ERIC Number: EJ1476273
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jul
Pages: 40
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-2357
EISSN: EISSN-1573-7608
Available Date: 2025-01-25
Cyber Safety in E-Learning: The Effects of Cyber Awareness and Information Security Policies with Moderating Effects of Gender and Experience Levels among E-Learning Students
Chrispus Zacharia Oroni1; Fu Xianping1; Daniela Daniel Ndunguru2; Arsenyan Ani2
Education and Information Technologies, v30 n10 p14197-14236 2025
In recent times, the rapid growth of e-learning has brought about increased concerns regarding cybersecurity risks within digital learning environments. Despite the growing importance of cybersecurity awareness among e-learning students, there is limited research on the factors that influence students' understanding and adherence to cyber safety practices. This study investigates the relationship between e-learning engagement, cybersecurity awareness, and cyber safety practices, with a focus on the moderating roles of gender and e-learning experience. The research emphasizes the need to consider demographic factors such as gender and experience level when designing cybersecurity interventions for online learners. The investigation uses structural equation modeling to analyze how engagement in e-learning platforms influences students' cybersecurity awareness and their adherence to security protocols. Among the key findings from SEM, the study reveals that e-learning engagement positively impacts cybersecurity awareness, with gender and experience level acting as significant moderators. However, the study also found that experienced learners may initially face challenges in applying security protocols effectively, though their understanding improves over time with continued engagement. In addition, the research found that students with higher e-learning engagement are more likely to adopt cyber safety practices and comply with information security policies. Interestingly, the results suggest that educational institutions should tailor cybersecurity programs to address the unique needs of students based on their gender and experience levels. Furthermore, our research can inform future policies and interventions aimed at promoting cybersecurity awareness among e-learning students, ultimately contributing to safer and more secure digital learning environments.
Descriptors: Educational Technology, Electronic Learning, Information Security, Knowledge Level, Gender Differences, Student Behavior, Student Experience, Barriers, Student Needs
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Dalian Maritime University, School of Information Science and Technology, Dalian, China; 2Chang’an University, Xi’an-Shaanxi, China