Revista de Engenharia Elétrica e Tecnologia Eletrônica

Usage of Digital Technology in Higher Education: Teacher and Student Digital Competency

Hailye Tekleselase

Background digital technology plays an important role in higher education institutions. Aim the objective of this study is to identify the status of students and teacher digital competence in higher education. Methodology structural equation modeling was used, data have been collected from the students (n=168), teachers (n=64) using a survey questionnaire and an in-depth interview with students, instructors. Data was analyzed using SPSS v26. Findings based the findings more than 88.09 percent of the students use digital tools for non-academic purposes (for entertainment), like playing games, online chatting with their friends, watching videos, telegram, face book for personal or social use. However digital technology plays a great role on student academic achievement especially for students who score in GPA are greater than 3.5. Higher education students have access to digital technologies like the internet, desktop computers, laptops and smart phone. The digital competency of teachers and students are very low. Contribution the study contrives on theory and practical knowledge add. Recommendation Higher education institutions should have strategic digital policy or legal framework and initiatives fostering on how to use digital technologies in higher education.