Assessing the Competence of Digital Tools in Quality Education: A Scale Development for Supporting SDG4

Abstract

This study aims to develop a comprehensive scale for assessing the competence of digital tools in fostering quality education, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4. The research addresses the need for a robust evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness of digital tools used in educational settings. The scale development process involves three key stages: item generation, validation, and data collection.

 Item Generation: Initial items for the scale are derived from an extensive review of literature, expert consultations, and user feedback. This process ensures the scale encompasses a wide range of relevant factors impacting digital tool effectiveness. The study employed a 7- & 5-point Likert scale & Binary scale encompassing 27 items along with 6 demographic items, with a sample size of 202 participants.

 Validation Process: The scale undergoes pilot testing with educators/instructors & Learners. Reliability is assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha, while Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) is

 employed to establish construct validity.

 Participants and Data Collection: Data is collected through structured surveys administered to a diverse group of stakeholders including educators, instructors, students, professionals and academicians.

 Findings: Preliminary results from pilot testing indicate strong reliability and validity of the scale, with Cronbach’s Alpha demonstrating internal consistency and CFA confirming the scale’s factor structure. Key findings suggest that the scale effectively measures various dimensions of digital tool competence, providing actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and technology developers to enhance the integration of digital tools in education. The evaluation study revealed valid results in terms of scale fit criteria, internal validity, and reliability.

 Implications: The developed scale offers a valuable tool for evaluating digital open resources, guiding improvements in educational technology, and supporting the achievement of SDG 4 by ensuring that digital tools contribute effectively to quality education.