Research on the Core Elements of Digital Teaching Competency for University Teachers

Abstract

Teachers are key practitioners driving the digital transformation of higher education, with new developments in digital technologies imposing updated requirements on college teaching practices. This study employed the Delphi method, inviting experts and educators in educational technology to participate in three rounds of consultations, ultimately establishing a core competency framework for digital teaching capabilities among higher education instructors. The framework comprises six first-level indicators—Digital Awareness, Digital Technology Knowledge & Skills, Digital Pedagogy, Digital Teaching Competence, Digital Ethics & Security, and Professional Development—along with 16 second-level indicators. The research results provide a theoretical foundation for constructing an evaluation index system for digital teaching competence among higher education faculty, while also establishing a basis for subsequent related studies.