University Students’ Perceptions of the Use of Digital Technologies in their Formal Learning: A Developing Country Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine university students’ perceptions of the use digital technologies in their formal learning, and (2) to examine differences in the their perceptions of the use of digital technologies in their formal learning, based on their gender, age, major, academic year, perceptions of digital competence, and perceptions of digital dependence. A descriptive survey research method was used; a questionnaire was used to collect data. The participants were students enrolled in different classes in the second semester in the academic year of 2016/2017 at a university in Jordan. The results showed that the participants had positive perceptions of the use digital technologies in their formal learning in affective, cognitive, and conative domains. Students’ perceptions of the use digital technologies in their formal learning did not differ significantly according to gender, age, major, or perceived digital dependency. However, students’ perceptions of the use digital technologies in their formal learning were influenced by their academic year and perceived digital competency. Recommendations based on the findings were presented.