Cultivating Digital Learning Culture: Perspectives of Pre-Service English Teachers at a Private Islamic University in Yogyakarta
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18196/ftl.v10i1.25752Keywords:
Challenges of digital learning culture development, Digital Learning Culture, English Language Education, Pre-Service Teachers, Qualitative ResearchAbstract
Background: The transformation of education in the 21st century demands the development of a digital learning culture that goes beyond merely providing access to technology. It also requires the integration of academic ethics, collaborative practices, and digital literacy into the teaching and learning process. In response to these demands, this study is needed to explore the practices and challenges of fostering a contextual and sustainable digital learning culture among prospective English teachers.
Objective: This paper investigates the practices and challenges in the development of a digital learning culture among pre-service English teachers at a private Islamic university in Yogyakarta.
Methods: Utilizing a descriptive qualitative design, the research captures the perceptions and experiences of six participants from the 2021 cohort, selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered via online interviews conducted in Indonesian to ensure clarity and comfort, followed by rigorous analysis involving transcription, member checking, and systematic coding (open, analytical, axial, and selective).
Findings: Findings reveal six key practices for fostering a digital learning culture: adherence to academic ethics, staying updated with digital tools, promoting digital literacy, employing student-centered learning, participating in training programs, and fostering collaboration. Three significant challenges were identified: managing digital learning activities, fears of digitization replacing teachers, and negative perceptions of digital learning’s value.
Conclusion: The study concludes that addressing these challenges through targeted training, ethical practices, and institutional support is essential for effectively implementing a digital learning culture in English education.
References
Aboobaker, N., & Zakkariya, K. (2021). Digital learning orientation and innovative behavior in the higher education sector: effects of organizational learning culture and readiness for change. International Journal of Educational Management, 35(5), 1030–1047. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-09-2019-0345
Ahadi, A., Bower, M., Lai, J., Singh, A., & Garrett, M. (2024). Evaluation of teacher professional learning workshops on the use of technology - a systematic review. Professional Development in Education, 50(1), 221–237. https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2021.2011773
Anggoro, K. J., Khasanah, U., & Milnes, N. (2022). Nearpod Slides to Enhance Students’ Self-Study. SiSal Journal, 13(4), 442–446. https://doi.org/10.37237/130405
Astuti, E. F., Hidayanto, A. N., Nurwardani, S., & Salsabila, A. Z. (2024). Assessing Indonesian MSMEs’ Awareness of Personal Data Protection by PDP Law and ISO/IEC 27001:2013. International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering, 14(5), 1559–1567. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsse.140523
Bazen, A., Barg, F. K., & Takeshita, J. (2021). Research Techniques Made Simple: An Introduction to Qualitative Research. In Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Vol. 141, Issue 2, pp. 241-247.e1). Elsevier B.V. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2020.11.029
Bejaković, P., & Mrnjavac, Ž. (2024). The characteristics and role of digital literacy in an effective health protection. In Heliyon (Vol. 10, Issue 8). Elsevier Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29737
Bowman, M. A., Vongkulluksn, V. W., Jiang, Z., & Xie, K. (2022). Teachers’ exposure to professional development and the quality of their instructional technology use: The mediating role of teachers’ value and ability beliefs. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 54(2), 188–204. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2020.1830895
Brocca, N., Masia, V., & Garassino, D. (2024). Empowering critical digital literacy in EFL: Teachers’ evaluation of didactic materials involving the recognition of presupposed information. Language Teaching Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688241235019
Cavinato, A. G., Hunter, R. A., Ott, L. S., & Robinson, J. K. (2021). Promoting student interaction, engagement, and success in an online environment. In Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (Vol. 413, Issue 6, pp. 1513–1520). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-021-03178-x
Chatzipoulidis, A., Tsiakis, T., & Kargidis, T. (2019). A readiness assessment tool for GDPR compliance certification. Computer Fraud & Security, 2019(8), 14–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1361-3723(19)30086-7
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2017). Research Methods in Education. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315456539
Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (2008). Basics of Qualitative Research (3rd ed.): Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory. SAGE Publications, Inc. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781452230153
Daniela, L. (2019). Smart Pedagogy for Technology-Enhanced Learning. In Didactics of Smart Pedagogy (pp. 3–21). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01551-0_1
Depaepe, F., Leuven, K., Vanbecelaere, S., Leuven Kulak, K., Johanna Pöysä-Tarhonen, B., & Merikko, J. (n.d.). ``Replacing teachers? Doubt it.’’ Practitioners’ views on adaptive learning technologies’ impact on the teaching profession.
Dinc, E. (2019). Prospective Teachers’ Perceptions of Barriers to Technology Integration in Education. Contemporary Educational Technology, 10(4), 381–398. https://doi.org/10.30935/cet.634187
Dong, C., Cao, S., & Li, H. (2020). Young children’s online learning during COVID-19 pandemic: Chinese parents’ beliefs and attitudes. Children and Youth Services Review, 118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105440
Eliza, F., Fadli, R., Hakiki, M., Trisnawati, W., Abdulah, Putra, Y. I., Fauziah, Marind, G., & Hidayah, Y. (2023). Revolution in Engineering Education through Android-Based Learning Media for Mobile Learning: Practicality of Mobile Learning Media to Improve Electrical Measuring Skills in the Industrial Age 4.0. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (IJIM), 17(20), 60–75. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v17i20.42093
Fareen, J. A. M. (2022). Digital Learning in Higher Education: A Road to Transformation and Reform. European Journal of Interactive Multimedia and Education, 3(1), e02206. https://doi.org/10.30935/ejimed/11493
Frenzel, A. C., Daniels, L., & Burić, I. (2021). Teacher emotions in the classroom and their implications for students. Educational Psychologist, 56(4), 250–264. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2021.1985501
Gao, Y., Zhu, L., & Tian, M. (2025). SWOT analysis of the application of three digital media in OLPE physical education teaching: Edmodo, Zoom, and Google Meet. BMC Medical Education, 25(1), 243. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-06826-3
Gronseth, S. L., & Bauder, D. K. (2022). A synergistic framework for curricular flexibility in online collaborative learning. Distance Education, 43(2), 221–238. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2022.2064822
Grothaus, C., & Zawacki-Richter, O. (2021). Collaborative online learning in the cultural context of South East Asia: A systematic review. Hacettepe Egitim Dergisi, 36(2), 489–508. https://doi.org/10.16986/HUJE.2020062020
Gudmundsdottir, G. B., & Hatlevik, O. E. (2020). “I just Google it”-Developing professional digital competence and preparing student teachers to exercise responsible ICT use. Nordic Journal of Comparative and International Education, 4(3–4), 39–55. https://doi.org/10.7577/njcie.3752
Gümüş, M. M., Çakır, R., & Korkmaz, Ö. (2023). Investigation of pre-service teachers’ sensitivity to cyberbullying, perceptions of digital ethics and awareness of digital data security. Education and Information Technologies, 28(11), 14399–14421. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11785-7
Gupta, A., & Pathania, P. (2021). To study the impact of Google Classroom as a platform of learning and collaboration at the teacher education level. Education and Information Technologies, 26(1), 843–857. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10294-1
Gutiérrez-González, R., Zamarron, A., & Royuela, A. (2024). Video-based lecture engagement in a flipped classroom environment. BMC Medical Education, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06228-x
Guven, I., & Gulbahar, Y. (2020). Building a Digital Learning Culture by Rethinking Pedagogies for the 21st Century (pp. 150–170). https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-1591-4.ch009
Heo, H., Bonk, C. J., & Doo, M. Y. (2021). Enhancing learning engagement during COVID-19 pandemic: Self-efficacy in time management, technology use, and online learning environments. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 37(6), 1640–1652. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12603
Holden, O. L., Norris, M. E., & Kuhlmeier, V. A. (2021). Academic Integrity in Online Assessment: A Research Review. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 6). Frontiers Media S.A. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.639814
Imran, M., & Almusharraf, N. (2024). Digital Learning Demand and Applicability of Quality 4.0 for Future Education: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy, 14(4), 38–53. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v14i4.48847
Janković, A., Maričić, M., & Cvjetićanin, S. (2024). Comparing science success of primary school students in the gamified learning environment via Kahoot and Quizizz. Journal of Computers in Education, 11(2), 471–494. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-023-00266-y
Kang, N. (2022). Promoting EFL Learners’ Proficiency and Motivation via Google Jamboard-based Autonomous Knowledge Sharing. English Teaching(South Korea), 77(4), 3–27. https://doi.org/10.15858/engtea.77.4.202212.3
Khairiah, K., Mubaraq, Z., Asmendri, A., Hendriani, S., Musa, D. T., & Sihombing, A. A. (2022). Delegitimization of leadership in overcoming difficulties in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. World Journal on Educational Technology: Current Issues, 14(3), 726–739. https://doi.org/10.18844/wjet.v14i3.7209
Lai, K.-W. (2011). Digital technology and the culture of teaching and learning in higher education. In Australasian Journal of Educational Technology (Vol. 8).
Le, V. T., Nguyen, N. H., Tran, T. L. N., Nguyen, L. T., Nguyen, T. A., & Nguyen, M. T. (2022). The interaction patterns of pandemic-initiated online teaching: How teachers adapted. System, 105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2022.102755
Leyer, M., & Schneider, S. (2021). Decision augmentation and automation with artificial intelligence: Threat or opportunity for managers? Business Horizons, 64(5), 711–724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2021.02.026
Lim, W. M. (2024). What Is Qualitative Research? An Overview and Guidelines. Australasian Marketing Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/14413582241264619
Makrakis, V. (2024). Teachers’ Resilience Scale for Sustainability Enabled by ICT/Metaverse Learning Technologies: Factorial Structure, Reliability, and Validation. Sustainability, 16(17), 7679. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177679
Mercader, C. (2020). Explanatory model of barriers to integration of digital technologies in higher education institutions. Education and Information Technologies, 25(6), 5133–5147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10222-3
Mupita, J., Widiaty, I., & Abdullah, A. G. (2018). How important is technological, pedagogical, content knowledge? A literature reviews. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 434(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/434/1/012285
Norbutaevich, J. T. (2020). Use of Digital Learning Technologies in Education on the Example of Smart Education. Journal La Edusci, 1(3), 33–37. https://doi.org/10.37899/journallaedusci.v1i3.193
Pazilah, F. N., Hashim, H., Yunus, M. M., & Rafiq, K. R. M. (2024). Exploring Malaysian ESL Pre-service Teachers’ Perceptions on Knowledge of Learners, Digital Literacy and 21st Century Competency. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 23(1), 300–317. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.1.15
Popova, A., Evans, D. K., Breeding, M. E., & Arancibia, V. (2022). Teacher Professional Development around the World: The Gap between Evidence and Practice. World Bank Research Observer, 37(1), 107–136. https://doi.org/10.1093/wbro/lkab006
Pratiwi, M. S., Zulherman, & Amirullah, G. (2021). The Use of the Powtoon Application in Learning Videos for Elementary School Students. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1783(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1783/1/012115
Purnomo, E. N., Imron, A., Wiyono, B. B., Sobri, A. Y., & Dami, Z. A. (2024). Transformation of Digital-Based School Culture: implications of change management on Virtual Learning Environment integration. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2303562
Rahman, M., & Sandra, H. (2024). The Practicality of Embedding Digital Technology In Pre-Service EFL Teacher. Modality Journal: International Journal of Linguistics and Literature, 4(1), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.30983/mj.v4i1.8371
Ramos, J. L., Cattaneo, A. A. P., de Jong, F. P. C. M., & Espadeiro, R. G. (2022). Pedagogical models for the facilitation of teacher professional development via video-supported collaborative learning. A review of the state of the art. In Journal of Research on Technology in Education (Vol. 54, Issue 5, pp. 695–718). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2021.1911720
Rawashdeh, A. (2021). Advantages and Disadvantages of Using e-Learning in University Education: Analyzing Students’ Perspectives. 19(2), 107–117. www.ejel.org
Reisoğlu, İ. (2022). How Does Digital Competence Training Affect Teachers’ Professional Development and Activities? Technology, Knowledge and Learning, 27(3), 721–748. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-021-09501-w
Rivas, J., & Espinoza, A. (2023). Desarrollo de un proyecto de aprendizaje colaborativo en línea. El trabajo colaborativo y las Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación. La Perspectiva de la Internacionalización. Revista de Educación y Derecho, 28. https://doi.org/10.1344/REYD2023.28.42805
Rushami Zien, N. H., Abu Bakar, N. A., & Saad, R. (2024). Learning beyond borders: lifelong learning and learning culture in Islamic institutions in the pursuit of quality education. Quality Education for All, 1(2), 80–93. https://doi.org/10.1108/qea-01-2024-0010
Santiana, S., Pujasari, R. S., Marzuki, A. G., & Erizar. (2021). Digital Games-Based Learning: An Innovative Language Learning in EFL Classroom by Utilizing Kahoot! Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora, 9(4), 158–163. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382182934
Sari, A. I., Suryani, N., Rochsantiningsih, D., & Suharno, S. (2020). Digital learning, smartphone usage, and digital culture in indonesia education. Integration of Education, 24(1), 20–31. https://doi.org/10.15507/1991-9468.098.024.202001.020-031
Sefcik, L., Striepe, M., & Yorke, J. (2020). Mapping the landscape of academic integrity education programs: what approaches are effective? Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 45(1), 30–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2019.1604942
Shin, J. K., Borup, J., Barbour, M. K., & Quiroga Velasquez, R. V. (2022). Webinars for English Language Teachers During the Pandemic: Global Perspectives on Transitioning to Remote Online Teaching. AERA Open, 8. https://doi.org/10.1177/23328584221083976
Shonfeld, M., Cotnam-Kappel, M., Judge, M., Ng, C. Y., Ntebutse, J. G., Williamson-Leadley, S., & Yildiz, M. N. (2021). Learning in digital environments: a model for cross-cultural alignment. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(4), 2151–2170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-021-09967-6
Siregar, R. A., Purnawarman, P., Damayanti, I. L., & Raja, F. D. (2024). The Lonely Journey of EFL Pre-Service Teachers In Remote Areas: Readiness And Challenges In Integrating ICT In Teaching. Teaching English With Technology, 2024(1). https://doi.org/10.56297/FSYB3031/WWCS6171
Soekamto, H., Nikolaeva, I., Abbood, A. A. A., Grachev, D., Kosov, M., Yumashev, A., Kostyrin, E., Lazareva, N., Kvitkovskaja, A., & Nikitina, N. (2022). Professional Development of Rural Teachers Based on Digital Literacy. Emerging Science Journal, 6(6), 1525–1540. https://doi.org/10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-06-019
Spires, H. A., Medlock Paul, C., & Kerkhoff, S. N. (2018). Digital Literacy for the 21st Century. In Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, Fourth Edition (pp. 2235–2242). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-2255-3.ch194
Torres-Hernández, N., & Gallego-Arrufat, M.-J. (2023). Pre-service teachers’ perceptions of data protection in primary education. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(1), ep399. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/12658
Tschang, F. T., & Almirall, E. (2021). Artificial Intelligence as Augmenting Automation: Implications for Employment. Academy of Management Perspectives, 35(4), 642–659. https://doi.org/10.5465/amp.2019.0062
Velinov, E., & Bleicher, J. (2023). The Impact of Experiential Learning and the Use of Digital Platforms on Global Virtual Teams’ Motivation. Journal of Teaching in International Business, 34(4), 172–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/08975930.2023.2293293
Wang, C., Zhang, M., Sesunan, A., & Yolanda, L. (2023). Technology-Driven Educational Reform in Indonesia: A look into the current status of the Merdeka Belajar program.
Wang, Y., Pan, Z., & Wang, M. (2023). The moderating effect of participation in online learning activities and perceived importance of online learning on EFL teachers’ teaching ability. Heliyon, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13890
Wei, Z. (2023). Navigating Digital Learning Landscapes: Unveiling the Interplay Between Learning Behaviors, Digital Literacy, and Educational Outcomes. Journal of the Knowledge Economy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-023-01522-3
Yasa, A. D., Rahayu, S., Handayanto, S. K., & Ekawati, R. (2024). Evaluating the Impact of Smart Learning-Based Inquiry on Enhancing Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills. Ingenierie Des Systemes d’Information, 29(1), 219–233. https://doi.org/10.18280/isi.290122
Yazon, A. D., Ang-Manaig, K., Buama, C. A. C., & Tesoro, J. F. B. (2019). Digital literacy, digital competence and research productivity of educators. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 7(8), 1734–1743. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.070812
Yuan, X., Rehman, S., Altalbe, A., Rehman, E., & Shahiman, M. A. (2024). Digital literacy as a catalyst for academic confidence: exploring the interplay between academic self-efficacy and academic procrastination among medical students. BMC Medical Education, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06329-7
Zhang, Z., & Crawford, J. (2024). EFL learners’ motivation in a gamified formative assessment: The case of Quizizz. Education and Information Technologies, 29(5), 6217–6239. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12034-7
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Suryanto Suryanto, Tyas Panuntun
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Copyright
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of initial publication in this journal.
Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories, social media account, or on their website) after the article getting published in the journal, as it can lead to productive exchanges and earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).License
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
ShareAlike — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
.png){kind=logo}
