Inside and Outside the Virtual Study Room: An Exploratory Study of Student Practices and Perceptions

Abstract

The increasing use of online study rooms raises critical questions about the dynamics and challenges of virtual learning environments. This paper explores students' experiences in remote study settings through semi-structured interviews with 13 university students. We explore the factors influencing their participation, the obstacles they face before, during, and after study sessions, and the role of social interaction in sustaining motivation. Our findings highlight the significance of a perceived sense of responsibility--enhanced by camera usage--in maintaining concentration and engagement. Moreover, feelings of intimacy and belonging, particularly when studying with close peers, play a significant role in motivation and focus. Students also report challenges such as coordinating schedules and managing distractions in group study sessions. We propose design implications for enhancing online study environments based on these insights. We emphasize fostering a stronger sense of community, minimizing distractions, and facilitating effective collaboration. Our contributions inform the design of more inclusive and engaging virtual study platforms with broader implications for learning communities and online collaboration tools.