DIGITAL LITERACY AND READING HABITS OF THE DMI-ST. EUGENE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Digital literacy is the skill of finding, evaluating, consuming, and generating information using digital technologies. The study attempted to comprehend university studentsÅ digital reading habits and skills. It also provides a glimpse of the pupilsÅ favorite reading materials, including physical and digital sources. We examined BSc and BE Computer Science students of DMI-St. Eugene University, Zambia. The tool was a structured questionnaire that was distributed through WhatsApp. The studyÅs findings revealed that most students thoroughly understand digital tools and how to use them but lack the skills to build their websites and portfolio. Out of 115 students, all agreed they used computers for learning purposes. Usage of digital environments, generally, they used the World Wide Web for searching for information. Additionally, most students have medium digital application skills, despite their preference for reading electronic books. The results indicate that studentsÅ gender and level of education had a statistically significant link with their digital literacy, whereas age wasnÅt shown to be a statistically relevant predictor. The findings show that, in terms of education, especially reading, studentsÅ or readersÅ top priorities are electronic resources; print book preferences are reduced.

Keywords: Application Software; Digital Literacy; Digital Tools and Technology; E-Resources; Reading Habits.