The relationship between 21st century learning skills and educational technology competencies of secondary school students

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of 21st century learning skills and educational technology competencies of secondary school students and to reveal the relationship between them. The population of this study, in which the correlational survey model is used, consists of 37,904 students who are studying in 6th, 7th and 8th grades of secondary schools in the central districts of Van province which are Ipekyolu, Tuşba and Edremit in the 2017-2018 academic year. In order to determine the level of 21st century learning skills of secondary school students, "21st Century Learning Skills Scale" was used while "Educational Technology Standards Scale" was utilized to identify educational technology competencies of the students. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation), differential statistics (t test, ANOVA, MANOVA), Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and simple linear regression analysis were used in the analysis of research data. The following results were obtained in the study: 1. It was determined that secondary school students' 21st century learning skills are at high level in general. The students' active learning skills were found to be at moderate level whereas it was concluded that learning to learn, problem solving, cooperation and communication skills are at high level. 2. It was concluded that female students compared to the male students, 7th grade students compared to 6th and 8th grade students, the students having the access of smart boards in their classrooms compared to the ones who do not have, the students having internet connection in their homes compared to the ones who do not have, the students having the opportunities for utilizing technological tools such as computers, smart phones and tablet computers compared to the ones who do not have, have a higher level of 21st century learning skills. 3. The study indicated that secondary school students have high level of educational technology competencies as well as high level of technology literacy, creativity and innovation skills while the competencies of digital citizenship and participation they possess are at moderate level. 4. It was concluded that male students compared to female students, students having the access of smart boards in their classrooms compared to the ones who do not have, students having internet connection in their homes compared to the ones who do not have, students having the opportunities for utilizing technological tools such as computers, smart phones and tablet computers compared to the ones who do not have, possess a higher level of educational technology competences. 5. It was concluded that as the parents' educational level and income level increase, the students' 21st century learning skills and educational technology competencies also increase. 6. The study demonstrated that there is a moderate, positive and significant relationship between students' 21st century learning skills and educational technology competencies. In addition, it was determined that students' educational technology competencies are a significant predictor of their 21st century learning skills and can explain approximately one quarter (25.1%) of their 21st century learning skills.