Impact of Location, Internet Access, and Device Use on Student Perceptions of Academic Services

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Impact of Location, Internet Access, and Device Use on Student Perceptions of Academic Services
Language: English
Authors: Edith Enciso-Huamani, Régulo Pastor Antezana Iparraguirre, Javier Eduardo Huaynate-Hidalgo, Fidel Chocce Soto, Hobet Meneses Crispin, Carlos Eduardo Lazo Castillo, Juan Carlos Huarcaya Ccama, Raúl Alexander Quispe Cépida, José Ramos Leon, Juan Zevallos Loayza, Pablo Rojas Paquiyauri
Source: Discover Education. 2025 4.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Student Attitudes, Technology Uses in Education, Access to Internet, Geographic Location, Handheld Devices, Foreign Countries, Economically Disadvantaged, Rural Colleges, Academic Support Services, Student Satisfaction
Geographic Terms: Peru
DOI: 10.1007/s44217-025-01010-7
ISSN: 2731-5525
Abstract: The adoption of virtual learning environments following the COVID-19 pandemic by higher education institutions worldwide has intensified existing inequalities in access to technology and academic services. This study investigates how location, internet access, and device use influence students' perceptions of academic services during the transition from face-to-face to online instruction at the National University of Huancavelica (UNH), Peru one of the country's most socio-economically disadvantaged and predominantly rural universities. The research involved 1,291 undergraduate students representing diverse faculties (Engineering, Education, Business, Law, and Health Sciences) and residing in both urban and rural regions. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire covering demographic factors, type of internet connection, and primary learning device, alongside students' perceptions of academic services rated on a four-point scale ("Well," "Acceptable," "Poor," "Bad"). Student satisfaction was analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance and logistic regression models. Results revealed that students living in rural areas lacking stable internet access and relying primarily on smartphones were significantly more likely to report negative perceptions of academic services. Moreover, significant interaction effects among location, internet access, and device use indicated compounded dissatisfaction among rural students without fixed connections using mobile devices. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policies to bridge the digital divide, improve broadband infrastructure, and expand device accessibility in rural higher education institutions. The study contributes evidence for designing equitable virtual learning systems that address technological and geographic barriers affecting student experience and satisfaction.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1501180
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The adoption of virtual learning environments following the COVID-19 pandemic by higher education institutions worldwide has intensified existing inequalities in access to technology and academic services. This study investigates how location, internet access, and device use influence students' perceptions of academic services during the transition from face-to-face to online instruction at the National University of Huancavelica (UNH), Peru one of the country's most socio-economically disadvantaged and predominantly rural universities. The research involved 1,291 undergraduate students representing diverse faculties (Engineering, Education, Business, Law, and Health Sciences) and residing in both urban and rural regions. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire covering demographic factors, type of internet connection, and primary learning device, alongside students' perceptions of academic services rated on a four-point scale ("Well," "Acceptable," "Poor," "Bad"). Student satisfaction was analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance and logistic regression models. Results revealed that students living in rural areas lacking stable internet access and relying primarily on smartphones were significantly more likely to report negative perceptions of academic services. Moreover, significant interaction effects among location, internet access, and device use indicated compounded dissatisfaction among rural students without fixed connections using mobile devices. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policies to bridge the digital divide, improve broadband infrastructure, and expand device accessibility in rural higher education institutions. The study contributes evidence for designing equitable virtual learning systems that address technological and geographic barriers affecting student experience and satisfaction.
ISSN:2731-5525
DOI:10.1007/s44217-025-01010-7