The Importance of Digital Literacy in Quadratic Equations, Strategies Used, and Issues Faced by Educators

The purpose of this study is to identify the teaching styles and problems that are faced by teachers in cultivating digital literacy skills for the topic of quadratic equations. This study helps to overcome and refine all shortcomings that occur in the process of instilling digital literacy skills into the topic of quadratic equations. This study employed a qualitative approach by adopting the structured interview method that involved four participants from three districts in Malaysia. The interview data were analyzed using the ATLAS.ti 8 software by dividing the transcripts into small codes based on thematic analysis. The findings show that the importance of digital literacy skills in quadratic equation comprises the aspect of motivation, space saving, conducive environment, fostering thinking skills, and diversity of resources. The results have also indicated that the teachers’ teaching approach is based on existing hardware and software such as the Microsoft software, Google software, teaching aids, the Internet resources, and mobile device applications. Among the constraints that are faced by the teachers include the use of technology in calculations, communicating information, issues in exploring the diversity of information, issues in mathematical modelling, and technical limitations. Accordingly, all emerging themes and codes are summarized using schematic diagrams. A major implication of this research is that it serves as a catalyst in cultivating digital literacy among generation Z such as using the TI-Nspire software to solve mathematical problems.