Assessing and bridging the digital competence gap: a comparative study of lebanese student teachers and in-service teachers using the DigCompEdu framework

This study investigates the digital competence levels of Lebanese student teachers and in-service teachers using the DigCompEdu framework. The study employs a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, analyzing data from 170 in-service teachers with varying years of experience and 399 student teachers across five academic years. Results indicate that in-service teachers consistently outperform student teachers in all six areas of digital competence, with the most substantial gap in Digital Resources. However, significant improvements in digital competence were observed among student teachers from the first to the third academic year. The study highlights the necessity for enhanced digital competence training in teacher education programs and continuous professional development for in-service teachers. Recommendations include embedding digital tools into curricula, providing hands-on training, fostering collaborative cultures, and regularly monitoring competence development. These findings emphasize the importance of preparing teachers to meet the digital demands of modern classrooms. © The Author(s) 2024.