The Impact of Digital Learning Resources on Access, Engagement, and Equity in Higher Education

<blockquote> <p>This dataset supports the research article titled <strong>“The Impact of Digital Learning Resources on Access, Engagement, and Equity in Higher Education”</strong> by Senthilkumar M., submitted to the journal <em>Knowledge Management Research & Practice</em>, published by Taylor & Francis.</p> <p>The study examines how digital learning resources (DLRs)—such as learning management systems, online lectures, open educational resources (OERs), and digital textbooks—impact student engagement, educational access, and equity in two public universities situated in contrasting urban and rural contexts.</p> <p>A <strong>mixed-methods approach</strong> was employed, including:</p> <ul> <li> <p>A <strong>quantitative survey</strong> of 300 undergraduate students (150 urban, 150 rural)</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Semi-structured interviews</strong> with 20 students</p> </li> </ul> <p>This dataset includes:</p> <ul> <li> <p>The survey questionnaire instrument used for data collection</p> </li> <li> <p>Aggregated and anonymized quantitative survey responses</p> </li> <li> <p>A coding summary of qualitative interview themes</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Variables</strong> covered include: type and frequency of DLR usage, student engagement indicators, digital access barriers (e.g., internet connectivity, device availability), and digital literacy levels.</p> <p>The data provides valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to improve digital education infrastructure and promote equitable access to higher education.</p> <p><strong>File Format</strong>: [Excel / CSV / PDF]<br><strong>License</strong>: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)<br><strong>Data Collection Period</strong>: March–April 2025<br><strong>Principal Investigator</strong>: Senthilkumar M.<br><strong>Affiliation</strong>: Assistant Librarian, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Tamil Nadu, India<br><strong>Contact</strong>: [[email protected]]</p> </blockquote>