Culture-Integrated Digital Learning: Effects of a Riau Malay-Based Educational Communication E-Module on Students’ Communication Skills, Problem-Solving Ability, Learning Independence, and Cultural Value Internalization

The integration of digital technology and local culture has emerged as a relevant approach to creating meaningful and contextual learning experiences in higher education. However, empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of culture-based digital learning materials in enhancing students’ competencies and strengthening local cultural values remains limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of a Riau Malay Culture-Based Educational Communication E-Module on students’ communication skills, problem-solving abilities, self-directed learning, and internalization of Malay cultural values. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. The quantitative phase involved 80 students from a university in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, using a one-group pretest-posttest design. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests and Cohen’s d effect size. The qualitative phase consisted of semi-structured interviews with 12 purposively selected students to provide deeper explanations of the quantitative findings. The results revealed significant improvements across all measured variables following the implementation of the e-module (p