Digital Skill Related Problems among Digital Natives in a Malaysian Public University

Nowadays, university students are often considered digital natives, but many still encounter digital skill-related problems, particularly in technical use, information management, and learning strategies. These challenges may affect their academic performance and engagement in technology-based learning. Addressing this issue is crucial for universities to design affective interventions and training programs that enhance student’ digital competencies. Hence, this paper examines the digital skills related problems experienced by digital native generation when using information and communication technology (ICT) and to identify the difference between students with and without digital skill-related problems in terms of their digital skills. This study investigates the digital skills related problems experienced by digital natives in a Malaysian public university. Using a cross- sectional survey of 351 students aged 18–26 years, the study examined four categories of digital skills: operational, formal, informational, and strategic. Results revealed that formal skill- related problems were most common (58.4%), followed by informational (44.2%), operational (39.9%), and strategic (35.9%) skill-related problems. Specific difficulties included transferring files between devices, uploading and downloading data, synthesizing online information, and creating or editing text files. The findings highlight that despite being digital natives, students continue to face challenges in essential and advanced digital skills, underscoring the need for targeted digital literacy training in higher education.

digital skills, operational skills, informational skills

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