Analysis of Student Needs for the Use of Anonymous Chatting in Liberal Arts Education

This study explores the impact of using anonymous open chatting systems in university liberal arts courses on learning quality, efficiency, and student satisfaction, while identifying the demands of learners. Data were collected through an online survey of 588 undergraduate students at Sangmyung University, comprising 39 questions about usage experience, pros and cons of anonymity, efficiency, satisfaction, learning quality improvement, technical aspects, and demands. The findings indicate that anonymous open chatting enhances the efficiency of large lectures, fosters interactions between instructors and students, and significantly improves student satisfaction. Anonymity was found to reduce the burden of class participation and facilitate active engagement in discussions. Meanwhile, the risk of inappropriate behavior due to anonymity was minimal. The study also revealed that anonymous open chatting is beneficial in diverse subjects and large-scale classes. These findings suggest important implications for adopting and expanding anonymous open chatting systems in liberal arts education.