INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS ON DIGITAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PRACTICES IN SELECTED CHURCHES, IBADAN METROPOLIS, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Christian education, Digital Christian education, Digital literacy skills, Ibadan MetropolisAbstract
The expansion of digital technology has transformed global educational systems, while digital tool adoption is well-documented in secular education, an empirical gap exists regarding how religious institutions in developing urban contexts navigate digital transitions. This study fills this gap by examining the intersection of digital literacy skills and digital Christian education adoption among churches in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. This study examined digital literacy skills and digital Christian education adoption among churches in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected via Google Forms from a sample of 344 church leaders, educators, and members, supplemented by 8 qualitative key informant interviews. Results show widespread adoption of blended learning. WhatsApp emerged as the dominant platform due to accessibility and low data requirements. While 76% of respondents rated their personal digital literacy as moderate (43%) or high (33%), an overwhelming 86.8% agreed that a lack of digital skills among the broader membership hinders effective platform utilization. Additional critical systemic barriers identified include high internet data costs, unstable network connectivity, and challenges regarding doctrinal control. The study establishes that digital literacy is a critical determinant of effectiveness in digital Christian education; however, individual proficiency is bottlenecked by community skill gaps and infrastructure costs, necessitating targeted institutional support.
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