Zihan Yang (Author)
Faculty of Education, Dhonburi Rajabhat University
Pattama Yimsakul (Primary Contact)
Faculty of Education, Dhonburi Rajabhat University
Teachers’ Digital Competence, DigCompEdu Framework, Priority Needs, Higher Education
10-10-2026
The research objectives were 1) to analyse teachers’ current and expected levels of digital competence and identify priority areas for improvement, 2) to explore approaches for improving teachers’ digital competence at Nanjing Xiaozhuang University. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. The quantitative sample comprised 147 full-time teachers selected through simple random sampling from a population of 238. The qualitative phase involved nine experts who participated in a focus group discussion. The instruments included a 44-item questionnaire covering 22 competences across the six DigCompEdu areas and a focus group discussion protocol. Quantitative data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and the Modified Priority Needs Index. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The findings revealed that 1) the overall current level of teachers’ digital competence was moderate (Mean = 3.34, S.D. = 0.49), whereas the overall expected level was high (Mean = 4.45, S.D. = 0.29). Assessment had the highest priority need (PNI modified = 0.473), followed by Facilitating Learners’ Digital Competence (0.453) and Empowering Learners (0.403); 2) four proposed approaches were identified: strengthening digital assessment competence, facilitating students’ digital competence, advancing learner-centred digital teaching, and establishing institutional support for sustainable development. These approaches were integrated into an evidence-informed framework for future professional development.
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