PEGAGOGICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERACTIVE DIGITAL TEXTBOOKS IN DEVELOPING LEARNING MOTIVATION AND COGNITIVE ENGAGEMENT OF NURSING STUDENTS

Abstract

In the context of the ongoing digitalization of education, enhancing learning motivation and cognitive engagement among students majoring in Nursing has become particularly relevant, as these factors are crucial for effective professional training. Interactive digital textbooks are considered a promising educational tool capable of activating students’ learning activities and promoting deeper comprehension of instructional content. At the same time, the pedagogical effectiveness of interactive digital textbooks in the training of future nursing professionals remains insufficiently explored empirically. The aim of this study is to evaluate the pedagogical effectiveness of an interactive digital textbook in fostering learning motivation and cognitive engagement among students majoring in Nursing. The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design involving 20 students, who were divided into a control group and an experimental group of 10 participants each. In the control group, instruction was delivered using traditional learning materials, whereas the experimental group was taught using an interactive digital textbook. Levels of learning motivation and cognitive engagement were assessed before and after the instructional intervention using standardized questionnaires. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics as well as nonparametric statistical methods, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to assess within-group changes, the Mann–Whitney U test to compare outcomes between groups, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between learning motivation and cognitive engagement. The results demonstrated a more pronounced increase in learning motivation and cognitive engagement among students in the experimental group compared to the control group. A positive correlation between learning motivation and cognitive engagement was also identified, confirming their interrelatedness in the process of professional training. The findings indicate the feasibility and effectiveness of using interactive digital textbooks in the education of Nursing students as a means of enhancing learning motivation and activating cognitive engagement. However, the pilot nature of the study and the limited sample size necessitate further research with larger samples and the use of additional methods for assessing learning outcomes.