Abstract

This study investigated the relationship among digital learning environment, academic engagement and academic performance among Social Studies students in selected Colleges of Education in South-West Nigeria. This study was motivated by the increasing integration of digital technologies into teaching and learning process and the need to have comprehensive understanding on how such developments influence students' academic experiences and learning outcomes. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised all 200-level Social Studies students in four selected Colleges of Education in South-West Nigeria, namely Federal College of Education, Iwo; Federal College of Education, Abeokuta; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; and Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. The total population of 360 students was used through total enumeration sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering digital learning environment, academic engagement and academic performance. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were used to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and multiple regression analyses were employed to examine the relationships among the variables. The findings revealed that the respondents experienced a high level of digital learning environment (Mean = 3.12), demonstrated a high level of academic engagement (Mean = 3.06), and reported a high level of academic performance (Mean = 3.01). The study further revealed a strong positive relationship between digital learning environment and academic engagement (r = .62), a moderate positive relationship between digital learning environment and academic performance (r = .54), and a strong positive relationship between academic engagement and academic performance (r = .68). The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that digital learning environment and academic engagement jointly accounted for 55% of the variance in academic performance (R² = .55), with academic engagement emerging as the stronger predictor. The study concluded that a supportive digital learning environment and active academic engagement of students are important factors in enhancing students' academic performance. It was therefore recommended that Colleges of Education should strengthen digital learning infrastructure, promote effective utilization of educational technologies and encourage student-centred learning practices that enhances academic engagement.