The Impact of Digital Literacy on STEM Competencies among High School Students

Reni Kurnia; Fitrika  Kumala Dewi; Nizwardi  Jalinus; Rijal  Abdullah; Ridwan Ridwan

doi:10.56806/jh.v7i2.434

Authors

Reni Kurnia Universitas Negeri Padang
Fitrika Kumala Dewi Universitas Negeri Padang
Nizwardi Jalinus Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Padang
Rijal Abdullah Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Padang
Ridwan Ridwan Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Padang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56806/jh.v7i2.434

Keywords:

Digital literacy , STEM competencies , high school students , STEM education , 21st-century skills

Abstract

This study analyses the influence of digital literacy on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) competencies of high school students. Digital literacy is one of the key 21st-century competencies that plays a role in helping students access, evaluate, and utilize digital information to support STEM learning. The study employed a quantitative approach using a survey design that involved 133 high school students as respondents. Data were collected using digital literacy and STEM competency questionnaires that met validity and reliability criteria. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression. The results indicate that students’ digital literacy levels fall into the high category (M = 3.968; ? = 0.890), and their STEM competencies also fall into the high category (M = 3.618; ? = 0.899). Correlation analysis showed a positive and significant relationship between digital literacy and STEM competencies (r = 0.661; p < 0.001). Regression results indicate that digital literacy has a positive and significant effect on STEM competencies (? = 0.694; t = 10.078; p < 0.001), contributing 43.7% (R² = 0.437). These findings suggest that strengthening the digital literacy can be an effective strategy for improving students’ STEM competencies and supporting their readiness to face 21st-century challenges.

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