Why Students Do Not Prefer Online Learning: The Role of E-Learning Readiness and Community of Inquiry

Abstract

This study examines at how e-learning readiness and the Community of Inquiry framework affect higher education students' preferences for various teaching delivery modes. In the study, Latent Class Analysis was used to profile the participants based on autonomous learning attributes, which is the pedagogical sub-dimension of e-learning readiness. As a result of this analysis, three classes were obtained as LC1 (high self-directed learning, low e-learning motivation), LC2 (high self-directed learning, medium-high e-learning motivation) and LC3 (medium level in all factors). When students' overall teaching mode preferences were analyzed using the Bradley-Terry model, a hierarchy of preferences was found, with blended learning, followed by face-to-face and finally online learning. Blended learning was widely preferred by LC2 and LC3, while LC1 showed an overwhelming preference for face-to-face. The inclusion of Community of Inquiry in the model made these differences in preferences even more pronounced. For LC1, face-to-face learning dominated preferences for social presence, while, remarkably, it showed an almost exclusive preference for teaching presence and cognitive presence. The findings highlight the importance of direct guidance and interaction in face-to-face settings, which may be more effective than the flexibility of online environments for certain learner profiles. Moreover, they may emphasize the necessity of varied instructional methods in higher education to meet the diverse demands of students. © 2025, Duzce University, Faculty of Education. All rights reserved.