The specifics of professional development among university educators in the digital age

Chukhina A. A., Snegirev D. V., Bagaev I. Z., Dalbaraev A. S., Rogozhina A. P.

The aim of this research paper is to identify the most significant features of professional development for university teachers in the digital age. Due to the digitalization of education, there is a growing concern among practitioners and researchers and academic experts to understand what competencies are required for teaching with the use of digital technologies. When analyzing competencies in the aspect of learning with the help of modern technologies, various theoretical and methodological concepts and approaches are applied, involving the usage of multiple special terminology. The concept of professional digital competence of teachers is still ambiguous and challenging to define. This study provides an analysis of what and how the concepts of professional digital competence of teachers are determined and conceptualized. Based on the findings, the paper substantiates the need to conceptualize professional digital competence of teachers, which emphasizes more than just technological competence.

Keywords:academic development, digitalization of higher education, academic capital, professional enhancement, digital transformation, educational environment, professional digital competence.