The Effects of Technical Skills, Attitudes, and Knowledge on Students' Readiness to Use 4.0 Industrial Revolution Technologies in Education

Abstract

Technological advancements have led to the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Students’ readiness to use 4IR technologies is thus essential for the development of knowledgeable, competent, and skilled graduates. However, ensuring students’ readiness to use 4IR technologies is quite challenging, leading to a need to understand the factors that influence readiness in this regard. In this study, a research model was developed for examining effects of students’ technical skills, attitudes, and knowledge on their readiness to use 4IR technologies. Data were collected from 182 students through an online survey. A two-step data analysis was then performed using AMOS. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the research model, and SEM was then applied to examine the hypotheses and relationships between the constructs. The results demonstrated that students’ technical skills, attitudes, and knowledge levels significantly influenced their readiness to use 4IR technologies. Recommendations for policy and decision makers in higher education were drawn from this research to increase students’ readiness for adopting and using 4IR technologies.