Examining the Relationship between Computational Thinking, 21st century Skills, and Digital Literacy Levels among Students in Health Education
Jordan Journal of Nursing Research, cilt.5, sa.2, ss.146-156, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 5 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.14525/jjnr.2026.22
- Dergi Adı: Jordan Journal of Nursing Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.146-156
- Anahtar Kelimeler: 21st century skills, Computational thinking, Digital literacy, Health education
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: 21st century skills are critical for health professionals to adapt to a changing world. Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between computational thinking, digital literacy, and 21st century skills among students in health education. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 778 students enrolled at the Faculty of Health Sciences in a province in eastern Turkey between July 2024 and December 2024. Computational thinking scale, digital literacy scale and 21st century skills scale were used in the study. Results: Correlation analyses showed that digital literacy was moderately and positively correlated with computational thinking (r =0.529, p <0.001) and multidimensional 21st century skills (r = 0.477, p < 0.001). Computational thinking also demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with multidimensional 21st century skills (r =0.441, p <0.001). Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that computational thinking and digital literacy together significantly predicted multidimensional 21st century skills, accounting for 27.7% of the variance (R²=0.277). Both predictors showed significant positive standardized effects (computational thinking: β =0.262, p <0.001; digital literacy: β =0.338, p <0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that in order to develop 21st century skills in health education, it is necessary to support algorithmic thinking and digital literacy as a combined effort. Implications for Nursing: Nursing curricula should incorporate algorithmic thinking and the use of digital tools holistically; clinical and applied courses should provide learning opportunities in which students can apply 21st century skills in real-life contexts.