Comparative Analysis of Learner’s Preference to Device based Education Versus Traditional Learning in Higher Education

Abstract

For decades, multiple debates and speculations have been raised by scholars concerning superiority of mode of education. Some argue that distance learning is superior, and others are of view that distance learning has less credibility and effectiveness than traditional/ face to face learning in higher education. However, in this paper comparative analysis of student’s preference pertaining to distance learning through desktop/computer with comparison to traditional learning have largely been over looked. This research intends to fill this void in the literature by utilizing Higher Education Service (HES) quality indicators, proposed by Kwan and Ng (1999) in context of a developing country i.e. Pakistan. Moreover, distance learning is still considered as an anomaly (“step child”) in developing countries, despite of emerging technological advancements in higher education. Therefore, in future impact of portable devices (i.e. tablet, laptop, mobile etc.) should be investigated to reflect the new paradigms pertaining to distance learning.