Reality of digital competence and solutions to improve digital competence of english teachers: a case study in premary of Doan Thi Diem - Hanoi

Abstract

Based on a review of several studies on teachers’ digital competence, this research proposes a digital competence framework for primary English teachers and uses this framework to examine the current digital competence of English teachers at Doan Thi Diem - Hanoi Primary School. A survey of 42 English teachers and 8 school administrators reveals that: (i) the overall digital competence of the English teaching staff is at a fairly good level, with their strongest area being the ability to use digital tools and platforms in English language teaching; and (ii) there are differences in digital competence among teacher groups categorized by age. These findings serve as the basis for proposing several solutions to improve English teachers’ digital competence, including: developing digital competence based on teachers’ existing capabilities; enhancing teachers’ digital competence through school-based professional development; personalizing digital competence development for English teachers; and managing the development of digital competence using data and digital technologies.