EXPLORING STUDENTS’ AND LECTURERS’ EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: THE CASE OF MIDLAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, bringing innovations that profoundly impact our lives. In the education sector, digital tools have transformed how students and educators interact with learning materials and each other. This study investigates the perceptions and experiences of students and lecturers at Midlands State University regarding digital communication in education. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews and questionnaires from participants across various faculties. The findings reveal limited use of digital tools among conventional students who have sufficient time for face-to-face lectures. Participants expressed a strong preference for in-person education over digital learning. Factors such as cost, difficulties in navigating the platforms, and a strong attachment to traditional teaching methods contribute to this restricted engagement. As a result, digitalisation often serves merely as a supplementary mechanism for face-to-face lectures rather than as a fully integrated component of the educational experience.