Exploring Digital Curation’s Role in Enhancing Student Engagement in Open Distance Learning among Gen Z

This qualitative case study investigates how digital curation impacts student engagement in Open Distance Learning (ODL) environments, focusing on Gen Z learners. Through semi-structured interviews and participant observations, the study explores how behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and agentic engagement patterns are shaped by curated digital content. The findings offer insights into how digital curation supports the unique learning preferences of Gen Z, a generation known for its comfort with technology and need for interactive, engaging content. Recommendations are provided for educators aiming to optimize digital curation strategies to enhance academic engagement and success among Gen Z learners. This qualitative case study examines how digitally curation course materials influences student participation in Open Distance Learning education programs aimed at Generation Z. This study applies semi-structured interviews and observations explored how Gen Z involvement was gathered by curated digital resources. The finding identifies the insights emerged around how digital curation accommodates Generation Z’s strengths with technology and necessity for interactive content that maintains focus. The finding recommendations advise educators to maximize digital selection approaches to heighten academic commitment and accomplishment among learners from Generation Z.