Undergraduate Student’ Readiness, Challenges, and Engagement in Digital Learning: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study of Sarawak and West Borneo

Abstract

This research examines advanced changes in higher education in Sarawak, Malaysia, and West Kalimantan (West Borneo), Indonesia, revealing high overall student readiness for digital learning. Sarawak students reported a slightly higher mean readiness score (M=3.88) compared to their West Kalimantan counterparts (M = 3.73), with peer support emerging as particularly influential in Sarawak and self-error correction valued in West Kalimantan. Both groups demonstrated confidence in synchronous technologies and familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), though Sarawak students showed greater reluctance to share ideas online, while West Kalimantan students reported lower LMS proficiency, signaling needs for region-specific pedagogical and technical support. Persistent challenges included limited high-speed internet access (especially in Sarawak), low digital literacy, and environmental distractions, underscoring the necessity for institutional interventions like enhanced connectivity, affordable devices, and digital literacy training. Student engagement remained strong across regions, characterized by proactive behaviors, collaboration, and interactive learning; however, reduced attentiveness in Sarawak and weaker senses of mastery in West Kalimantan highlight areas for refining online environments and support systems.