Skip to main content

Table 16 EFA and CA: Digital competences

From: The influence of digital competences, self-organization, and independent learning abilities on students’ acceptance of digital learning

Factor/construct

Explained variance

Factor loading

CA

Measurement items

Justification for deleting item after EFA

1: Problem-solving I

12

0.671

0.779

I can use digital tools and platforms according to my needs

 

0.585

I can adapt digital tools for personal use

 

0.654

I can independently use digital learning opportunities and appropriate tools

 

0.609

I can organize digital learning resources independently

 

2: Analyzing and reflecting

11

0.686

0.835

I can analyze the effect of media in digital environments

 

0.684

I can evaluate interest-driven dissemination and the dominance of topics in digital space

 

0.690

I can reflect on the opportunities and risks of media use for my own media use

 

0.750

I can analyze the benefits of learning activities and services in digital environments

 

0.758

I can analyze the risks of learning activities and services in the digital space

 

3: Safety and security

8

0.516

0.747

I know about the dangers and risks in digital environments and consider them

 

0.763

I can protect my privacy in digital environments through appropriate measures

 

0.701

I can regularly update my security settings

 

0.759

I can use digital technologies in a healthy and environmentally responsible way

 

4: Information and data literacy

8

0.457

0.721

I can identify and use appropriate sources in digital environments based on my information needs

Item refers more to the correct use of the information sources and corresponding tools and thus stands out from the other items

0.610

I can use my search strategies in digital environments

 

0.644

I am critical about information, sources, and data in digital environments

 

0.409

I can store digital information and data securely

Item also refers to data security and thus cannot be clearly distinguished from factor 3

0.670

I can retrieve the information that I have stored

 

0.670

I can retrieve information that I have stored from different environments

 

5: Problem-solving II

8

0.799

0.812

I can develop solutions for technical problems

 

0.762

I know about the functioning and basic principles of digital systems

 

0.776

I identify algorithmic structures in the tools I use

 

6: Digital content creation

7

0.130

0.794

I can use familiar apps and programs according to my needs

Item does not relate to specific actions in connection to digital content or products but rather broadly relates to the use of apps and programs

0.793

I can design my digital products in various formats

 

0.816

I can edit and merge digital content in different formats

 

0.670

I can present digital content in different formats

 

7: Communication and collaboration

7

0.372

0.740

I can communicate using different digital media

Deleted four items target specific and different tasks within this competence area, while the two remaining items are broader and less precisely formulated, and therefore cover this competence area better

0.123

I can cite information and files from digital environments

0.378

I can edit files and documents collaboratively with others using digital media

0.432

I can apply behavioral rules in digital interactions and collaborations

0.791

I can actively participate in society using digital media

 

0.759

I can share my experiences with digital media in interactions with others

 
  1. The italic emphasis highlights the items that were deleted after EFA