Exploring Digital Skills and Social Media Use Among Freshmen: A Survey Study

Preparing the Knowledge Workforce of the Future: A Comprehensive Survey Study of Our Freshmen s Digital Skills, Social Media Use, and First-Year Experience Nancy Deng, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Information Systems, CBAPP Acknowledgement: Data collection was supported by University Advisement Center (UAC) and by Dr. Bridget Driscoll, AVP, Retention, UAC & Learning February 12, 2018

Motivation for Studying First-Year Students Digital Skills 1. Global Challenges in Shaping the Future of Education, Gender, and Work highlighted in the 2017 World Economic Forum 1. Our education and training systems have remained largely static for decades and are not keeping pace with the development of globalization and technology. 2. Globalization and technology are accelerating job creation and destruction, with estimates that a third of skillsets required to perform jobs will be wholly new by 2020 2. Knowledge workers of the future: familiar with digital technology work environment, regardless of their professional fields. 3. CSUDH s Challenges: serving economically and culturally diverse student population: 1. how is CSU Dominguez Hills doing in preparing our students the digital skills they need to successfully enter the knowledge workforce of the future? 3/20/2025

Motivation for Studying the 2017 DHFYE Cohort What do we know about our first-year students digital skill level, perception of the importance of digital skills, their proficiency in social media technologies, their social media use patterns, and their overall first-year experience? 1. 2. Focus on First-Year Student Cohort. Why? 1. Mostly at the age of 18 and 19, the students are considered as Generation Z , who were born in 1995 and afterwards. 2. Growing up in a free WiFi and Smartphone, they are assumed to be technology savvy. 3. Participated in DHFYE 3. Data collection was greatly supported by Dr. Bridget Driscoll and the University Advising Center, and IRB review and support by Judith Aguirre, research compliance officer. 4. Data Collection in November 2017: Surveyed the entire freshman class of 1,683 students; 361 valid responses (21.5% response rate) for data analysis. 5. 3/20/2025

Summary of the Key Findings The 2017 DYFYE cohort is a highly motivated cohort Overwhelmingly positive response on their first-year experience at CSUDH High proficiency in certain digital skills (e.g., using Blackboard, Skype, Word, and PowerPoint) but less proficient in others (e.g., Spreadsheet, Image and Video auditing). Slight differences in the skill evaluation by gender and first-generation vs. continuing students Confidence in using Internet and social media for information search and communication. 85% are confident about their ability to search online and obtain information from the Web 61.5% believe that they have the technical skills to use social media technologies for learning 84% or more use Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube But they have expressed mixed feelings about social media use for academic work and social interaction in college. 3/20/2025

Report Outline 1. Descriptive Summary of the Survey Data (n=361 Freshmen from the 2017 DHFYE cohort) 2. Students Self-Reflection on their First Year Experience (as of 11/2017) 3. Self-Evaluation of Digital Skills 4. Social Media Use Patterns and Impacts 5. Concluding Remarks and Suggestions 3/20/2025

I. Descriptive Summary of the Survey Data Online survey was conducted at CSU Dominguez Hills in November 2017, in collaboration with the University Advisement Center (UAC). Email and text message with the survey link were sent to all 1,683 freshmen After three email reminders, 362 responses were received (at the response rate of 21.5%) 361 valid responses were analyzed and reported. 3/20/2025

Table 1. Sample Statistics (n=361: 79% of them are First-Generation Student) 17 years 6.6%; 18 years 83.4%; 19 years 6.6%; 20-22 years 3.4% Age Female 75.6%; Male 23.5%; Gender non-conforming 0.8% Gender Not Employed (Students Only) 66%; Employed Part-time 31.6%; Employed Full-time 2.5%; Employment Status Hispanic or Latino 77.8%; Black or African American 10.2%; Asian or Pacific Islander 7.5%; White/Caucasian 3.9%; Others 0.6%. Ethnicity 3/20/2025

How important is it to you that you graduate from CSU Dominguez Hills? Important, 7.3% Neutral, 2.3% Very important, 90.4% 3/20/2025

Figure 1.1. Sample Distribution by Majors (n=361) Psychology 13.6% Business Administration 9.4% Criminal Justice 9.1% Biology 8.9% All other majors 7.8% Undeclared 7.5% Child Development 7.2% Liberal Studies 5.5% Computer Science 5.5% Health Science 2.8% Sociology 2.5% Kinesiology 2.5% Pre Physical Thearpy 2.2% Human Services 2.2% Communications 1.9% Theater arts 1.7% Clinical Science 1.7% Political Science 1.4% Mathematics Education 1.4% English 1.4% Biochemistry 1.4% Art & Design 1.4% Studio Art 1.1% 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0% 12.0% 14.0% 16.0% 3/20/2025

Figure 1.2. Sample Distribution of Students by Household Income (n=361) Less than $25,000 43.8% $25,000 - $49,999 34.9% $50,000 - $74,999 11.1% $75,000 - $99,999 5.8% $100,000 or more 4.4% 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% 45.0% 50.0% 3/20/2025

45% of Freshmen Had Their First Smartphone in Middle School or Earlier, while 40% of them got it during the first 2 years of high school Figure 1.3. The Year To Own the First Smartphone (n=361) No-response 1% 2016 (12th Grade) 5% 2015 (11th Grade) 9% 2014 (10th Grade) 16% 2013 (9th Grade) 24% 2012 (8th Grade) 24% 2011 (7th Grade) 9% 2005-2010 (1st-6th Grade) 12% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 3/20/2025

II. Students Self-Reflections on Their First Year Experience (as 11/2017) Questions Asked: (1) Please take a moment to reflect on your first-year experience so far, whom have you gone to for help with your academic work at CSU Dominguez Hills? Please provide examples to illustrate your points. (2) What can CSU Dominguez Hills do to better support first-year students like you? Please use examples to illustrate your points (based on your own experiences or experiences of your classmates/friends on the campus). 3/20/2025

Overall First-Year Experience as at CSUDH Responses Student Psychology 18 years old, male I feel so far my experience has been great. Throughout the time I ve been at CSUDH I've learned where to find resources to help be successful in my educational career. For example, receiving help from peer coaches, attending workshops, and speaking to multiple advisors. Liberal Studies 18 years old, female So far, my first year experience at CSUDH has been really exciting. It was overwhelming at first, but with help of peers and staff, I was able to keep up with everything. I needed help understanding statistics, so I went to tutoring at the Toro Learning Center. Going once a week helped me a lot. I had a better understanding of the concept. English 18 years old, female My first year experience at CSUDH has been great so far surrounded by great helpful staff and professors. I've received a lot of help from not only the EOP Office but from the FAFSA Expert as well. As a first generation to attend college I was often lost and confused and this type of help helped me overcome any of my academic problems. Biology 18 years old, female My first experience is going well. I have gone to the tutoring center for help and I, as well, have gone up to my professors for help. Communications 18 years old, female My first year at Dominguez has been an enlightening experience. The up keep of school and social aspects have been an adventure. One main resource I go to for help with academic work is my SI for math. I also take use of the wonderful Toro testing and learning center where I go to for tutoring. 3/20/2025

What Do CSUDH Freshman Really Like about DHFYE? Student Responses Criminal Justice 18 years old, female I like how they make us do workshops and really push us to meet with our Advisors. Liberal Studies 19 years old, female When going to get help for all my academic work, I have been attending my professors office hour for help or go to study groups that I form with my peers in class at TLC or the library. Child Development 17 years old, female Based on my experience, I can say that the peer mentor idea is definitely my favorite. Child Development 18 years old, female In my opinion CSUDH is doing a good job in everything. I like all the help that they provide on campus. Criminal Justice 18 years old, female My first year here at DH has been pretty good. I have my peer coach xx to help me whenever I need it and my professor, xx, has helped me a lot with organizing my work and getting it done on time. I also had my advisor, xx, but unfortunately she is no longer my advisor. I really like that I can go to any of these people and they are willing to help me with anything. 3/20/2025

What Can CSUDH Do Better to Support First-Year Students? Global Studies 18 years old, female Criminal Justice 18 years old, female To make more open hours for tutoring and longer library hours. To provide workshops for just first year students to come in together and talk about their experiences. We all can provide tips and create something for the next upcoming freshman. Have organizations or clubs present themselves. I have no idea what kinda clubs are here on campus nor where to go to find out. Maybe better show where the resources are, a lot of students don't seek help because they don't know where to look, so that could be a starting point. Have more socials where we can make those connections with other students as well as market those events widely throughout campus. Art & Design 18 years old, female Undecided Major 18 years old, male Liberal Studies 18 years old, female 3/20/2025

What Do CSUDH Freshman Wish to Continue? Student Communications 18 years old, female Spanish 18 years old, female Responses Maintain the ETE & EOP summer bridge program. If it weren t for them, I d be a complete loner. Continue to push freshmen by completing certain thing before a due date, such as our peer mentors continuing to push freshmen to get things done before the due date. Just continue to provide academic support and help through meetings with peer and academic coaches and advisors. Continue to have FAST workshops and the Toro learning center. Physical Education 18 years old, male Mathematics Education 18 years old, female Computer Science 17 years old, male Umm Everything has been cool so far. Maybe some games to get to know the different freshmen..lol. 3/20/2025

CSUDH Freshmens Wish List Student Communications 18 years old, male Theatre Arts 18 years old, female Child Development 18 years old, female Responses CSUDH can improve their WiFi connection add more places to sit in LSU, add more affordable (diversity) of restaurant's , make Toro gear affordable. Inform the students of what they can use for free on campus like the Toro Express. Sociology 18 years old, female Psychology 18 years old, female Install more outlets to charge laptops/ devices throughout LSU. I would like to see classes have more in class tutors or SI's in math. 3/20/2025

III. Self-Evaluation of Digital Skills Questions asked: 1-What digital skills (e.g., using computer, Internet, social media technologies etc) do you think are essential for a student to succeed at college? 2-Please rate your proficiency in using the following information technology: (5=Excellent; 4=Above average; 3=Average; 2=Below Average; 1=Poor) (1) Word processor, e.g., Word (2) Spreadsheets, e.g., EXCEL (3) Presentation, e.g., PowerPoint (4) Video editing tools, e.g., iMovie, MovieMaker (5) Photo/image editing tools, e.g., Photoshop (6) Web-based course management system, e.g., Blackboard (7) Internet video and phone call services, e.g., Skype, Google Hangouts 3/20/2025

Digital Skills That Freshmen Think Are Essential for Their College Success Student Responses English 18 years old, female The digital skills that I think are essential for a student to succeed at college is being able to use Word, Blackboard, and PowerPoint because majority of the courses that are taken require for one to turn in essays and projects through Blackboard. Biology 18 years old, female Access to a computer, and the Internet. programs such as Microsoft, Google docs etc. This may allow students to do their online work and print out homework. Psychology 17 years old, female Word is essential to do coursework, Blackboard is necessary to look at schedules, and Excelis good for future jobs. Child Development 19 years old, female Using our student portal, using Blackboard, using Google docs & Microsoft Word are essential skills. I use these on a regular basis for school. Journalism 21 years old, female I believe all the digital skills of using a computer and internet are essential to succeed as a lot of our work is completed online now and requires thorough research. I am a journalism student thus I need to be proficient in social media and other technologies to prepare me for my future career. 3/20/2025

Overall, the Freshmen class rated their PowerPoint, Word, Blackboard, and Skype Skillhigher than Excel and Video/Photo editing Figure 3.1. College Freshmen's Digital Skills (n=361) 4.14 Presentation, e.g., PowerPoint 4.06 Word processor, e.g., Word 3.98 Web-based course management system, e.g., Blackboard 3.91 Internet video and phone call services, e.g., Skype, 3.14 Spreadsheets, e.g., EXCEL 3.08 Video editing tools, e.g., iMovie, MovieMaker 3.01 Photo/image editing tools, e.g., Photoshop 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00 3/20/2025

Female students rated their Blackboard, Skype and PowerPoint skills slightly higher than male students Figure 3.2. Digital Skills by Gender (n=361) 5.00 4.50 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 (1) Word processor, e.g., Word (2) (3) (4) Video editing tools, e.g., iMovie, MovieMaker (5) (6) Web-based course management system, e.g., Blackboard (7) Internet video and phone call services, e.g., Skype, Google Hangouts Spreadsheets, e.g., EXCEL Presentation, e.g., PowerPoint Photo/image editing tools, e.g., Photoshop Female Male 3/20/2025

Continuing-education students rated their Excel and Video/Photo editing Skill slightly higher than first-generation students Figure 3.3. Digital Skills by First-Generation Student Status (n=361) 5.00 4.50 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 (1) Word processor, e.g., Word (2) Spreadsheets, e.g., EXCEL (3) Presentation, e.g., PowerPoint (4) Video editing tools, e.g., iMovie, MovieMaker (5) Photo/image editing tools, e.g., Photoshop (6) Web-based course management system, e.g., Blackboard (7) Internet video and phone call services, e.g., Skype, Google Hangouts Non Fist-Gen Students First-Gen Students 3/20/2025

IV. Social Media Use Patterns and Impacts Open-ended Questions asked: 1-Social media technology refers to the collection of web-based technologies that enable interactive dialogues and information sharing online. What social media technology do you use? (Please check all that apply to you.) 2-Do you think social media (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc) help your social interactions at college? Why or why not? 3-Do you think social media (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc) help you with your academic work at college? Why or why not? 3/20/2025

At Least 84% of Freshmen Use Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube Figure 4.1. Percentage of Freshmen Having a Social Media Account (n=361) Snapchat 87% Instagram 86% YouTube 84% Twitter 48% Facebook 46% Pinterest 24% LinkedIn 5% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 3/20/2025

In a typical day, 1 out 3 freshman use social media every 2-3 hours, and 1 out 5 students use social media every 1 hour Figure 4.2. Frequency of Using Social Media 40.0% 35.7% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.2% 20.2% 20.0% 16.3% 15.0% 10.0% 5.5% 5.0% 1.7% 0.3% 0.0% Every 30 minutes Every 1 hour Every 2-3 hours Every 4-6 hours Every 7 hours + Once or twice a week. Not at all 3/20/2025

In a typical day, 55% students spend 3 hours or more on social media, while 43% of them spend 2 hours or less. Figure 4.3. Time Spent on Social Media on a Daily Basis (n=361) 40.0% 34.3% 35.0% 30.0% 26.6% 25.0% 21.4% 20.0% 16.1% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 1.1% 0.6% 0.0% Less than 1 hour 1-2 hours 3-4 hours 5 hours or more I'm not sure. None 3/20/2025

61.5% of the first-year students believe that they have the technical skills to use social media technologies for learning Figure 4.4. Students' Perceived Technical Skills with Social Media for Learning (n=361) 24.7% Agree strongly 26.0% 35.3% Agree 36.6% 35.3% Neutral 28.6% 4.7% Disagree 7.7% 0.0% Disagree strongly 0.7% 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% Male Female All 3/20/2025

85% of the freshmen are confident about their ability to search online and obtain information from the Web Figure 4.5. Freshmen Having Ability to Search Online and Obtain Information (n=361) 44.7% Agree strongly 45.4% 37.6% Agree 41.0% 17.6% Neutral 12.1% Disagree 0.7% 0.0% 0 Disagree strongly 0 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 Male 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5 Female All 3/20/2025

61.2% of the First-Year Students Believe that Social Media Enables Them to Collaborate Better with Peers Figure 4.6. Social Media Enabling Peer Collaboration 18.8% Agree strongly 23.1% 42.4% Agree 38.5% 34.1% Neutral 30.7% 3.5% Disagree 6.6% 1.2% Disagree strongly 1.1% 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% Male 20.0% Female 25.0% All 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% 45.0% 3/20/2025

Does Social Media Use Helps Social Interaction at College? Student Pre-Physical Therapy 18 years old, male Responses Yes, it gives you the opportunity to connect with people that you might never see on campus. Or stay connected to people that you had previous classes with. Yes, social has helped my social interactions at college because I have found a lot of people that attend CSU Dominguez Hills on it and I can text them about homework or just to hangout and get more friends. Kinesiology 18 years old, female Psychology 18 years old, male In my opinion not really. My social media is still full of my high school friends and it will probably change. Kinesiology 18 years old, female No, I believe social media weakens our social interactions at college. Being glued to our phones all day does not provide us with the skills to interact properly. 3/20/2025

Does Social Media Use Help Academic Work at College? Student Communications 18 years old, female Health Sciences 18 years old, female Responses Yes, because I can go on YouTube to search tutorials when I m having trouble with homework. I believe it does for example Instagram helps me communicate with my school and let me be aware of academic opportunities such as workshops, meetings, events, etc. No, because it is more of a distraction than any thing else. I find myself spending an extra ten minutes on it when I pull it up. No, it's used more of an escape to take a break from work. Pre-Physical Therapy 18 years old, male Psychology 18 years old, female 3/20/2025

Concluding Remarks and Suggestions Key findings of the Survey Study on the 2017 DHFYE Cohort Obtaining a college degree from CSUDH is very important to them. Overwhelming positive feedback on First-Year Experience at CSUDH. Self Evaluation of Proficient Digital Skills in Word, PowerPoint, Blackboard, and Skype and Less Proficient in Excel and Video/Audio Editing. Mixed Feelings about Social Media Use for Academic Work and Social Interaction Implication on Digital and Social Technology Strategies at CSUDH Digital technology strategies: (1) skill assessment; (2) training and workshops Social media strategies to engage students and develop a sense of community 3/20/2025

Thank You! For further questions, please contact: Nancy Deng, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Information Systems Department of Information Systems and Operations Management (ISOM) College of Business Administration and Publication Policy, CSU Dominguez Hills Email: ndeng@csudh.edu IRB Review and Approval IRB 18-072 Understanding First-Year Experience and Digital Skills Approved on Oct. 13, 2017 Acknowledgment of Support: Judith Aguirre, Research Compliance Officer, CSUDH Institutional Review Board 3/20/2025