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M2 – Unit 1: What digital competence means for educators

UNIT PROGRESS

1.1 What does it mean to be digitally competent as a teacher

Understanding the core areas of digital competence in education

Being digitally competent means having the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to use digital technologies effectively, confidently, and responsibly in your teaching. It’s not about mastering every tool. It’s about using digital tools in ways that enhance student learning and support your professional growth.

  • Communicate effectively using digital tools
    Use email, chat, video conferencing, or online forums to maintain clear and timely communication with students and colleagues. These tools help you share announcements, facilitate discussions, and provide support, increasing engagement and a connected learning community.
  • Create engaging digital content
    Design and share varied digital materials like slides, videos, quizzes, or interactive lessons. Engaging content captures learners’ attention, supports different learning styles, and encourages active participation, making learning more accessible and effective.
  • Assess and give feedback using digital tools
    Use digital platforms to create, distribute, and grade assignments or quizzes efficiently. Providing timely and personalised feedback through comments or videos helps students understand their progress and areas for improvement, supporting continuous learning.
  • Collaborate online with students and peers
    Work together using shared documents, cloud platforms, or discussion boards. Online collaboration improves teamwork, idea exchange, and peer learning, enhancing both student engagement and professional development among educators.
  • Use data to improve teaching (Data literacy)
    Analyse digital data like quiz scores and engagement metrics to understand student learning patterns. Use this information to adapt your teaching methods, provide targeted support, and make informed decisions that improve educational outcomes.
  • Ensure digital privacy and safety
    Choose secure tools and follow data protection guidelines to keep student information safe. Promote responsible digital behaviour among students and set clear rules to create a trustworthy and secure online learning environment.
  • Promote inclusive digital practices
    Design accessible learning experiences for all students, including those with disabilities. Use features like captions, screen reader compatibility, and multiple formats to ensure everyone can fully participate and benefit from digital education.

1.2 Engage in continuous digital learning

The role of ongoing experimentation and iteration in digital growth

Developing digital skills is an ongoing journey. Keep an open mind, explore new tools and methods, and use your experiences to grow.

  • Own Your Learning
    Developing digital competence is not a one-time task but a lifelong journey. Take control by setting personal goals to support your ongoing growth and guide you in developing digital skills to your teaching.
  • Stay Curious
    Embrace a mindset of curiosity and openness. Regularly explore new digital tools, teaching methods, and technologies. Experimenting with fresh ideas keeps your practice dynamic and allows you to adapt to the changing educational landscape.
  • Reflect Often
    Make reflection a regular habit. Assess your progress honestly and thoughtfully, noting what works well and where you face challenges. Use these insights to refine your learning strategies and continuously improve your digital skills and teaching effectiveness.
  • Connect with Others
    Learning digitally doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Join online communities, professional networks, or peer groups where you can exchange tips, share challenges, and learn from others’ experiences. Collaboration helps you stay motivated and exposes you to fresh perspectives.

1.3 Mapping your digital skills

Identifying personal strengths and gaps in current digital practices

Start by evaluating your current digital skills to identify what you do well and where you can improve. Make it a habit to review this self-assessment regularly, monthly or each semester, to track your progress, update your goals, and stay motivated in your digital learning journey.

  • Confidence rating scale

    Create a list of common digital teaching tasks or tools and rate yourself in each area using these categories:

    Regular User – I use this often and feel confident.

    Tried – I’ve experimented but need more practice.

    Not Yet Tried – I haven’t used this or find it challenging.

    Next steps – One practical action to improve this skill.

    Example tasks:

    Using video conferencing tools (Zoom, Teams)

    Creating interactive quizzes (H5P, Google Forms)

    Sharing content via LMS or Google Drive

    Giving feedback digitally (comments, video feedback)

    Using collaborative tools (Google Docs, Padlet)
  • Simple survey or quiz

    Answer a few quick questions, like:

    How often do you use digital tools in your teaching?

    (Never, Sometimes, Often)

    Which of these digital tasks feel comfortable?

    (Select all that apply)

    What digital skills do you want to learn more about?

    (Open-ended)
  • Peer feedback check

    Ask a colleague or a teaching coach to observe or review one of your digital teaching activities and provide constructive feedback on your digital skills. Use their insights to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

1.4 Next steps - planning and preparing

Having evaluated your current digital skills and teaching needs, the next step is to build a clear, practical plan for steady growth. This phase focuses on setting realistic goals, exploring useful learning resources, and developing habits that fit your unique teaching style and schedule. Thoughtful preparation lays the groundwork for lasting confidence and success with digital tools.

  • Set clear, achievable goals: Choose 1–2 specific digital skills or tools you want to improve or experiment with over the next few weeks. Make sure these goals are realistic and tied to your teaching context.
  • Explore learning resources: Seek out practical tutorials, webinars, or peer learning groups related to your goals. Bookmark these for quick access.
  • Plan small experiments: Integrate one small digital tool or method into your teaching practice each week. Start simple, try embedding a short video or posting a discussion prompt.
  • Build a support network: Connect with colleagues or online educator communities to share tips, ask questions, and get feedback.
  • Schedule regular self-checks: Set monthly or semester reminders to review your progress, update your goals, and assess what you’ve learned.
  • Celebrate progress big or small: Acknowledge improvements and new skills gained. This boosts motivation and encourages continued growth.

By planning and preparing carefully, you create a strong foundation for your digital growth journey. The next step will focus on turning these plans into action through personalised self-nudges that keep you moving forward consistently.

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