Examining cognitive independence in the context of digital learning: A moderation analysis of student motivation, self-regulation skills, and cognitive engagement

Gulnur Ussenova, Gulnara Issayeva, Ryskul Urazaliyeva, Galina Karimova, Marina Mukhanova

2025

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DOI 10.30935/cedtech/17570
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which the use of digital educational resources (DER) predicts students’ cognitive independence (CI) in higher education and explores the moderating roles of psychological variables; motivation for digital learning, self-regulation skills (SRS), and cognitive engagement (CE). A total of 276 undergraduate students from Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University in Kazakhstan participated in the study. Data were collected using a validated survey instrument covering five constructs: DER usage, motivation, self-regulation, CE, and CI. Moderation analyses were conducted using general linear models. The results revealed that DER usage is a significant positive predictor of CI. While motivation, self-regulation, and engagement were each strong direct predictors, only SRS and CE moderate the relationship between DER usage and CI. Specifically, students with lower levels of self-regulation or engagement benefited more from DER use. These findings show the compensatory role of digital tools in improving autonomy among less-prepared learners. The study contributes to the literature by identifying for whom DER is most effective and indicates the need for differentiated digital pedagogical strategies that promote independent learning.