Analysing University Students’ Digital Skills Gap and Its Implications for SDGS: an Empirical Investigation

Abstract

Objective: This paper aims to provide further insight into digital skills and analyse the digital skills gap among university students. Theoretical Framework: The underpinning framework of this study is the digital skills measurement framework and tools that can be used to measure students' digital skills to find the digital skills gap. Method: Data were collected from a sample of international university students using an online questionnaire designed specifically for this purpose. The collected data were analysed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). Results and Discussion: The main findings show that the common digital skills gap falls between 10% to 48%, the work digital skills gap falls between 14% and 40%, and the advanced digital skills gap falls between 8% to 54%; where the majority of the related areas to advanced digital skills gap exceeds 30%. The results indicate that reducing the digital skills gap requires a combination of digital skills categories (common, work, and advanced digital skills) to be possessed by university students which are essential for everyday life and the workplace. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in university education. These implications could encompass modifications in the university curriculums to be compatible with SDGs. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing further insight to the digital skills gap, and recommends incorporating knowledge and skills for the digital skills activities in universities’ curriculums.