Measuring Digital Competence and ICT Literacy: An Exploratory Study of In-Service English Language Teachers in the Context of Saudi Arabia

Ahmed Abdulteeef M. Al Khateeb

doi:10.5539/ies.v10n12p38

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to measure in-service English language teachers' digital competence, particularly for the enhancement of teaching English as a second/foreign language in schools in Saudi Arabia. Information and communication technology (ICT) knowledge is currently considered as a vital skill for foreign language teachers in addition to their linguistic competence. Recently, there has been a focus on digital competence, since it can be regarded as a gateway for enriching knowledge, economies, societies and individuals. There is also a massive need for teachers to assess their own digital competence according to non-conventional norms (i.e., having the ability to share content and manage information). In light of this rationale, this paper investigates the following research question: to what extent are English language teachers in Saudi Arabia digitally competent and in what aspects? This study used a standardized questionnaire that was constructed using a validated comprehensive framework. This instrument was designed to assess the professional capability of English language teachers in terms of their willingness and readiness to use ICTs along with their current digital competence used throughout their teaching and educational practices. The research included a diverse range of participants who come from various backgrounds, genders and experiences. The study was concluded with a presentation of useful recommendations and key research questions for future research.

Highlights

1.1 Introduce the ProblemThere has been growing interest among researchers across the globe in the areas of digital competence and information and communication technology (ICT)
It uses the quantitative approach of methodology to explore the following research question: to what extent are in-service English language teachers in Saudi Arabia digitally competent and ICT users? And in what aspects?
The questionnaire was designed and tested by the European Union (Europass) and a few necessary amendments were made in order to make it more suitable for the context and participants. This robust questionnaire was chosen because Ferrari (2013) states that the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) can support the improvement of digital skills of the European citizens as well as others located in different contexts

Summary

Introduction

1.1 Introduce the ProblemThere has been growing interest among researchers across the globe in the areas of digital competence and information and communication technology (ICT). The concept of information communication and technology (ICT) intersects with the fundamental premises of digital competence. The latter requires individuals to be able to retrieve, evaluate, store, present and exchange information and communication, as well as collaborate through the Internet and social networking tools. Very importantly, using such reapidly growing technologies appropriately with the acquisition of the instrumental knowledge and skills for digital tools and media usage are amongst the conditions required to achieve digital competence. This intensive, exploratory research focuses on answering the following pivotal research question: ies.ccsenet.org

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