Comparative analysis of digital literacy and 21st-century skills among university graduates in Malaysia and Indonesia: The role of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity

Authors

  • Noor Azli Affendy Lee Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
  • Farina Nozakiah Tazijan Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
  • Aileen Farida Mohd Adam Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
  • Ikhsanudin, I. Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Tanjungpura, Kalimantan Barat 78124, Indonesia.
  • Rofiza Aboo Bakar Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol10iss1pp166-191

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Digital literacy and 21st-century skills are increasingly needed to navigate today's globalized society. Recent study emphasises the necessity of these abilities for youngsters to actively participate in digital societies, civic and political affairs, and digital identity exploration. This study aims to compare the digital literacy and 21st-century skills of university graduates in Malaysia and Indonesia, and to examine how these skills shape digital literacy in both countries.

Methodology: 113 Malaysian and 271 Indonesian graduates participated in the online survey. The questionnaire was developed to measure the four determinants of digital literacy: Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, and Creativity & Innovation. The core analysis assessed levels of each determinant using mean scores from survey responses. One-sample T-test and ANOVA test determined the significance of each determinant with relation to digital literacy. This methodology combined quantitative survey data with statistical analysis to gain insights into the digital literacy competencies of university students in both countries.

Findings: Findings indicate both countries' graduates possess strong digital competencies, with variations in skill proficiency and technology use reflecting socio-economic and educational factors. Collaboration skills notably exceed digital literacy expectations, highlighting cultural or educational emphases on teamwork. The study suggests enhancing digital infrastructure and educational programs to address identified gaps, advocating for tailored approaches to improve digital literacy and skill development.

Contributions: This research contributes to understanding digital literacy in the digital age, emphasizing the necessity of 21st-century skills for academic and professional success.

Keywords: Digital literacy and 21st-century skills, collaboration, critical thinking, communication, creativity.

Author Biographies

  • Noor Azli Affendy Lee, Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

    Noor Azli Affendy Lee is a senior English language lecturer at the Academy of Language Studies, UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang. His main research interests are differentiated instruction and assessment strategies, autonomous learning, e-learning, and gamification. Currently, his research focuses on secondary and tertiary English language education.

  • Farina Nozakiah Tazijan, Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

    Farina Tazijan is a researcher and a senior lecturer in Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia. She holds a master degree in Linguistics and English Language studies and a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). Her work experience includes 19 years of teaching English at various proficiency levels and teaching English for Communication. Her current research looks at transmedia communication of SLA, Discourse Analysis and Internet Assisted ESL Learning. 

  • Aileen Farida Mohd Adam, Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

    Aileen Farida Mohd Adam is a senior lecturer at the Academy of Language Studies, UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang Branch. She holds a Master Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in TESL. With 15 years of teaching experience across various institutions, her research interests focus on technology in education and second language writing assessment.

  • Ikhsanudin, I., Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Tanjungpura, Kalimantan Barat 78124, Indonesia.

    Ikhsanudin (PhD) is an Associate Professor at Universitas Tanjungpura, Indonesia. His scholarly endeavors primarily revolve around ELT materials, methodology, and the professional development of educators. He is the editor-in-chief for an academic journal in ELT. He has been an invited speaker at more than thirty international conferences across the globe, including in the UK, USA, Germany, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia.

  • Rofiza Aboo Bakar, Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

    Rofiza Aboo Bakar (PhD), is an Associate Professor at Universiti Teknologi MARA who specialises in digital storytelling and autoethnography. She was honored with the Gold Medal for Best Ph.D. Student by the University of Science Malaysia in 2015.

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Published

2025-02-28

How to Cite

Comparative analysis of digital literacy and 21st-century skills among university graduates in Malaysia and Indonesia: The role of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity. (2025). Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS), 10(1), 166-191. https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol10iss1pp166-191