A Critical Analysis of Digital Inclusion and Digital Literacy Development of Learners in the National Open University of Nigeria

Digital literacy (DL) is a multifaceted concept covering many areas of rapidly evolving new technologies which can help to promote active engagement of learners in open-distance learning institution. Though there is a large consensus of DL for future success, literature still reveals lack of digital literacy among learners in higher institutions. The study investigated the influence of access and usage of digital technology as indicators of digital inclusion on digital literacy development of learners. Descriptive survey research design with self-structured questionnaires was used for the study. Samples for the survey were purposive selected from the National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos Study centres. The research questions were analysed and interpreted using means and percentages while Linear Regression Correlation was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 levels of significance. The Will Skill Tool Model was adapted for the theoretical framework of the study. The results showed that there is a strong positive relationship between frequent usage of digital technologies and the perceived level of digital literacy proficiency of learners. The digital technology accessibility and frequent usage of digital technology had a strong positive correlation with the digital literacy proficiency of learners in the study. It is recommended that adequate digital infrastructures and technology should be provided for accessibility and usage to enhance the digital literacy proficiency of learners.