Improving the digital competence of future secondary school teachers: an experience at Miguel Hernández University

Abstract.
Digital competence is one of the key competences in the education system. For students to develop this
competence successfully, teachers must also have acquired it. To this end, initial and ongoing training are essential.
The aim of the study was to analyse how the training offered in the framework of a Master’s Degree in Secondary
Education, specifically in the class on ICT for teaching and learning, helps to improve the Digital Teaching Compe-
tence of future teachers. Using a scale based on the DigComp model, Digital Competence was assessed before and
after the training offered in class. The sample consisted of a total of 181 students, 62.98% of whom were female.
The differences found in each competence area were analysed, with the results showing an improvement after the
training in all areas. A model was adjusted to predict the probability of students achieving a high score according to
their characteristics and baseline level. The results show an increase in all areas, especially in Content Creation.
Gender, age and field of knowledge did not influence the predictive model, which is finally explained as a function
of the students’ initial competence level and competence area