The Impact of Digital Safety Competence on Cognitive Competence, AI Self-Efficacy, and Character

Although there are studies on digital competence in higher education, there are very few studies on digital safety competence. This study aims to explore the impact of digital safety competence on students’ higher-order thinking and AI-related outcomes. Using a cross-sectional design, 159 university...

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Main Authors: Cecilia M. S. Ma, Daniel T. L. Shek, Irene Y. H. Fan, Xixian Zhu, Xiangen Hu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/10/5440
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author Cecilia M. S. Ma
Daniel T. L. Shek
Irene Y. H. Fan
Xixian Zhu
Xiangen Hu
author_facet Cecilia M. S. Ma
Daniel T. L. Shek
Irene Y. H. Fan
Xixian Zhu
Xiangen Hu
author_sort Cecilia M. S. Ma
collection DOAJ
description Although there are studies on digital competence in higher education, there are very few studies on digital safety competence. This study aims to explore the impact of digital safety competence on students’ higher-order thinking and AI-related outcomes. Using a cross-sectional design, 159 university students completed an online questionnaire to measure cognitive competence, Al self-efficacy, AI ethics, and moral competence. Results showed that digital safety competence was positively and significantly related to cognitive competence, AI self-efficacy, AI ethics, and moral competence (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Our study extends the literature by highlighting the role of digital safety competence. Educators and university policy makers may consider incorporating digital competence, especially in the area of safety, into their teaching and learning strategies.
format Article
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spelling doaj-art-1368f9d3e62a4def8976456cfd4286c82025-08-20T01:56:14ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-05-011510544010.3390/app15105440The Impact of Digital Safety Competence on Cognitive Competence, AI Self-Efficacy, and CharacterCecilia M. S. Ma0Daniel T. L. Shek1Irene Y. H. Fan2Xixian Zhu3Xiangen Hu4Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong KongHong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong KongHong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong KongHong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong KongHong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong KongAlthough there are studies on digital competence in higher education, there are very few studies on digital safety competence. This study aims to explore the impact of digital safety competence on students’ higher-order thinking and AI-related outcomes. Using a cross-sectional design, 159 university students completed an online questionnaire to measure cognitive competence, Al self-efficacy, AI ethics, and moral competence. Results showed that digital safety competence was positively and significantly related to cognitive competence, AI self-efficacy, AI ethics, and moral competence (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Our study extends the literature by highlighting the role of digital safety competence. Educators and university policy makers may consider incorporating digital competence, especially in the area of safety, into their teaching and learning strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/10/5440digital competenceartificial intelligenceuniversityethicsself-efficacy
spellingShingle Cecilia M. S. Ma
Daniel T. L. Shek
Irene Y. H. Fan
Xixian Zhu
Xiangen Hu
The Impact of Digital Safety Competence on Cognitive Competence, AI Self-Efficacy, and Character
Applied Sciences
digital competence
artificial intelligence
university
ethics
self-efficacy
title The Impact of Digital Safety Competence on Cognitive Competence, AI Self-Efficacy, and Character
title_full The Impact of Digital Safety Competence on Cognitive Competence, AI Self-Efficacy, and Character
title_fullStr The Impact of Digital Safety Competence on Cognitive Competence, AI Self-Efficacy, and Character
title_full_unstemmed The Impact of Digital Safety Competence on Cognitive Competence, AI Self-Efficacy, and Character
title_short The Impact of Digital Safety Competence on Cognitive Competence, AI Self-Efficacy, and Character
title_sort impact of digital safety competence on cognitive competence ai self efficacy and character
topic digital competence
artificial intelligence
university
ethics
self-efficacy
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/10/5440
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