INTEGRATING DIGITAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION

Abstract

This paper examines the development of digital competence for high school students via Geography subject in alignment with the 2018 General Education Curriculum of Vietnam. Drawing on international digital competence frameworks such as DigComp and UNESCO, as well as current regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam, the study identifies key components of digital competence relevant to the subject’s characteristics. It systematically analyses curriculum requirements for each grade level and proposes pedagogical strategies that leverage information and communication technology (ICT), geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning system (GPS) devices, data visualisation tools, and learning approaches. This article presents a sample lesson plan for integrating digital competence development, conducts its practical implementation, and evaluates effectiveness through specialised assessment tools. The study also proposes a specialised digital competence framework for high school students in Geography, thereby demonstrating the feasibility and practical value of the proposed solution. The findings contribute both a theoretical foundation and practical guidelines for teachers of Geography in Vietnam, while also suggesting directions for empirical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of digital competence development in Vietnamese high schools.