International Journal of Research Studies in Management
CollabWritive Special Issue
2026 Volume 14 Issue 5
Available Online: 30 September 2026
Author/s:
Macatangay, Annalyn G.
Graduate School, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines
Abstract:
This study examined the influence of digital reading competencies and metacognitive reading strategies on the online reading engagement of college students enrolled in Engineering Technology program at a State University. Specifically, the study assessed students’ levels of digital reading competencies in terms of interface navigation proficiency, strategic information retrieval, critical media evaluation, AI-integrated tool proficiency, and digital responsibility; metacognitive reading strategies in terms of strategic planning, self-monitoring and regulation, problem-solving strategies, strategic resource utilization, and reflective and relational processing; and online reading engagement in terms of behavioral, cognitive, affective, social, and performance engagement. The study also determined significant differences across demographic variables, examined the predictive influence of digital reading competencies and metacognitive reading strategies on online reading engagement, and developed an instructional enhancement program based on the findings. The findings revealed that the respondents generally showed high levels of digital reading competencies, metacognitive reading strategies, and online reading engagement. Significant differences were observed in selected variables when grouped according to demographic characteristics. Furthermore, critical media evaluation, strategic information retrieval, AI-integrated tool proficiency, digital responsibility, and all dimensions of metacognitive reading strategies significantly predicted online reading engagement, whereas interface navigation proficiency did not emerge as a significant predictor. Based on these findings, an instructional enhancement program was proposed to strengthen students’ digital reading competencies, metacognitive strategy use, and sustained engagement in online reading environments.
Keywords: college students, digital reading competencies, instructional enhancement program, metacognitive reading strategies, online reading engagement
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26125
Cite this article:
Macatangay, A. G. (2026). Digital reading competencies, metacognitive strategies, and engagement in a state university. International Journal of Research Studies in Management, 14(5), 279-397. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26125