A Qualitative Comparative Study of Communication in Higher Distance Education

Abstract

The rise of open and distance education has made it more important than ever to have communication tools that are simple, flexible, and good for helping students work together, talk to each other, and feel connected. Researchers have already looked at how instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram can be used for learning. Viber, on the other hand, has not been studied as much, especially when it comes to its use in higher education at a distance. This article builds on a previously published conference case study conducted at the Hellenic Open University (HOU), which examined the use of Viber in distance collaborative projects. The present study extends that work by offering a comparative discussion of communication ecosystems in higher distance education. Using ideas from connectivism learning theory, along with the concepts of social presence and community-based learning, this article looks at how chatting on Viber can add to and improve formal online learning. The findings show that Viber is not just a simple messaging app. It also works as a casual space where students pass along what they know, give each other a hand, and slowly build a sense of being part of a group. This lines up with other research showing that social media can help students in distance learning feel less isolated. Overall, the study shows why it makes sense to include informal chat platforms when planning courses for higher education at a distance.