Digital competence of students in higher education: an assessment framework in Vietnam

PurposeThis study investigates the digital competence (DC) of undergraduate students, considering three key dimensions: use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) resources, knowledge about ICT resources, and attitude towards ICT. We also examined the relationship between these aspects in order to build a DC assessment framework.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was administered to students from several universities in Vietnam in order to assess their DC. A PLS analysis was conducted based on data from 551 valid responses.FindingsStatistical analyses showed that the DC of students was quite low. The findings certify that knowledge of ICT resources is a total intermediate variable in the impact of attitude towards ICT on the use of ICT resources by students.Practical implicationsOur findings provide important implications for policymakers and teachers' insights for authorities, universities, and scholars to develop strategies for DC of students in higher education.Originality/valueThis study is the first to explore the DC assessment framework for students in higher education in an emerging market, Vietnam.