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From Digital Consumption to Skill Development: Examining the Factors Influencing Undergraduate Students' Participation in Free Online Learning Opportunities
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Education
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722482
Abstract
Students today have easy access to free online courses, certificate programmes, video tutorials, and learning platforms. Many of these resources can help them build useful skills for better jobs. Yet a large number of students still spend most of their time on social media watching short videos and reels for entertainment. They use these platforms far more than they use free learning materials. Very little research has looked at why this happens, especially among undergraduate students in India. This study uses a quantitative survey to understand the reasons behind this behaviour. The findings can help teachers and institutions find better ways to encourage students to use free learning resources and develop practical skills.
Keywords
digital consumption, short-form videos, free online learning, skill development, undergraduate students, learning motivation, career awareness, self-directed learning
References
[1] (Illustrative references. These should be replaced or expanded with the actual studies used in the literature review.)
[2] Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall.
[3] Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.
[4] Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340.
[5] Knowles, M. S. (1975). Self-directed learning: A guide for learners and teachers. Association Press.
[6] Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425–478.
How to cite this paper
@article{1722482,
author = {Rajwinder Kaur},
title = {From Digital Consumption to Skill Development: Examining the Factors Influencing Undergraduate Students' Participation in Free Online Learning Opportunities},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {2962-2966},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722482.pdf},
abstract = {Students today have easy access to free online courses, certificate programmes, video tutorials, and learning platforms. Many of these resources can help them build useful skills for better jobs. Yet a large number of students still spend most of their time on social media watching short videos and reels for entertainment. They use these platforms far more than they use free learning materials. Very little research has looked at why this happens, especially among undergraduate students in India. This study uses a quantitative survey to understand the reasons behind this behaviour. The findings can help teachers and institutions find better ways to encourage students to use free learning resources and develop practical skills.},
keywords = {digital consumption, short-form videos, free online learning, skill development, undergraduate students, learning motivation, career awareness, self-directed learning},
month = {August},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722482}
}