The self-directed learning with technology scale (SDLTS) for young students: An initial development and validation

• Published in: Computers and education 2010-12, Vol.55 (4), p.1764-1771
• Main Authors: Timothy, Teo, Seng Chee, Tan, Chwee Beng, Lee, Ching Sing, Chai, Joyce Hwee Ling, Koh, Wen Li, Chen, Horn Mun, Cheah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age; Children; Country-specific developments; Demand; Education; Elementary education; Factor analysis; Learning; Marketing; Pedagogical issues; Students
• ISSN: 0360-1315; 1873-782X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compedu.2010.08.001

Research has found self-directed learning to have a significant impact on the long-term societal demands on our future workforce and our perspective on learning. Over the years, many measures have been developed to examine self-directed learning. However, few, if any, were developed for use by young students (age 10–12). In addition, none have included technology as an element in supporting self-directed learning. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a Self-Directed Learning with Technology Scale (SDLTS) for young students. Using two studies, a proposed 6-item SDLTS was piloted with 558 students, aged 10–12 years (mean = 10.18; SD = 0.38) and subsequently tested to establish the validity and reliability of the scale using a separate sample ( n = 545). Applying principal component and confirmatory factor analyses, the results of these studies supported a 6-item, two-factor Self-Directed Learning with Technology Scale (SDLTS): Self-Management and Intentional Learning. ► This scale was created for use among young children ► One of few, if not the only scale that includes technology with self-directed learning ► This is a multi-study research involving a large sample.