Abstract

For centuries, classroom-based teaching-learning methods were adopted, but now
technology has evolved, introducing e-learning. E-learning has made easy access, high
quality, low-cost, flexible and personalized learning experiences. However, there is limited
information about the methodology and tools adopted by the students of the community
campus. This study aims to explore the popular e-learning methodologies and tools used
by students at Community Campus in Nepal. The survey research design method was
employed to identify the student preference and usage pattern of e-learning methodology
and tools among 100 randomly sampled students from different educational programs of
Sukuna Multiple Campus. Although the institute has not taken significant steps towards e
learning, all program students were found to be more technology dependent in learning
activities. Students of all the programs had preferences for a blended learning approach,
combining both synchronous and asynchronous methods. Collaborative learning and
flipped classrooms were the most popular e-learning methodologies, while gamification
and adaptive learning were less popular among the students. The research also examined
the most frequently used e-learning tools. Google Classroom was the most popular
Learning Management System (LMS), used by 98% of students for e-learning purposes.
Similarly, video conferencing tools Zoom and Google Meet were adopted by 84% and 51%
of students respectively. Social media platforms YouTube and Facebook were the most
used tools for gaining education through social media, adopted by 91% and 61% of
students. Similarly, MS Office and Google Workspace were adopted by 89% and 38% of
students respectively, as content creation tools for sharing and creating learning materials.
Facebook Messenger has been adopted by 76% of students for collaborative academic
activities. ChatGPT was the most preferred AI-based e-learning platform among 97% of
surveyed students. The research revealed that 86% of students use free and open-source
tools rather than paid e-learning tools.