Unlocking Digital Competencies Pt. 2: How to Become a Digitally Competent Teacher

In the first part of this series, we explored how to build students’ digital competencies without adding extra lessons. We broke down the misconception of digital natives and emphasised the importance of structured, intentional competence development. But what about the other side of the equation?

If students are expected to navigate the digital world with competence, the responsibility falls on teachers to guide them. And here is the challenge: with students being labeled digital natives, teachers themselves more often struggle to become digitally competent. Well, the good news is that digital competence is not about mastering every single tool or application in the market, it's about developing a mindset and strategies that evolve with technology.

Why Teachers' Digital Competence Matters

Teaching has always required adaptability. In today’s technology-driven classrooms, this adaptability includes knowing how to choose, implement, and evaluate digital tools for teaching and learning processes. A digitally competent teacher doesn’t just use technology, but exactly knows how to create meaningful, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences with them.

Beyond the classroom, teachers set an example. A teacher who demonstrates responsible, effective technology use models the behaviours we want students to adopt. Whether it’s managing privacy settings, evaluating online resources, or using social media ethically, teachers influence how students perceive and engage with the digital world.

DigCompEdu: A Teacher's Digital Compass

In the first post, we introduced the DigComp framework, a guide for fostering digital competence among students. But did you know there’s also a version tailored specifically for educators? It’s called DigCompEdu, the Digital Competence Framework for Educators, designed to help teachers navigate their unique role in our digital world.

While both frameworks share foundational ideas, DigCompEdu adapts its focus to reflect the responsibilities and challenges faced by teachers. Just as students’ digital competence extends beyond isolated skills, teachers’ competence includes broader professional and pedagogical dimensions.

Let’s dive into the six areas of DigCompEdu and see how they align with and expand on the principles we discussed for students:

1. Professional Engagement

As a teacher, your digital competence goes beyond just using tech in your lessons. It’s about how you use digital tools to connect with colleagues, students, and parents. It’s also about staying on top of your professional development and contributing to new ideas and innovations in your school or teaching community. For example, you might attend a virtual PD session on a new teaching tool, share your findings with fellow teachers on an online platform, or use social media to stay connected with other educators for support and new ideas. 

2. Digital Resources

There’s no shortage of digital resources available for teaching, but the key is knowing how to navigate this wealth of options. You need to be able to choose resources that align with your learning objectives and fit the needs of your students. For instance, if you’re teaching a history lesson, you might choose a documentary, an interactive map, and a website with primary sources to keep your students engaged. You can also modify and adapt these resources to better fit your teaching style and your students’ needs. A great example is using a website that allows you to create your own quizzes or interactive activities, adding a personal touch to existing resources.

3. Teaching and Learning

Digital tools can greatly enhance how you teach and how students learn. The trick is integrating tech in a way that supports your teaching goals, whether you're introducing new content, facilitating group work, or encouraging independent exploration. For example, if you're teaching a science lesson, you might use simulation software that lets students experiment with variables they couldn’t in a traditional classroom. The core skill here is knowing how to design and plan lessons that use digital tech effectively throughout the learning process - from introducing new concepts to assessing understanding.

4. Assessment

Assessment isn’t just about grading - it’s about how we use it to improve learning. When you bring digital tools into assessment, you can streamline the process and even open up new ways to assess learning. For example, using an online quiz tool not only automates grading but also provides immediate feedback to students, which helps them learn from mistakes right away. You can also use digital tools for peer assessments or to track student progress over time with digital portfolios. The goal is to use tech to enhance your assessment strategies, not replace them.

5. Empowering Learners

One of the best things about using digital tools in the classroom is how they empower students to take charge of their learning. Instead of just receiving information, students can use tech to explore topics in-depth, try different approaches, and create projects that show what they’ve learned. For example, students could use a graphic design tool to create a presentation on a historical event or use a coding platform to build a model of a scientific concept. Digital technologies give students more control over how they learn, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

6. Facilitating Digital Competence

As a teacher, it’s not just about your own digital skills - it’s also about helping your students build their digital competence. This includes everything from basic skills like navigating websites and creating documents, to more complex skills like coding or analysing data. You’ll want to design activities that help students develop these skills, whether through collaborative projects or individual tasks. In our previous blog post, we suggested some ways to improve your digital competences - click here to check it!

These areas highlight a broader approach to technology that goes beyond knowing "how to" and embraces "why" and "when."

Building the Bridge

Okay, this might sound like a lot, but don’t panic - you’re not signing up for a new degree or a crash course in coding. DigComp and DigCompEdu are really just two sides of the same coin. As you get a little more comfortable with digital tools, you’re not just leveling up your own skills - you’re setting your students up for success too. Here are some practical tips to get you started!

5 Practical Ways to Build Your Digital Competence

The journey toward digital competence doesn’t require massive overhauls or countless hours of training. Here are five practical tips to help teachers integrate and grow their digital abilities:

#1 Start Small, Stay Consistent

Select one or two digital tools that align with your teaching goals. Focusing on a few tools reduces overwhelm and builds confidence through consistent use. Once you’re comfortable, experimenting with other tools will feel less scary.

#2 Collaborate with Colleagues

Professional engagement is a cornerstone of digital competence. Join educator communities, whether online (e.g., Facebook group) or within your school. Sharing strategies and thinking together fosters a strong support network and opens doors to new ideas.

#3 Integrate Technology with Purpose

Don’t use tech for the sake of it. Before introducing a new tool, ask yourself:

• Does it enhance learning outcomes?
• Will it make tasks more efficient or engaging?
• Does it address a specific student need?

Smart tip: Check out the PIC-RAT framework for guidance on evaluating how technology integrates into your teaching. It’s a great way to ensure your tools are impactful and meaningful.

#4 Learn from Your Students

Students often bring fresh perspectives to technology. Invite them to share their favorite tools or strategies during class projects. Not only does this enrich your teaching toolkit, but it also models lifelong learning and mutual respect.

#5 Be Kind to Yourself

Not every tool will work: and that’s okay! Some days, technology will feel like a lifesaver; other days, it might make you want to throw your laptop out the window. Keep experimenting and remember: progress, not perfection. Reflect on your wins, no matter how small, and let them fuel your journey forward.

Competence Is a Lifelong Journey

As educators, we know the power of practice and reflection. By drawing from frameworks like DigCompEdu and taking small, consistent steps, you’ll not only enhance your teaching but also prepare your students for their digital futures.

So, as you think back to the tips from the first post, consider this: what will your next step be? Whether it’s mastering a new tool or joining a Facebook group, every action you take builds a bridge between your own competence and that of your students. 

Sources: 

Redecker, C. (2017). European framework for the digital competence of educators: DigCompEdu. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/159770

Kimmons, R., Graham, C. R. & West, R. E. (2020). The PICRAT model for technology integration in teacher preparation. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 20(1).