Digital Behaviour of Rural School Students: Attitudes and Perception of Digital Technologies

Abstract

Digital technologies have become essential tools in today’s society in many ways.  However, not all of them have undergone formal training or assistance to be competent for them to survive in a challenging environment in a digital world. Hence, this study is intended to determine the digital behavior of students in rural schools, including learning how youth self-evaluate their perceptions of digital technologies, digital competencies, and attitudes towards digital technologies. A descriptive quantitative methodology was employed, using survey questions were distributed to selected secondary schools in rural areas. Based on the descriptive analyses of 211 responses, the findings indicate there is a high level of attitude toward ICT usage. Troubleshooting, staying safe online, and being credible; as well as in the ethical knowledge, were found moderately competent. Digital security attributes were at a moderate level; however, privacy concerns have reached a high level of agreement. Perception of ethical digital behaviour was significantly associated with the frequency of ethical digital behaviour of the school students. Specific concerns and emphasis on youth digital technology usage and education must be imposed on ensuring that they are not neglected, and vulnerable to cybercrime, but also on fostering a responsible e-society with excellent digital citizenship attributes.