Bridging Learning and Technology: How Digital Platforms Impact Academic Performance

Abstract

Digital learning platforms' growing presence in educational systems has transformed conventional teaching methods and provided students with learning environments that prioritize flexibility and access. The research analyzes how digital learning platforms affect student academic performance by exploring learning engagement as a mediating factor and digital literacy as a moderating factor. The study gathered data from 300 university students who used digital learning tools through a survey-based research design. The research team applied structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the validity of the study's hypotheses. Digital learning platforms have a significant positive impact on academic performance as indicated by β = 0.495 and p = 0.000 and learning engagement partially mediates this effect with β = 0.121 and p = 0.001. The study demonstrates that students who possess advanced digital literacy skills experience more substantial benefits from digital learning tools as evidenced by the statistical relationship (β = 0.062, p = 0.044). The study demonstrates that learning outcomes can be maximized through the combination of interactive learning approaches to improve engagement alongside enhanced digital literacy programs and the reduction of digital access gaps. Educators, policymakers, and technology developers should use these findings to create digital education systems that reach all learners with engaging and effective content. Longitudinal studies and additional mediating factors need further examination alongside the impact of emerging technologies to improve digital learning experiences.