Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic influenced teaching and learning in higher education. The transformation towards digital education challenged Faculty and students. This research examines the online learning readiness of students in a Higher Education Institution in Mexico. Specifically, we investigated how much prior digital skills, as well as having used the digital resources available by the university, influenced their academic achievement in distance learning settings. Seven dimensions of online learning readiness were selected to evaluate the student's preparation for the online learning process. Questionnaires were applied before the start and at the end of digital courses. Follow-up tools were offered to support the student, and two groups were observed, users and non-users of the digital devices. It was observed that students who used the support developed significantly better critical thinking, problem-solving, and time organization skills than non-users. On the other hand, although the evaluations were not significantly different, the lowest averages were found in the non-user group. Our results indicate that prior training in the use of digital tools is essential for the success of online education; in the same way, a timely follow-up with technical and pedagogical assistance is necessary for developing competencies. Training more autonomous and independent students capable of distance learning in a global world demands experts in digital education urgently. Educational institutions must embrace new technologies and teaching methods to meet the ever-changing needs of students. This research is expected to play a crucial role in promoting constructive discussions and facilitating informed decisions concerning the creation of future educational models.