HomeJournal of Interdisciplinary Perspectivesvol. 3 no. 8 (2025)

Synchronous E-Learning, Digital Literacy, and Writing Strategies: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis of Grammatical Competence

Felix D. Tubera, Jr. | Marilou Limpot

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This research investigated the relationship between students’ synchronous e-learning, digital literacy, and writing strategies and their grammatical competence, focusing on 400 Filipino major students enrolled in public and private colleges and universities within the Davao Region. A quantitative, causalcomparative, and correlational research design was employed, utilizing stratified random sampling. Statistical tools, including the mean, standard deviation, Pearson product-moment correlation, and multiple linear regression, were used to analyze the data. Furthermore, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to enhance the study’s credibility and rigor through model specification, estimation, and evaluation. Results revealed that students exhibited a high level of synchronous e-learning, digital literacy, and writing strategies, while their grammatical competence was at a moderate level. A significant relationship was found between digital literacy and grammatical competence, whereas no significant relationship was observed between synchronous e-learning and writing strategies with grammatical competence. However, a combined influence of all three variables—synchronous e-learning, digital literacy, and writing strategies— on grammatical competence was observed, although no singular variable had a strong individual influence. The best-fit model, structural model 3, indicates that grammatical competence is strongly influenced collectively by synchronous e-learning, digital literacy, and writing strategies. The study emphasizes the need to enhance language education by strengthening the grammatical competence of Filipino major students through effective strategies and supportive environments. It recommends exploring grammar instruction across various educational levels and examining the impact of digital and social media on language learning. The study also emphasizes the importance of utilizing practical, localized teaching materials to enhance grammar mastery and overall language proficiency.



References:

  1. Adam, A. M. (2020). Sample size determination in survey research. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 26, 90–97. https://journaljsrr.com/index.php/JSRR/article/view/1154
  2. Aghajani, M., & Adloo, M. (2018). The effect of online cooperative learning on students’ writing skills and attitudes through telegram application. International Journal of Instruction, 11, 433-448. https://doi.org/10.12973/iji.2018.11330a
  3. Albiladi, W. S., & Alshareef, K. K. (2019). Blended learning in English teaching and learning: A review of the current literature. International Journal of English Linguistics, 9(1), 232–238. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijel.v9n1p232 
  4. Al‑Fraihat, D., Joy, M., & Sinclair, J. (2022). Exploring determinants of student satisfaction with synchronous e‑learning. International Journal of Information and Learning Technology. https://tinyurl.com/psr8n49a
  5. Alqahtani, A. (2022). Review and analysis of theories underlying grammar teaching methodologies. Arab World English Journal, 13(4). https://tinyurl.com/2up7ueh7
  6. Askar, P., & Mazman, S. G. (2013). The effect of digital literacy on information use behavior. Journal of Educational Technology & Society. https://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJLIS
  7. Bailey, D., Almusharraf, N., & Hatcher, R. (2021). Finding satisfaction: Intrinsic motivation for synchronous and asynchronous communication in the online language learning context. Education and Information Technologies, 26(3). https://tinyurl.com/k8vdk78d
  8. Barraquio, D. T. (2015). Grammar proficiency of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba college students.         NEXO, 1(1). https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=6780
  9. Bautista, M. L. S. (2004). The verb in Philippine English: A preliminary analysis of modal would. World Englishes, 23(1), 113–128. https://tinyurl.com/yscceryn
  10. Belarmino, V. S. (2024). Strategic intervention materials on subject‑verb agreement: A tool for the enhancement of students’ grammatical competence. Ignatian International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 2(1). https://tinyurl.com/yscceryn
  11. Blyth, C. (1997). A constructivist approach to grammar: Teaching teachers to teach aspect. The Modern Language Journal, 81(1), 50-66. https://doi.org/10.2307/329160
  12. Bodbod, I. (2024). Exploring writing strategies of two sophomore students of a state university in the Philippines: A case study on its implications for pedagogical support and cognitive awareness. Balangkas, 1(1), 10–16. https://tinyurl.com/crswbmw5
  13. Cabansag, J. N. (2020). Direct grammar-focused strategy instruction and students’ grammatical competence. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 16(4), 211–220. https://tinyurl.com/mr3mkw3k
  14. Carretero, S., Vuorikari, R., & Punie, Y. (2017). Digcomp 2.1: The digital competence framework for citizens. EU Joint Research Centre. https://tinyurl.com/2v3n98nj
  15. Chamot, A. U. (2005). The cognitive academic language learning approach (CALLA): An update. In P. A. Richard-Amato & M. A. Snow (Eds.), Academic success for English language learners: Strategies for K–12 mainstream teachers,87–101. https://tinyurl.com/5y78yyhb
  16. Chang, S. Y., & Lee, L. (2023). Exploring the relationship between students’ perceived instructional quality…, System, 119. https://tinyurl.com/2kpz4wtc
  17. Chen, F., Bollen, K. A., Paxton, P., Curran, P. J., & Kirby, J. B. (2001). Improper solutions in structural equation models: Causes, consequences, and strategies. Sociological Methods & Research, 29(4), 468–508. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124101029004003
  18. Chien, S. C. (2012). Students' use of writing strategies and their English writing achievements in Taiwan. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 32(1), 93–112. https://tinyurl.com/cj53xefz
  19. Chinaza, K. C., Achukwu, C. B., & Uzoekwe, H. E. (2015). Computer self-efficacy, computer-related technology dependence, and online learning readiness of undergraduate students. International Journal of Higher Education Management, 1(2). https://tinyurl.com/3x8e7uv5
  20. Chiu, T., Falloon, G., Song, Y., Wong, V. W. L., Zhao, L., & Ismailov, M. (2024). A self-determination theory approach to teacher digital competence development. Computers & Education, 214, 105017. https://tinyurl.com/4evnzcet
  21. Chiu, T., Sun, J. C. Y., & Ismailov, M. (2022). Investigating the relationship of technology learning support to digital literacy from the perspective of Self-Determination Theory. Educational Psychology, 42(10), 1263–1282. https://tinyurl.com/bdd66p6v
  22. Chomsky, N. (1986). Information processing theory new horizons in the study of language and mind. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/88KejG (Accessed 10 August 2018). https://tinyurl.com/nhh7a6wd
  23. Chomsky, Noam (1956). Generative grammar theory knowledge of language: Its origin, nature and use. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/jC4ZPy (Accessed 3 August 2018). https://tinyurl.com/526tr52j
  24. Cordero, A., & Tupas, R. (2021). Grammar instruction in tertiary Filipino language education: Trends and challenges. Philippine Journal of Language Teaching, 58(2), 103–117. https://tinyurl.com/mt636kz7
  25. Creswell, J. W. (2015). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. Pearson. https://tinyurl.com/337a6wbh
  26. Cruz, M. A. (2022). The impact of educational media on grammar proficiency in Filipino language learning. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 13(1), 55–68. https://tinyurl.com/mt636kz7
  27. Cuyos, A. N. C., Omaña, E. F., Madidis, E. E., & Nibalvos, M. N. C. (2024). Navigating grammatical errors among Filipino tertiary students: Implication for linguistic competence. https://tinyurl.com/bdz6tmty
  28. Darus, S., & Ching, C. E. (2009). Grammatical errors of Filipino ESL learners (error distribution data frequently referenced, StudyLib). https://tinyurl.com/36jtxm93
  29. Delos Santos, A. M. (2023). Digital competence and writing skills in the Filipino language classroom. Philippine Journal of Education, 98(2), 34–45. https://tinyurl.com/mt636kz7
  30. Fatima, M., Rextin, A., Nasim, M., & Yusuf, O. (2022). Digital information seeking and sharing behavior during the first wave of the COVID‑19 pandemic. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2201.09526 
  31. Flower, L., & Hayes, J. R. (1981). A cognitive process theory of writing. College Composition and Communication, 32(4), 365–387. https://doi.org/10.2307/356600
  32. Flower, L., and Hayes, J. (1981). A cognitive process theory of writing. College Composition and Communication, 32, 365–87. https://tinyurl.com/yuxkmp5u
  33. Galvez, D. J., & Celesio, M. L. (2024). Grammatical deviations in the lesson plans among bachelor of secondary education (BSED) English students. Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Science. https://tinyurl.com/bde4h8sv
  34. Garil, B. A., Abbas, T. S. C., & Limen, M. V. (2024). Analyzing the demographic‑based grammatical competence and its relationship to academic performance in higher education setting. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(3). https://tinyurl.com/yz5sb5xs
  35. Gashi, A., Zhushi, G., & Krasniqi, B. (2024). Exploring determinants of student satisfaction with synchronous e-learning: Evidence during COVID-19. The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, 41(1), 1–20. https://tinyurl.com/mv894y39
  36. Graham, S., Harris, K. R., & Chambers, B. A. (2020). Training writers in planning: Effects on self-regulated strategy instruction and writing achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(4), 653–669. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000407
  37. Graham, S., Harris, K. R., & Mason, L. H. (2020). Writing strategy instruction: A meta-analytic and narrative review. Review of Educational Research, 90(3), 211–241. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654320963728
  38. Graham, S., & Perin, D. (2007). A meta-analysis of writing instruction for adolescent students. Journal of Educational Psychology, 99(3), 445–476. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.99.3.445
  39. Getenet, S., Cantle, R., Redmond, P., & Albion, P. (2024). Students’ digital technology attitude, literacy and self‑efficacy and their effect on online learning engagement. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 21 Article 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00437-y
  40. Gonzales, J. M., & Santiago, M. A. (2022). Grammatical competence in Filipino: A diagnostic study among pre-service teachers. Asian Journal of Education and e-Learning, 10(1), 55–64. https://tinyurl.com/mt636kz7
  41. Gunuc, S. (2024). The role of contextual and individual factors in successful e‑learning. Journal of Computers in Education. https://tinyurl.com/mr4b93ny
  42. Harris, K. R., Santangelo, T., & Graham, S. (2018). Peer-assisted revision process (PAR): Evidence to inform classroom implementation. Remedial and Special Education, 39(1), 35–47. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932517715815 
  43. Haryanti, D. U., Rasyid, F., & Wahyuni, S. (2022). Path analysis on writing anxiety, writing attitude, language awareness, and writing achievement of university students. English Learning Innovation, 3(1), 85–99. https://ejournal.umm.ac.id/index.php/englie/article/view/19657 
  44. Hassoun, A., Beacock, I., Consolvo, S., Goldberg, B., Kelley, P. G., & Russell, D. M. (2023). Practicing information sensibility: How Gen Z engages with online information. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2301.07184
  45. Hedayati, M., et al. (2023). Learner satisfaction with synchronous and asynchronous virtual learning systems…, BMC Medical Education. https://tinyurl.com/muefzamz
  46. Ho, A. N. M., et al. (2024). Nurturing success: E‑learning readiness and academic self‑efficacy in nursing students. BMC Nursing, 23:495. https://tinyurl.com/3y8h6ky8
  47. Hong, A. J., & Kim, H. J. (2018). College students’ digital readiness for academic engagement (DRAE) scale: Scale development and validation. Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 27, 303–312. https://tinyurl.com/4yud5htm
  48. Hrastinski, S. (2022). What do we mean by synchronous and asynchronous learning? Education and Information Technologies, 27(1), 51–55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10715-8
  49. Huang, X. (2018). Improving communicative competence through synchronous communication in computer-supported collaborative learning environments: A systematic review. Education Sciences, 8(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci8010015
  50. Hyland, K., & Jiang, F. K. (2017). English for specific purposes: Is academic writing becoming more informal? English for Specific Purposes, 45, 40–51. https://tinyurl.com/yc4n3knn
  51. Ilomaki, L. (2016). Digital competence – A critical consideration. Nordic Journal of Digital Literacy, 11(4), 655–679. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-014-9346-4
  52. Ismail, I., & Dedi, D. (2021). Grammar learning strategies practice: An investigation of strategies-based instruction effect on grammatical competence. ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, 4(3), 260–265. https://doi.org/10.34050/elsjish.v4i3.17784
  53. Jiang, H., Islam, A. Y. M., Gu, X., Spector, J. M., & Chen, S. (2022). Technology‑enabled e‑learning platforms in Chinese higher education…. SAGE open. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244022109508
  54. Juniper Press. (2023). Visual media exposure on students’ grammar competence in Filipino. https://tinyurl.com/yrs23vxf
  55. Jung, J., Choi, S., & Fanguy, M. (2024). Exploring teachers’ digital literacy experiences. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 25(2). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v25i2.7572
  56. Kemp, N. (2024). Testing a novel extended educational technology acceptance model. British Journal of Educational Technology. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13440
  57. Kim, H. (2020). Profiles of undergraduate student writers: Differences in writing strategy and impacts on text quality. Learning and Individual Differences, 78, 101814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2020.101814
  58. Klimova, B., & Pikhart, M. (2020). Cognitive and affective factors in the use of ICT in the development of writing skills in university students. Education and Information Technologies, 25(1), 220–234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-09961-9
  59. Liu, M., & Huang, H. (2020). Digital literacy and critical thinking among university students. Journal of Educational Technology, 46. https://tinyurl.com/5dy9v6hw
  60. Liu, J., & Jeba, J. (2018). Changing communicative purposes of academic journal writing in transition to multimodality. ESP Today, 6(2), 208–227. https://doi.org/10.18485/esptoday.2018.6.2.4
  61. MacArthur, C. A., & Philippakos, Z. A. (2021). Scaffolding student revision: Realizing the benefits of metacognitive training. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 37(1), 63–81. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573569.2020.1838411
  62. Marcoulides, K. M., Foldnes, N., & Gronneberg, S. (2020). Assessing model fit in structural equation modeling using appropriate test statistics. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 27(3), 369–379. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705511.2019.1649981 
  63. Merza, H. N. M. (2022). English grammar competence of Filipino college freshmen. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(4). https://tinyurl.com/mryju2tc
  64. Moorhouse, B. L., & Yan, L. (2023). Use of digital tools by English language schoolteachers. Education Sciences, 13(3), 226. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13030226
  65. Moorhouse, B. L., & Kohnke, L. (2021). Synchronous online teaching and its impact on students’ language learning. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 37(1), 123–124. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12528
  66. Nhung, N. (2023). A study on writing strategies used by students of different levels of proficiency at a university in Vietnam. International Journal of Social Science and Human Research, 6(5). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v6-i5-25
  67. Ng, W. (2021). Can we teach digital natives digital literacy? Computers & Education, 59(3), 1065–1078. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.04.016
  68. Olayres, C., et al. (2024). The online learning and communicative ability of the college student. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 28(4), 332–338. https://tinyurl.com/mrxjnv8x
  69. Ovcharuk, O. (2014). Development of ICT competence in the 21st century. Information Technologies and Learning Tools, 25–36. https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/736605
  70. Petric, B., & Czarl, B. (2003). Validating a writing strategy questionnaire. System, 31(2), 187–215. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0346-251X(03)00025-9
  71. Pratiwi, Y. N. (2023). Improving students’ grammar mastery using digital literacy for seventh-grade students of SMPN 1 Tambun Selatan. Jurnal Siliwangi: Seri Pendidikan. https://doi.org/10.37058/jspendidikan.v9i2.8539
  72. Rahman, M. K., Bhuiyan, M. A., Hossain, M. M., & Sifa, R. (2023). Impact of technology self‑efficacy on online learning effectiveness during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Kybernetes, 52(7), 2395‑2415. https://tinyurl.com/mswbexhy
  73. Ramadhan, R. A., Rahim, A., Darmanto, D., & Salman, A. (2024). Enhancing academic writing through digital tools: A systematic review. Journal of Language and Literature Studies, 4(4). https://doi.org/10.36312/jolls.v4i4.2342
  74. Raoofi, S., Binandeh, M., & Rahmani, S. (2017). An investigation into writing strategies and writing proficiency of university students. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 8(1), 191–198. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.0801.24
  75. Raykov, T., & Marcoulides, G. A. (2006). On multilevel model reliability estimation from the perspective of structural equation modeling. Structural Equation Modeling, 13(1), 130–141. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15328007sem1301_
  76. Redecker, C. (2017). European framework for the digital competence of educators: Digcompedu. Publications office of the european union, 541–548. https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC107466
  77. Resada, R. et al. (2024). Writing in Filipino: The most used strategies of the bachelor of secondary education in Western Mindanao State University. Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research. https://tinyurl.com/c4tkwz4f
  78. Rodriguez, E. C. (2023). Language learning strategies and grammatical competence of the English-major students in Zamboanga del Norte HEIs. Sprin Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(4), 27–42. https://doi.org/10.55559/sjahss.v2i04.99
  79. Scott, D., Burns, A., Danyluk, P., & Ulmer-Krol, S. (2018). Evaluating the effectiveness of academic writing interventions in a community-based B.Ed. program. International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education Revue Internationale de l'E-Learning et de la Formation à Distance33(2). Retrieved from https://www.ijede.ca/index.php/jde/article/view/1060
  80. Shabbir, T., Manan, S., & Ayaz, H. (2025). Social media as a learning tool: Impacts on collaborative learning and knowledge sharing. Journal of Social Sciences Review, 5(1), 229–240. https://tinyurl.com/8a3htdrx
  81. Shadiev, R., Liu, T. Y., & Wang, Y. H. (2022). Enhancing grammatical learning through technology: A review of tools and methods. Educational Technology & Society, 25(1), 34–47. https://tinyurl.com/2eaeej4z
  82. Shin, A. (2023). The relationship between student engagement, interaction, and satisfaction in synchronous virtual learning. Journal of Student Research. https://tinyurl.com/3xfutj8n
  83. Sioco, E. C., & De Vera, P. V. (2018). Grammatical competence of junior high school students. TESOL International Journal, 13(1), 82–94. https://tinyurl.com/ms5jveyx
  84. Spante, M., Hashemi, S. S., Lundin, M., & Algers, A. (2018). Digital competence and digital literacy in higher education research: Systematic review of concept use. Cogent Education, 5(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2018.1519143 
  85. Suntornnond, R., Yusop, F. D., & Ahmad, S. (2020). The effectiveness of synchronous and asynchronous e-learning in developing English grammar competence. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 15(13), 122–135. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i13.14129
  86. Sutcu, S. S. (2020). Blogging in EFL learners’ academic writing. International Journal of Progressive Education, 16(6), 344–351. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijpe.2020.280.21
  87. Umstead, L. K., & Mayton, H. (2018). Using correlational and causal-comparative research designs in practice: Exploring relations among client variables. In Making research relevant (pp. 95–108). Routledge. https://tinyurl.com/yc65hduz
  88. Valle, C. R., & Francisco, J. M. (2023). The influence of synchronous discussions on language proficiency among Filipino college students. Asian Journal of Language Studies, 12(1), 77–92. https://tinyurl.com/bd4y9btf
  89. Van Laar, E., Van Deursen, A. J. A. M., Van Dijk, J. A. G. M., &  Waard, I. (2017). Twenty-first-century digital skills: Towards a framework for studying digital literacies. Computers in Human Behavior, 72, 577–585. https://tinyurl.com/42pjfsst
  90. Vergara-, M., & Anthony, J. E. S. (2024). Digital literacy and language learning: The role of information technology in enhancing english proficiency. American Journal of Education and Technology, 3(4), 86–91. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajet.v3i4.3808
  91. Villaruz, J. M., & Palma, R. C. (2024). Metacognitive awareness of writing strategies, oral proficiency, and writing instructions: A structural equation model of academic writing skills in Filipino language. Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports18(7), 114–134. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajarr/2024/v18i7690
  92. Widya, S. O., & Wahyuni, I. (2018). The correlation between grammar mastery and writing thesis proposal at STKIP YDB Lubuk Alung. Jurnal Arbitrer, 5(2), 75–80. https://doi.org/10.25077/ar.5.2.75-80.2018
  93. Yan, J. A. (2007). Grammatical competence of fourth year English majors of Benguet State University [Undergraduate thesis, Benguet State University]. https://tinyurl.com/54efct7z
  94. Yundayani, A., & Ardiasih, L. S. (2021). Task-based material design for academic purposes: Learners’ English writing skill improvement. Studies in English Language and Education, 8(1), 258–275. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v8i1.18548
  95. Zhang, L., Fu, X., Luo, D., Xing, L., & Du, Y. (2021). Musical experience offsets age-related decline in understanding speech-in-noise: Type of training does not matter, working memory is the key. Ear and Hearing, 42(2), 258–270. https://doi.org/10.1097/AUD.0000000000000960