How to Improve the Digital Competence for E-Learning?

Digital competence for learning (skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for learning with digital devices) is a factor that affects the effectiveness of both the traditional and e-learning process. More specifically, technical competence is considered to be one of the four pillars of successful e-learning. Several studies show that in practice, digital technology has not always been used successfully, even in countries with very high digital readiness. Therefore, it is important to assess the different dimensions of digital competence for learning and analyse the interrelations between these dimensions in order to make suggestions for advancements. In our study, we applied a test with students from primary and lower secondary schools in Estonia to assess their digital competence for learning and used Structural Equation Modelling to understand how attitudes predict digital skills and knowledge that can be acquired in the individual and social settings. The findings confirm that only behavioural intention to use digital devices predicts the development of digital skills and knowledge. Moreover, some knowledge and skills acquired in the individual settings predict the development of knowledge and skills acquired in the social settings. The study provides researchers and practitioners with suggestions for improving the structure and quality of e-learning.