Digital Literacy of EFL Students: An Empirical Study in Vietnamese Universities

Abstract

Abstract The current research investigates the digital literacy levels of 1661 English as a foreign language (EFL) learner at Vietnamese universities. We used an adapted questionnaire to assess students’ digital knowledge and their perceived skills, their attitudes toward the use of digital technologies, and the frequency of use of technology applications in English learning. The findings reveal that most Vietnamese students can access digital technologies at home and in their institutions. Furthermore, students achieve an adequate level of knowledge regarding digital literacy, and their technological skills range from low to average. Students’ attitudes toward technologies are positive, but they do not use technologies extensively when learning English. Comparisons show that males have better digital knowledge and skills than their female peers. Although female students are more aware of the digital integration benefits of learning than their male peers, males tend to use technologies more extensively than females. There are also discrepancies among different year groups. Seniors have the best digital knowledge, while freshmen possess the highest technical skill levels. Junior and senior students’ attitudes toward technology applications in English learning are more positive than those of freshmen and sophomores.