Digital skills of Valencian university students

Abstract

[EN] With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education changed overnight from face-to-face to e-learning. The tech shortcomings during the lock-down period were expected to affect students from the most disadvantaged stdents in a more negative way. The aim is to detect the strengths and weaknesses of Valencian university students in relation to the e-learning modality. A sample of 18,295 students from the five public Valencian universities, answered a four-sections online form: equipment, connection, experience and attitude. Results show that the Valencian university student community, in general, has sufficient equipment to follow e-learning, nontheless 2% do not have any computer, not even in shared use. Three out of four have a broadband conection, but 0.7% of the participants cannot afford Internet access. 50% self-assess as a medium-low competence, two points in a a five-level scale. Opinions reveal a strong preference for face-to-face teaching, although e-learning advantages are positively valued.