THE ROLE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN DEVELOPING STUDENTS’ INDEPENDENT LEARNING SKILLS

Abstract

The increasing integration of digital technologies into higher education has transformed the ways in which students access information, organize learning, interact with instructors, and develop independent study skills. This article examines the pedagogical role of digital tools in strengthening students’ self-directed learning abilities. Particular attention is paid to learning management systems, online educational platforms, digital libraries, collaborative applications, and artificial intelligence-based learning support. The study applies descriptive, analytical, and comparative methods and draws on contemporary pedagogical literature related to digital learning and learner autonomy. The findings indicate that digital technologies can improve students’ capacity to plan learning activities, search for relevant information, monitor progress, and evaluate learning outcomes. However, successful implementation depends on digital literacy, pedagogically structured tasks, instructor guidance, and appropriate feedback mechanisms. The article concludes that digital technologies are most effective when they support rather than replace purposeful pedagogical interaction.