Percent
American Indian or Alaskan
19 .9%
Native
Asian 158 7.8%
Black or African American 19 .9%
Hispanic/Latino 88 4.3%
Native Hawaiian or Other
14 .7%
Pacific Islander
White 1595 78.4%
Two or More Races 130 6.4%
Missing 12 .6%
Total 2035 100.0%
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Which of these devices do you own or borrow? Desktop PC.
Frequency Percent
Own 553 27.2%
Borrow 162 8.0%
N/A 1320 64.9%
Total 2035 100.0%
Which of these devices do you own or borrow? Desktop Mac.
Frequency Percent
Own 157 7.7%
Borrow 62 3.0%
N/A 1816 89.2%
Total 2035 100.0%
Which of these devices do you own or borrow? Laptop PC.
Frequency Percent
Own 1172 57.6%
Borrow 65 3.2%
N/A 798 39.2%
Total 2035 100.0%
Which of these devices do you own or borrow? Laptop Mac.
Frequency Percent
Own 845 41.5%
Borrow 48 2.4%
N/A 1142 56.1%
Total 2035 100.0%
Which of these devices do you own or borrow? iPad.
Frequency Percent
Own 661 32.5%
Borrow 56 2.8%
N/A 1318 64.8%
Total 2035 100.0%
Which of these devices do you own or borrow? Tablet Windows.
Frequency Percent
Own 155 7.6%
Borrow 12 .6%
N/A 1868 91.8%
Total 2035 100.0%
36
Which of these devices do you own or borrow? Tablet Android.
Frequency Percent
Own 329 16.2%
Borrow 20 1.0%
N/A 1686 82.9%
Total 2035 100.0%
Which of these devices do you own or borrow? iPhone.
Frequency Percent
Own 1249 61.4%
Borrow 14 .7%
N/A 772 37.9%
Total 2035 100.0%
Which of these devices do you own or borrow? Android Phone.
Frequency Percent
Own 738 36.3%
Borrow 11 .5%
N/A 1286 63.2%
Total 2035 100.0%
Which of these devices do you own or borrow? Other Smartphone.
Frequency Percent
Own 45 2.2%
Borrow 5 .2%
N/A 1985 97.5%
Total 2035 100.0%
Which of these devices do you own or borrow? Other (please describe).
Frequency Percent
Own 95 4.7%
Borrow 8 .4%
N/A 1932 94.9%
Total 2035 100.0%
37
Overall, what device do you prefer to use when accessing your Canvas homepage?
Frequency Percent
Desktop PC 338 16.6%
Desktop Mac 61 3.0%
Laptop PC 783 38.5%
Laptop Mac 705 34.6%
IPad 28 1.4%
Tablet Windows 25 1.2%
Tablet Android 6 .3%
IPhone 49 2.4%
Android phone 39 1.9%
Other Smartphone 1 .0%
Total 2035 100.0%
Canvas: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Convenient.
Frequency Percent
Convenient 1127 55.4%
Not selected 908 44.6%
Total 2035 100.0%
Canvas: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Easy to use.
Frequency Percent
Easy to use 1118 54.9%
Not selected 917 45.1%
Total 2035 100.0%
Canvas: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Most effective for
viewing this type of content.
Frequency Percent
Most effective for viewing 1437 70.6%
this type of content
Not selected 598 29.4%
Total 2035 100.0%
Canvas: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Don’t have a better
option.
Frequency Percent
Don't have a better option 104 5.1%
Not selected 1931 94.9%
Total 2035 100.0%
38
Canvas: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Other (please
describe).
Frequency Percent
Other (please describe) 143 7.0%
Not selected 1892 93.0%
Total 2035 100.0%
What device do you prefer to use when viewing video content?
Frequency Percent
Desktop PC 326 16.0%
Desktop Mac 61 3.0%
Laptop PC 731 35.9%
Laptop Mac 645 31.7%
IPad 84 4.1%
Tablet Windows 32 1.6%
Tablet Android 16 .8%
IPhone 62 3.0%
Android phone 47 2.3%
Other Smartphone 3 .1%
Missing 28 1.4%
Total 2035 100.0%
Video content: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Convenient.
Frequency Percent
Convenient 1070 52.6%
Not selected 965 47.4%
Total 2035 100.0%
Video content: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Easy to use.
Frequency Percent
Easy to use 991 48.7%
Not selected 1044 51.3%
Total 2035 100.0%
Video content: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Most effective
for viewing this type of content.
Frequency Percent
Most effective for viewing
1379 67.8%
this type of content
Not selected 656 32.2%
Total 2035 100.0%
39
Video content: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Don’t have a
better option.
Frequency Percent
Don't have a better option 106 5.2%
Not selected 1929 94.8%
Total 2035 100.0%
Video content: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Other (please
describe).
Frequency Percent
Other (please describe) 83 4.1%
Not selected 1952 95.9%
Total 2035 100.0%
Of the following options, what is your ideal platform for viewing video content
(whether you currently use the option or not)?
Frequency Percent
Desktop PC 386 19.0%
Desktop Mac 102 5.0%
Laptop PC 630 31.0%
Laptop Mac 594 29.2%
IPad 137 6.7%
Tablet Windows 25 1.2%
Tablet Android 22 1.1%
IPhone 62 3.0%
Android phone 44 2.2%
Other Smartphone 5 .2%
Missing 28 1.4%
Total 2035 100.0%
What device do you prefer to use when learning with simulations and games?
Frequency Percent
Desktop PC 478 23.5%
Desktop Mac 91 4.5%
Laptop PC 633 31.1%
Laptop Mac 568 27.9%
IPad 76 3.7%
Tablet Windows 18 .9%
Tablet Android 13 .6%
IPhone 96 4.7%
Android phone 34 1.7%
Missing 28 1.4%
Total 2035 100.0%
40
Simulation and games: What reason best describes why you prefer that device?
Convenient.
Frequency Percent
Convenient 1012 49.7%
Not selected 1023 50.3%
Total 2035 100.0%
Simulation and games: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Easy to
use.
Frequency Percent
Easy to use 1113 54.7%
Not selected 922 45.3%
Total 2035 100.0%
Simulation and games: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Most
effective for viewing this type of content.
Frequency Percent
Most effective for viewing
1344 66.0%
this type of content
Not selected 691 34.0%
Total 2035 100.0%
Simulation and games: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Don’t
have a better option.
Frequency Percent
Don't have a better option 106 5.2%
Not selected 1929 94.8%
Total 2035 100.0%
Simulation and games: What reason best describes why you prefer that device? Other
(please describe).
Frequency Percent
Other (please describe) 82 4.0%
Not selected 1953 96.0%
Total 2035 100.0%
41
Of the following options, what is your ideal platform for learning with simulations and
games (whether you currently use the option or not)?
Frequency Percent
Desktop PC 525 25.8%
Desktop Mac 103 5.1%
Laptop PC 572 28.1%
Laptop Mac 531 26.1%
IPad 98 4.8%
Tablet Windows 21 1.0%
Tablet Android 20 1.0%
IPhone 83 4.1%
Android phone 36 1.8%
Other Smartphone 2 .1%
Missing 44 2.2%
Total 2035 100.0%
For which of these purposes would you be most likely to purchase a new device?
Frequency Percent
Games/entertainment 298 14.6%
Education 799 39.3%
Communication 99 4.9%
Work/job 722 35.5%
Other (please describe) 73 3.6%
Missing 44 2.2%
Total 2035 100.0%
Would you consider buying a new device if you thought it would benefit your
education?
Frequency Percent
Yes 1522 74.8%
No 120 5.9%
Not sure 349 17.1%
Missing 44 2.2%
Total 2035 100.0%
42
If so, how much would you be willing to spend?
Frequency Percent
I would not purchase a new
116 5.7%
device for this person
I would spend $0 - $99 104 5.1%
I would spend $100 - $399 448 22.0%
I would spend $400 - $999 514 25.3%
I would spend $1000 or
261 12.8%
more
I would purchase a new
548 26.9%
device if I could afford it
Missing 44 2.2%
Total 2035 100.0%
Do you think Virtual Reality is a relevant tool for the future of online education?
Frequency Percent
Yes 449 22.1%
No 241 11.8%
Too early to tell 501 24.6%
Don't know enough to
372 18.3%
comment
Yes, but only if the cost
428 21.0%
comes down
Missing 44 2.2%
Total 2035 100.0%
43
About the Research Unit at Oregon State University Ecampus
Vision Research Priorities
The Ecampus Research Unit supports With nationally ranked online programs
Oregon State University’s mission and delivered by Oregon State Ecampus, the
vision by conducting world-class research Ecampus Research Unit contributes to the
on online education that develops field of online teaching and learning
knowledge, serves our students and research in the following four areas:
contributes to the economic, social,
cultural and environmental progress of Access
Oregonians, as well as national and
international communities of teachers and Quality
learners.
Administrative Excellence
Mission Adult Learners
The Ecampus Research Unit (ECRU) makes
The ECRU prioritizes research that crosses
research actionable through the creation of
multiple of these areas.
evidence-based resources related to
effective online teaching, learning and
“Research in Action” podcast
program administration toward the
fulfillment of the goals of Oregon State’s
The Ecampus Research Unit, in
mission.
collaboration with the Ecampus multimedia
team, produces a weekly podcast that
Specifically, the research unit conducts
focuses on topics and issues related to
original research, creates and validates
research in higher education.
instruments, supports full-cycle assessment
loops for internal programs, and provides
Learn more by visiting
resources to encourage faculty research
ecampus.oregonstate.edu/podcast.
and external grant applications related to
online teaching and learning.
Contact us For press inquiries, please contact:
ecampus.oregonstate.edu/research Heather Doherty,
heather.doherty@oregonstate.edu
ecresearchunit@oregonstate.edu
@ecresearchunit
44