Video - Digital competences of teachers

Watch the video Digital competencies for teachers to learn about areas that encompass all aspects of teaching practice.

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Transcript

 In today's higher education landscape, every teacher should possess at least basic digital competencies. However, what does this entail? It is not merely about navigating platforms or recording lectures. It is about understanding how technology can enhance teaching, assessment and communication. In this lesson, we will guide you in identifying your strengths, recognizing your gaps, and setting a realistic plan for developing digital competencies. Digital literacy is not the ultimate goal, but rather the foundation of modern pedagogy. Digital competence extends beyond technical skills. It encompasses how we use technology for professional communication. select and share digital resources, structure courses in an LMS. Assess students through digital tools, engage with diverse learning styles, and help students cultivate their own digital skills. Given its broad scope, a system for self-assessment and development is crucial. Digital competence is not about knowing how to click, but understanding why we click and how it impacts learning. The DigCompEdu European Framework outlines six areas aspects of teaching practice from selecting digital tools and resources to their application in teaching and assessment and fostering students' competencies. This includes ethics, security, copyright, and digital well-being Competencies develop gradually, which is why the framework employs progressive levels. The DigCompEdu Framework acknowledges that we all start at different points. It includes levels ranging from newcomers (A1) to digital pioneers C2. A newcomer is familiar with the basic tools, but requires support. At the intermediate level, teachers integrate technology into their teaching, use feedback, and assess using digital tools. At the highest levels, teachers, mentor others, innovate methods, and shape digital culture. At the institutional level, there is no wrong level. What matters is knowing where you are now and where you want to go. The first step in development is self-assessment. Online tools such as DigCompEdu, check-in allows you to answer questions about your practice and receive a personalized competence profile. The tool highlights your strengths and areas for improvement and offers suggestions for next steps. Self-assessment is not a test of knowledge, but rather a reflection on practice. Knowing where we stand makes it easier to choose what to learn next, and prevents us from spending time on skills we have already mastered. Another useful tool is Dig Comp, an online platform for assessing digital competencies. By clicking the start button, you will initiate a series of questions that require your responses. This self-assessment tool provides results at the end which you can have emailed to you or view directly on the screen. Once you identify the skills you need to develop. The next step is setting realistic goals. For instance, aim to learn to use the digital rubric for evaluating forums by the end of the semester. Document these goals. Monitor your progress and reflect on your achievements, what you attempted, what you learned, and what remains to be done. Ultimately learning by doing is the most effective way to enhance digital competence as practice outweighs theory. Select one tool strategy or course and try something new. Observe what works, identify obstacles and gauge student responses. This approach teaches not only how to use a tool, but also how to integrate it into your teaching. Do not wait until you learn it all. Embrace experimentation and reflection. When planning lessons, prioritize the development of students' digital competencies, foster their development through activities such as identifying reliable online sources, creating digital content, and cultivating digital ethics and academic integrity. Digital competence is a journey of exploration, trial and error, adaptation and progress. Beginning with self-assessment, setting achievable goals, learning from experience and learning from colleagues are all important. Every new skill you acquire not only simplifies your work, but also enhances your students' learning environment. Therefore, instead of asking, am I digitally competent, ask. What can I learn this month? Advancing your competencies is synonymous with advancing your teaching.