Virtual collaboration in education: tool selection patterns for project-based learning in the context of group dynamics

In the era of accelerated digitalization and unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and military operations in Ukraine, effective virtual collaboration has become essential for educational success. This study investigates the selection patterns of project management tools among information technology students engaged in project-based learning environments. We surveyed 129 undergraduate students (68 first-year and 61 fourth-year) from the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine during their "Group Dynamics and Communications" course. Our investigation compared tool preferences between student cohorts and examined the underlying factors influencing these selections. Results revealed that while Trello emerged as the predominant tool across all students (48.1%), significant differences existed between cohorts - first-year students predominantly chose Trello (58.8%), while fourth-year students demonstrated more diverse preferences, including Notion (29.5%) and Asana (21.3%). Professional workplace experience emerged as the most significant factor influencing tool selection, with those having industry experience more likely to choose enterprise-level tools rather than education-oriented platforms. Internet research also played a substantial role in students' decision-making processes (53.5% of selections). These findings highlight the importance of integrating industry experiences into higher education curricula and demonstrate how project management tool selection reflects and potentially enhances students' professional identity development.