Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of digital learning platforms on university students’ motivation and engagement.

Abstract

Technological advancements are a relevant element of the educational field today. The increasing use of digital learning platforms in higher education has significantly changed how students learn and interact with course materials. While these platforms offer considerable benefits, such as increased accessibility and flexibility, they also pose potential drawbacks impacting students' motivation and engagement. Therefore, this research project aimed to explore the effects of digital learning platforms on university sixth-semester students' motivation and engagement, analyzing both the positive and negative aspects of these platforms. This study used a qualitative method and phenomenological research, with fifteen students from Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena participating as the sample. The authors applied a focus group of two virtual sessions to know the students' perceptions of the usefulness and effectiveness of digital learning platforms and the benefits and drawbacks they experienced while using them. The research revealed the factors the participants considered relevant regarding these tools' influence on their motivation and engagement when learning English and their relationship with different learning needs, including positive and negative aspects that affected their learning experience.