Bridging the Digital Divide: Factors Influencing Student Digital Skills in Albanian Higher Education - Economicus

by Forcim KOLA, Johana HAJDINI

Abstract
Purpose: Changes in society demand new skills, especially those related to the internet as one of the most important means of communication in contemporary society. With the rise of new advancements in technologies and information systems, there is a need to understand the digital skills required to make use of and benefit from them. In this context, educational institutions play an important role in preparing students to acquire digital skills and perform accordingly to achieve desired outcomes. Through this study we aim to explore the factors affecting student digital skills and their disparities.

Methodology: Eempirical data from a sample of 268 higher education students were collected and analyzed through means of structural equation modelling. The perceived digital skills assessed four main dimensions, respectively: operational skills, internet navigation skills, creative skills and social skills.
Findings: The findings suggest that creative skills, social skills and usage frequency are important predictors of students perceived performance. Moreover, the findings confirm that location mediates the relationship between internet navigation skills and usage frequency.
Originality: This study expands the understanding of digital skills and disparities among students and provides practical insights to strengthen their acquisition in higher education institutions in Albania. The findings highlight the need for focused educational interventions to close the digital divide among university students and can guide plans and policies to improve training in digital skills, guaranteeing that all students have equal access to and opportunities in the digital age.

Keywords: digital skills, students, structural equation modelling, Albania.