How do South African TVET lecturers rate their digital competencies, and what is their need for training for a digital transformation in the South African TVET sector?

Abstract

Digital-transformation processes pose many challenges for South African technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges. In addition to improving infrastructure, lecturers must be equipped with new knowledge and skills to face the challenges in 21st-century classrooms and workforces. Based on the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) model, this study investigated the ways in which TVET lecturers (n = 364) self-assess their competence in digital teaching and learning, and the kind of additional training or support that they need to increase the effectiveness of their digital teaching. The findings suggest that the lecturers’ self-assessments of their digital-related knowledge are generally high. In addition, the sub-dimensions of TPACK differ significantly according to the educational background of a lecturer. Those with a regular teacher education rate their TPACK abilities higher than those who have only subject-specific training or a pedagogical education. Nevertheless, analysis of the qualitative data shows that TVET lecturers need extensive support in planning effective technology-enhanced lessons, including the creation of educational content.