DIGITAL LEARNING READINESS AND ONLINE INFORMATIONEVALUATION SKILLS AS DETERMINANTS OF ECONOMICS EDUCATIONSTUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF GLOBAL ECONOMIC TRENDS INOGUN STATE

Abstract

This study examined the digital learning readiness and online information evaluation skills of Economics
Education students’ understanding of global economic trends in Ogun State, Nigeria. A correlational survey
research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised undergraduate Economics Education
students from Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
A total of 307 year-three students were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected
using three validated instruments: the Digital Learning Readiness Questionnaire, the Online Information
Evaluation Skills Scale, and the Students’ Understanding of Global Economic Trends Scale. Data obtained from
the pilot study were analysed using Cronbach’s Alpha method, yielding reliability coefficients of 0.83 for the
Digital Learning Readiness Questionnaire, 0.85 for the Online Information Evaluation Skills Scale, and 0.87 for
the Students’ Understanding of Global Economic Trends Scale. Data were analysed using Pearson ProductMoment Correlation and Multiple Regression Analysis at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a
significant positive relationship between digital learning readiness and students’ understanding of global
economic trends, as well as a significant relationship between online information evaluation skills and students’
understanding of global economic trends. Furthermore, digital learning readiness and online information
evaluation skills jointly contributed significantly to students’ understanding of global economic trends. The study
concludes that students’ preparedness for digital learning and their ability to critically evaluate online information
are crucial determinants of meaningful understanding of global economic trends. It recommends strengthening
digital learning structures and integrating online information evaluation skills into teaching and learning
processes.