This study modeled causal relations between mental wandering, digital readiness, and academic engagement among 298 university students in e-learning contexts. Quantitative analysis uncovered a high level of mind wandering and uneven digital readiness among participants. Academic engagement
was moderately developed across behavioral, emotional, and cognitive domains. Structural equation modeling validated a proposed model of causal mechanisms linking these factors based on cognitive load, connectivism, and flow theories. Mental wandering demonstrated direct negative effects on
engagement by disrupting cognitive focus and meta-awareness. Poor digital readiness also dampened engagement by overloading mental capacities and inhibiting access to online learning communities. The model provides a framework for investigating predictors of mind wandering and digital readiness
and examining moderators of their impacts on engagement. Findings inform potential interventions to strengthen engagement and performance in e-learning through mindfulness training, digital skills development, and promoting social connections, interest, and cognitive absorption. This research
elucidates the intersection of psychological dispositions, technological competencies, and embeddedness in digital learning and charts future inquiry directions.