Digital competencies for online teachers

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis forced most educational institutes worldwide to deliver teaching via the internet. However, neither teachers nor students were prepared for such an abrupt disruption. Specifically, many teachers lacked the appropriate digital competencies to effectively teach online. So, what are the necessary digital competencies that teachers should have in order to effectively teach online via the internet? This study proposes a framework of such digital competencies for online teaching that outlines the essential digital competencies needed for online teachers to effectively implement the Online Teaching Preparation, Deliver, Evaluation, and Revision (Online Teaching PDER) framework. Based on this framework, online teachers can self-reflect on their digital competencies in a systematic way and then take appropriate training to enhance their skills. Also, educational institutes can be informed by this framework to prepare the appropriate syllabus and educational material for educating future teachers as well as training in-service teachers.