Investigating the Mediating Role of Teachers’ Digital Literacy in the Relationship Between E-Learning and Instructional Interactions in Elementary Schools in Tehran

Toorani, H.; Jafari, A.

doi:10.22061/tej.2025.10164.2952

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

H. Toorani ¹
A. Jafari ²

¹ Department of Fundamentals of Curriculum Planning, Institute for Educational Studies, Organization for Educational Research and Planning (OERP), Tehran, Iran

² Department of Partnerships and Communications, Institute for Educational Studies, Organization for Educational Research and Planning (OERP), Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22061/tej.2025.10164.2952

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The rapid advancements in information and communication technologies (ICT), along with their integration into mobile devices, have transformed the landscape of education, introducing innovative methods for teaching and learning. This technological integration has significantly influenced how the learning process is conceptualized and guided. Teachers, as the primary facilitators of learning, play a pivotal role in engaging students in virtual learning environments. However, the effectiveness of e-learning in fostering teacher-student interactions is contingent upon several factors, one of the most critical being teachers' digital literacy. Digital literacy not only determines teachers' ability to utilize e-learning tools effectively but also enhances their capacity to foster meaningful instructional interactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of teachers’ digital literacy in the relationship between e-learning and instructional interactions in elementary schools in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: The research was applied in nature, with a survey-based approach adopted for data collection. The statistical population consisted of 20,968 elementary school teachers across all 19 educational districts in Tehran. Of this total, 18,824 were female and 2,144 were male. Based on Morgan’s table, the sample size was estimated at 376. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was employed. Initially, Tehran was divided into five geographical regions (north, south, center, east, and west). After dividing Tehran into these geographical regions, one cluster (region) was randomly selected from each region by assigning a code. In the subsequent stage, 20 clusters (schools) were randomly selected from each chosen region by assigning codes to ensure balance among the regions. To measure the variables under study, three validated instruments were employed: the Digital Literacy Questionnaire, E-Learning Questionnaire, and Teacher-Student Interaction Questionnaire. These tools provided a comprehensive framework for assessing teachers' digital literacy, the efficacy of e-learning, and the quality of teacher-student interactions. Structural equation model and linear regression were used to analyze the hypotheses.
Findings: The findings of the study underscore the significant positive impact of e-learning on teacher-student interactions. Furthermore, digital literacy was identified as a critical mediating factor that enhances this relationship. Specifically, the results demonstrated that teachers with higher levels of digital literacy were better equipped to leverage e-learning platforms, leading to more effective instructional interactions. The mediating role of digital literacy highlights its importance as a foundational skill that amplifies the benefits of e-learning technologies. This finding suggests that digital literacy not only facilitates the adoption of e-learning tools but also enriches the quality of teacher-student engagement in virtual learning settings.
Conclusions: The study's results emphasize the necessity of improving teachers' digital literacy to enhance the overall quality of education and promote effective teacher-student interactions in elementary schools. Digital literacy serves as a critical enabler, allowing teachers to navigate and utilize e-learning tools more effectively. Consequently, targeted interventions to improve teachers' digital literacy should be prioritized as part of broader educational reforms. Additionally, the development of ICT infrastructure within schools is imperative for the successful implementation of e-learning initiatives. Providing teachers with access to reliable digital tools and resources can further enhance their ability to deliver engaging and interactive virtual lessons. Moreover, tailored training programs focused on the practical use of e-learning platforms and digital teaching strategies can empower teachers to maximize the potential of ICT in education. By addressing these areas, schools can create a conducive environment for effective e-learning and foster stronger instructional interactions between teachers and students. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the role of digital literacy in modern education and underscore its importance in adapting to the demands of the digital era.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Electronic learning- virtual

COPYRIGHTS
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)

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