Digital fitness among public primary school students and their private peers (a comparative study)

Abstract

The current research aims to identify the digital fitness among primary school students in public and private schools in terms of gender and type of school (public and private). The researcher used the descriptive comparative approach. A sample of 200 male and female students was selected randomly with proportional distribution from public and private schools affiliated with the General Directorate of Education in Baghdad, Rusafa I, representing 60% of the original community. To achieve the research objectives, the researcher developed a scale to measure the digital fitness scale. The results showed that public school students lack digital fitness. This may be due to their lack of a set of digital skills, knowledge, and behaviors that enable them to use technology responsibly and safely. This is in contrast to private school students, who are exposed to a level of digital fitness. There are no statistically significant differences in digital fitness in terms of gender in public schools. This is in contrast to the statistically significant differences found among private school students, which were in favor of females. There are statistically significant differences in digital fitness according to the school type (government, private) in favor of private schools. This may indicate that private schools are keen to ensure their students keep pace with the changes and developments in technology. Finally, the researcher came up with a set of recommendations and suggestions.