The digitalisation of higher education has made digital literacy central to students’ academic readiness. This study investigates first-year education students’ perceptions of their digital preparedness at the University of the Free State, focusing on basic computer skills and the use of educational technology. Guided by Van Dijk’s Theory of the Digital Divide, the study examines how prior schooling and socio-geographic context shape students’ transition into technology-enhanced classrooms. An online survey, distributed via EvaSys to 1,575 first-time entering students, generated 325 responses, ensuring statistical validity (95% confidence level, 5.5% margin of error). The instrument combined Likert-scale, categorical, and open-ended items to assess digital access, competency, and academic readiness. Quantitative analyses included t-tests, correlations, and regressions, while qualitative responses provided contextual insights. Findings revealed significant differences by school type (p = 0.003), with rural students self-reporting higher digital literacy but also expressing greater anxiety and disadvantage when adapting to university technologies. Students valued educational technology but cited limited prior exposure as a barrier, leading to reduced confidence and increased reliance on peers or lecturers. The study highlights persistent digital inequities and calls for targeted interventions such as compulsory digital skills training, peer-led support, and scaffolded learning strategies to promote equity and academic success.

Authors:
Loquitur Maka, University of the Free State, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Loquitur Maka, Assistant Director for Institutional Research at the University of the Free State, leads projects advancing data-driven strategy in higher education, with impact across national and international research platforms.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/loquitur-maka-phd-9022a095/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Loquitur-Maka

Additional website of interest
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WOvjD2kAAAAJ&hl=en

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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