Evaluation of Digital Competency of Public University Students for Web-Facilitated Learning: The Case of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Our public universities in Saudi Arabia have made considerable investments in digital hardware, on-site training, and online tutorials to improve the quality of e-learning. However, there is an observed gap among students between the expected and actual use of digital technology in their learning. To close that gap, this requires a conceptual evaluation model that illustrates technological actions students are involved in, the level of digital proficiency they are in, type of digital technology they use, and kind of support they need. This study used the Digital Competency Profiler to evaluate the digital competency of public university students in Saudi Arabia. Data on 94 students from a public university were collected using an online platform. Multiple procedures were used for instrument validation, data screening, and data analysis. Findings from the study suggest that the majority of public university students had high digital readiness for performing social and informational skills through smartphones. In addition, most of university students missed all skills in the epistemological competency and some technical skills. Finally, implications for practice, limitations for generalization, and directions for future research are presented.