On powerpointers, clickerers, and digital pros: Investigating the initiation of digital learning activities by teachers in higher education

Highlights

• Investigation of learning activities involving digital technology initiated by higher education teachers.

• Teachers initiated learning activities on a low (powerpointers), a moderate (clickerers), or a high level (digital pros).

• Investigation of factors relating to the level of initiated digital learning activities based on the C♭-model.

• Institutional factors and teachers' skills related positively to the level of initiated digital learning activities.

• Results support the relevance of contextual factors proposed by the C♭-model.

Abstract

This study investigated the initiation of digitally supported learning activities and personal and institutional factors associated with them in different higher education courses, based on the C♭-model. The C♭-model is a theoretical framework that systematizes contextual factors, which influence students‘ learning activities as the most important facilitator of students’ learning success. Using a self-assessment instrument with anchored scenarios in a sample of 1625 higher education teachers, we were able to identify three levels at which higher education teachers initiated digital learning activities: a low level (powerpointers), a moderate level (clickerers), and a high level (digital pros). The findings also support the relevance of the contextual factors specified in the C♭-model for initiating a high level of digital learning activities, namely digitalization policy and commitment of university administration, institutional equipment, technical and educational support, self-assessed basic digital skills, and self-assessed technology-related teaching skills. All of these factors explain a substantial amount of variance in the level of initiated digital learning activities. We conclude that a comprehensive approach rather than isolated measures might contribute to successful teaching and learning in higher education.