Work

Digital Learning and Usage Practices of German Students in a Continuum of Formal and Informal Contexts—Results of a Diary Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In the “culture of digitality”, new (digital) spaces of opportunity in the contested field of formal and informal learning contexts are constantly emerging, forcing students to orient themselves and take responsibility for selecting information. To deal with the associated challenges (e.g., cognitive overload) this brings, digital skills are required, which can be acquired through various learning and usage practices. The aim of this study is to examine the interplay between students’ individual (digital) learning environments and their (digital) learning and usage practices, which are shaped by the culture of digitality, to derive actionable recommendations for the promotion of digital competencies. Thus, the multivariate results of a quantitative 10-day diary study with 70 students from a German University demonstrate that merely owning digital media is not sufficient to stimulate processes for developing digital competencies. Instead, students need to be encouraged to use these media in a way that actively promotes learning and reflection. Against the backdrop of these findings, there is a discussion about how learning environments can be designed to support and accompany students’ individual digital learning practices.

Source: Education Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/educsci16020208

Author: Therese Rosemann

Institution: Helmut Schmidt University

Language: English

Topic: Digital literacy in education

Subfield: Information Systems

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172