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Kokulov A.F., Polutin S.V. [Analysis of digital competencies, barriers and motivation of Volga region students] World of Science. Series: Sociology, Philology, Cultural Studies, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 4. Available at: https://sfk-mn.ru/PDF/14SCSK425.pdf (in Russian).

Analysis of digital competencies, barriers and motivation of Volga region students

Kokulov Andrey Fedorovich
National Research Mordovia State University named after N.P. Ogarev, Saransk, Russia
E-mail: andreikokulov@yandex.ru
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2844-2005
RSCI: https://elibrary.ru/author_profile.asp?id=1275771

Polutin Sergey Viktorovich
National Research Mordovia State University named after N.P. Ogarev, Saransk, Russia
E-mail: polutin.sergei@yandex.ru
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0399-4154
RSCI: https://elibrary.ru/author_profile.asp?id=129129

Abstract. The article presents a sociological analysis of the formation and manifestation of digital skills of students in the Volga region using the example of universities in Saransk, Penza and Cheboksary. The author emphasizes that having a computer, smartphone, and stable Internet access does not guarantee real digital inclusion, since the quality and content of digital behavior play a crucial role. It is noted that today digital literacy is not only a prerequisite for successful education, but also a significant factor in professional and social mobility. Six key areas of digital competencies are considered: basic skills, proficiency in office software, use of specialized software, digital communication, content creation and cybersecurity. The empirical basis was based on the results of an online survey of 477 students from three regional universities. The analysis showed that the majority of respondents have mastered basic skills, but advanced skills are developing unevenly and depend on the field of study, the financial situation of the family, type of employment, age and academic performance. Students of humanities and technical fields with average financial security and stable academic motivation use digital technologies more confidently. It is noted that the desire to develop digital competencies is more often observed among those who realize their importance for their future careers and personal effectiveness. Among the barriers are the lack of time, the high cost of professional courses, outdated equipment, limited Internet access and self-doubt. It is concluded that there is a need for systematic support from universities, improving infrastructure and updating educational programs, taking into account regional and socio-demographic differences. The formation of digital literacy is considered as the most important direction of state policy aimed at reducing digital inequality and increasing the competitiveness of Volga region youth in the modern labor market.

Keywords: digital inequality; digital skills; digital literacy; digital competencies; student youth; higher education; socio-economic differences; motivation to study

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