Tang, Chun Meng, and Chaw, Lee Yen (2016) Digital literacy: a prerequisite for effective learning in a blended learning environment? The Electronic Journal of e‐Learning, 14 (1). pp. 54-65.

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Abstract

Blended learning has propelled into mainstream education in recent years with the help of digital technology. Commonly available digital devices and the Internet have made access to learning resources such as learning management systems, online libraries, digital media, etc. convenient and flexible for both lecturers and students. Beyond the physical classroom walls, learning can still continue at another place and time. However, although today's students generally face no difficulties in using technology for everyday social and entertainment activities, it would be constructive to understand if the students can make effective use of technology for learning as well. It has been posited that to make effective use of technology for learning, one needs to have a certain level of digital literacy. Digital literacy for learning is more than just knowing how to operate the technology, but also having the right information management and critical thinking skills, as well as proper online behaviours. This study aims to answer the question: Do students require digital literacy to be effective in learning in a blended learning environment? To answer this question, this study examined the relationships between effective learning and four digital literacy constructs; i.e. underpinnings, background knowledge, central competencies, and attitudes and perspectives. Responses were first collected from the students who were taking courses in a blended learning environment at a local university and then analysed using partial least squares. Analyses show that the four digital literacy constructs could be reduced to three, and the three digital literacy constructs each had a statistically significant relationship with the effective learning construct. This study provides evidence that digital literacy is a prerequisite for students to be effective in learning in a blended learning environment.

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