Investigating the Relationship Between Teachers’ Digital Technology Competencies and Their Digital Literacy Levels

Authors : Osman Özdemir

Pages : 684-696

Doi:10.24106/kefdergi.1750697

View : 144 | Download : 150

Publication Date : 2025-07-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: Understanding the interaction between digital technology competence and digital literacy is important for improving educational outcomes in the digital age. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between teachers\\\' digital technology competencies and digital literacy levels. In addition, the study aims to investigate whether these variables differ significantly based on gender and the education level at which teachers work, and whether digital competence significantly predicts digital literacy. Design/Methodology/Approach: Correlation research model was used in the study and 354 teachers selected from different regions of Turkey by purposive sampling method constituted the sample group. The research data were collected using the ‘Teacher Digital Competence Scale’ to determine the digital competence levels of teachers and the ‘Digital Literacy Scale’ to determine their digital literacy levels. Descriptive statistics and parametric tests were used to analyze the data. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that teachers\\\' digital competence and digital literacy levels were high. While there was a significant difference in terms of digital literacy according to gender variable, no significant difference was observed in terms of digital competence. ANOVA results revealed that there were no significant differences in terms of digital cognitive and technical literacy sub-dimensions and overall digital literacy level according to the education level of the teachers; however, high school teachers had higher digital competence scores compared to primary school teachers. Correlation analysis showed that there is a strong and positive relationship between digital literacy and digital competence. Simple linear regression analysis showed that digital literacy significantly predicted digital competence and explained 45% of its variance. Highlights: As a result of this study, it is recommended that targeted professional development programs focusing on enhancing digital competence and literacy be implemented for teachers, particularly at the primary school level. These programmes should be implemented especially in regions and education levels where digital technology and digital literacy skills are lower. In order to reduce the digital literacy gap between genders, gender-sensitive digital skills development workshops should be organised for teachers and this gap should be prevented from leading to inequalities in digital education. In the light of the finding that digital literacy significantly predicts digital competence, it is important to make digital literacy training compulsory for all teachers.
Keywords : Dijital Yeterlilik, Dijital Okuryazarlık, Öğretmenlerin Teknoloji Becerileri, Korelasyon Analizi, Eğitim Teknolojisi Yeterlilikleri

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