Students' digital technology attitude, literacy and self-efficacy and their effect on online learning engagement

• Published in: International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education Vol. 21; no. 1; pp. 3 - 20
• Main Authors: Getenet, Seyum, Cantle, Robert, Redmond, Petrea, Albion, Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.12.2024; Springer Nature B.V; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Attitudes; Colleges & universities; Computer Appl. in Social and Behavioral Sciences; Computer Science; Computers and Education; Digital literacy; Digital technology; Distance learning; Educational Technology; Effectiveness; Electronic Learning; Engagement; Higher Education; Humanities; Information Systems Applications (incl.Internet); Law; Learner Engagement; Literacy; Online learning; Path Analysis; Regional development; Research Article; Self Efficacy; Statistics for Social Sciences; Structural models; Student attitudes; Students; Digital literacy; Engagement; Digital technology; Students; Online learning; Self-efficacy
• ISSN: 2365-9440; 2365-9440
• DOI: 10.1186/s41239-023-00437-y

This study utilised students' online engagement, digital technology attitude, digital literacy, and self-efficacy theories to develop and test a model connecting these factors within a regional university in Australia. A field survey collected data from 110 first-year students. AMOS 28 was employed for measurement and structural model path analysis. The study initially examined the impact of students' attitudes and digital literacy on their self-efficacy. Subsequently, the effects of self-efficacy on five dimensions of online engagement were assessed: social, collaborative, cognitive, behavioural, and emotional. The findings indicated that positive student attitudes and digital literacy significantly contributed to self-efficacy, which, in turn, positively affected the engagement dimensions. This suggests that when designing and facilitating online, blended, or technology-enhanced courses in higher education, educators should pay attention to various elements of engagement. The study highlights the importance of considering students' attitudes and digital literacy in fostering self-efficacy and enhancing online learning engagements. Further research and implications for future studies are also recommended.