ANALYZING THE ROLE OF DIGITAL LITERACY IN ENHANCING SOCIAL PRESENCE IN WEB TUTORIALS

Abstract

Digital literacy and social presence are fundamental components influencing the effectiveness of online learning environments, particularly within distance education settings. This study investigates how digital literacy impacts social presence among students participating in tutorial webinars. Although both digital literacy and social presence have been extensively researched in isolation, there is a gap in understanding how their interaction affects online learning outcomes. A quantitative approach was employed, involving 112 students who completed a survey with 36 questions designed based on the technology acceptance model and digital literacy framework. Data were analyzed using multivariate regression to assess the relationships between these variables. The results from analysis indicate that digital literacy significantly enhances both dimensions of social presence—connectivity and learning presence—in web tutorials. This enhanced social presence subsequently improves student engagement and learning outcomes. The findings emphasize the critical role of digital literacy in strengthening social presence and, consequently, in boosting the overall effectiveness of online education. This study's implications are significant for educators, program designers, and facilitators who seek to optimize the quality of web tutorials and other online learning experiences. Enhancing digital literacy can be a strategic approach to foster greater engagement and success in online learning contexts.