Educational strategies for developing digital competence in higher education students

Abstract

Considering the current challenges posed by the digital transformation of education, developing students’ digital competence is critical to the effectiveness of higher education. The purpose of the article is to analyze and develop educational strategies for the development of digital competence of higher education students, in particular by identifying the main components of digital competence and the influence of an interdisciplinary approach on their formation in the context of digitalization of education. Methods. The study employed methods such as scientific literature analysis, pedagogical modeling, and comparative analysis. Peer-reviewed data from scientometric databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, were used to examine strategies for enhancing digital competence. Results. The research identified digital competence as a multifaceted characteristic that enables individuals to effectively utilize digital tools in educational, professional, and research contexts. The study highlighted the necessity of comprehensive strategies for enhancing students’ digital competence, emphasizing the integration of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovative teaching methodologies. Findings underline the importance of implementing advanced technologies in education to promote a personalized approach and foster the digital skills essential for lifelong learning. The analysis identified four key vectors for developing digital competence: technological, informational, communicative, and safe. These vectors formed the basis for a proposed educational model that employs an interdisciplinary approach to digital competence development.Conclusions. The study concluded that digital competence development should address not only technical aspects but also social and psychological dimensions, ensuring students acquire holistic digital skills for their professional endeavors. The results enrich the understanding of digital competence and underscore the need to incorporate its development into educational programs as an integral component of higher education.