Mediation Models Predicting the Level of Digital Competence of 12-14 Year Old Schoolchildren in the Area of Digital Problem Solving

Abstract

Technology has become invaluable and digital competence has turned into a necessity for students. The research presented here aims to propose mediation models that explain the influence of attitudinal, technology use, and family factors on the level of digital problem-solving skills of compulsory education students (12-14 years old). A quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional design was used. We worked with a sample of 772 students from 18 Spanish educational centres according to a stratified random sampling method. For data collection, an objective assessment test was used for knowledge and skills, and a Likert scale for attitudes. Regression analyses were carried out by creating theoretical reference models based on the bootstrapping technique. The results showed that students who expressed a favourable attitude towards digital problem solving demonstrated a better level of competence, which was also positively influenced by the possession of technological devices and the frequency of their use for school and non-school activities at home.