Development of WENNY: An E-Module Integrating Digital Literacy to Enhance Academic Writing Skills in Higher Education under Outcome-Based Education Framework

Abstract

Introduction: despite its critical role in academic success, academic writing remains underdeveloped among Indonesian university students, largely due to traditional pedagogies and lack of digital integration. This study aimed to develop and validate WENNY—an e-module integrating digital literacy to enhance academic writing skills within an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) framework.

Method: a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate) was employed. Needs analysis, expert validation (material, media, language), and student usability testing were conducted with 120 participants from three Indonesian universities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results: WENNY achieved “very valid” scores from experts (material: 92 %, media: 90 %, language: 88 %) and “very practical” from students (89 %). Key features include interactive writing tasks, automated grammar feedback, citation management tutorials, and OBE-aligned competency checklists. Students reported improved confidence in structuring academic texts and using digital tools.

Conclusions: WENNY effectively bridges the gap between digital literacy and academic writing, offering a scalable, OBE-compliant solution for higher education. Future studies should test its efficacy in longitudinal and cross-cultural contexts.