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ISSN 1831-9424

SCIENCE FOR POLICY REPORT

SELFIEforTEACHERS
Designing and developing a self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence
Based on DigCompEdu (the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators)

Economou, A.

2023 EUR 31475 EN

Joint
Research
Centre
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Contact information developing a self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence, Publications
Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2023, doi:10.2760/561258,
Name: Anastasia Economou JRC131282.
Email: Anastasia.ECONOMOU@ec.europa.eu
Layout: Carmen Capote de la Calle
EU Science Hub
Abstract
https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu
Digital competence is a core element of teachers’ professional profile. Based on
JRC131282 DigCompEdu, the European conceptual framework for the Digital Competence
EUR 31475 EN of Educators, SELFIEforTEACHERS is a self-reflection tool to support building of
digital competence for primary and secondary teachers. Through a self-reflection
process, teachers can self-assess their digital competence, identifying strengths
and weaknesses. Based on the tool feedback, they can plan their professional
Print ISBN 978-92-68-01810-1 ISSN 1018-5593 doi:10.2760/40528 KJ-NA-31-475-EN-C
learning and further development of their digital competence.
PDF ISBN 978-92-68-01809-5 ISSN 1831-9424 doi:10.2760/561258 KJ-NA-31-475-EN-N
SELFIEforTEACHERS aims to empower teachers to actively engage in their
professional learning process and to support them in their use of digital
technologies in their professional context. It is a learning journey rather than
Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2023 an assessment tool. At the same time, it provides a tool for education systems
to support teachers in their professional development. Aggregated results
© European Union, 2023
generated by self-reflections within a group, support planning of professional
development programmes.

The report describes the design and development of the tool and presents the
tool and its content.

SELFIEforTEACHERS is available online for teachers across Europe and beyond. It is


currently available in 29 languages, including all official languages of the European
Union. It is an action of the European Commission Digital Education Action Plan 2021-
2027.
Anastasia Economou

SELFIEforTEACHERS
A self-reflection tool for
teachers’ digital competence

Joint
Research
Centre
Contents

Foreword.........................................................................................................................................................1 4. SELFIEforTEACHERS items and feedback........................................................................26


Ackowledgements....................................................................................................................................2 5. Conclusions..........................................................................................................................................85
Executive summary.................................................................................................................................3 References..................................................................................................................................................87
1. Introduction.............................................................................................................................................5 List of abbreviations and definitions.......................................................................................89
1.1 Policy context and background...........................................................................................5 List of figures............................................................................................................................................90
1.2 The research study....................................................................................................................5 List of tables.............................................................................................................................................90
1.3 SELFIEforTEACHERS approach............................................................................................6 Annexes........................................................................................................................................................91
2. SELFIEforTEACHERS...........................................................................................................................8 Annex 1. SELFIEforTEACHERS scoring scheme.................................................................92
2.1 Content........................................................................................................................................12 Annex 2. Results and feedback report (a demo example).........................................93
2.2 Glossary.......................................................................................................................................12 Annex 3. SELFIEforTEACHERS glossary.............................................................................107
2.3 Online platform.......................................................................................................................12 Annex 4. SELFIEforTEACHERS use cases..........................................................................110
2.4 Ecosystem..................................................................................................................................13 Annex 5. SELFIEforTEACHERS items in relation
2.5 Use cases...................................................................................................................................14 to the DigCompEdu framework key competences.......................................................116
3. Methodology........................................................................................................................................15 Annex 6. Expert workshop.......................................................................................................118
3.1 Overview.....................................................................................................................................15
3.2 Conceptualisation...................................................................................................................15
3.2.1 The DigCompEdu framework..................................................................................16
3.2.2 The CheckIn testing tool............................................................................................17
3.3 The process...............................................................................................................................17
3.3.1 Desk research.................................................................................................................18
3.3.2 Content creation............................................................................................................18
3.3.2.1 Defining the self-reflection items................................................................19
3.3.2.2 Creating the items and the proficiency level statements...............20
3.3.2.3 Feedback report...................................................................................................21
3.3.3 Expert consultations....................................................................................................21
3.4 Pilot study...................................................................................................................................24
3.4.1 Pre-pilot.............................................................................................................................24
3.4.2 Pilot......................................................................................................................................25

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence i


Foreword
The need for fast-developing and complex digital competences overwhelmed the By developing, piloting and making openly available SELFIEforTEACHERS, along
whole of European society and economy; it caught, in several cases, our educational with other initiatives -such as DigComp 2.2 (the Digital Competence Framework for
systems and teacher professional development systems unprepared to respond in Citizens for the general digital competence of citizens across the EU and beyond),
time and quality. DigCompOrg (the European Framework for Digitally Competent Educational
Organisations) and the SELFIE tool for schools and Work Based Learning for the
The digital transition and digital transformation of education for quality teaching and
development of schools’ digital capacity- the Joint Research Center (JRC) and the
learning is high on the European agenda. Teachers are to build digital competences
Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and (DG EAC) contribute concretely
for themselves as professionals, in their teaching, and for their students’ learning.
to the efforts of the European Commission and national policy makers to support
Specific policies to implement this goal are being developed. SELFIEforTEACHERS,
the building of educators’ digital competence in all areas of their professional
an online self-reflection tool to support the building of teachers’ digital competence,
development.
provides a contribution to this policy mission.
There will also be further research and development, currently underway, to assess
In the European Commission Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027, digital
the tool effectiveness at large scale and to explore and identify key factors and
competence is considered a core skill for all educators and training staff, that should
practices that support its use and further improvement.
be embedded in all areas of teacher professional development. Following the
publication of the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators Yves Punie, Deputy Head of Unit Michael Teutsch, Head of Unit
(DigCompEdu) in 2017, SELFIEforTEACHERS serves as a tool to facilitate and support Algorithmic Transparency Schools and Multilingualism
the building of teachers’ digital competence. Directorate T – Digital Directorate B – Youth, Education
Transformation and Data and Erasmus+
The tool draws on DigCompEdu by transforming its key concepts into statements that
Joint Research Centre DG Education, Youth, Sport and Culture
are practical and relevant to teachers’ everyday practice, providing teachers with a
European Commission European Commission
self-reflection roadmap for their digital competence. By encouraging teachers to ask
and answer the questions “where do I stand with respect to my digital knowledge,
skills and attitudes?” and “where do I go next and how?” and providing personalised
feedback, it encourages teachers to take the initiative and actively engage in their
professional learning to build this relatively new, core competence.

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


1
Acknowledgements
SELFIEforTEACHERS is the result of a collaborative process, during which several The IT colleagues at JRC who provided their expertise and experience in the online
people contributed to its various stages of design and development. The author platform development: Miguel-Angel Lopez-Lontro, Rafael Gonzalez-Manzano,
would like to express her gratitude to all the people involved and in particular the Esperanza Moreno-Cruz, and Estrella Vaca-Campayo.
SELFIEforTEACHERS team and all the experts who contributed through consultations,
workshops, and contractual work: Carmen Capote for designing the layout of the report in a creative way.

Stefania Bocconi, Margarida Lucas and Conor Galvin, who in close collaboration with Thanasis Hadzilacos for taking the role of a critical friend and provided his review
the JRC team revised the tool content for the pre-pilot, as well as discussed and and suggestions on this report.
suggested revisions after the pre-pilot and pilot results. Tabetha Newman for a final Above all, special thanks are given to the SELFIEforTEACHERS team: Georgios
edit of the tool content for the pre-pilot version. Kapsalis for his continuous support and input, and Laura Molina Iglesias for her work
The pilot study consortium and their collaborators who studied the tool reliability on the tool platform and tool communication. Deirdre Hodson, the project officer
and validity: Mart Laanpere, Stefania Bocconi, Margarida Lucas, Valentina Dagienė, from DG EAC, for her valuable input and continuous support.
Gabrielė Stupurienė, Vaino Brazdeikis, Chiara Malagoli, and Linda-Helene Sillat. Lastly but not least, special thanks are due to Ioannis Maghiros and Yves Punie, Head
Artur Pokropek for his support in the analysis of the study psychometric results. and Deputy Head of the Human Capital and Employment Unit (JRC.B4) and Michael
The consultation workshop experts: Katrien Bernaerts, Stefania Bocconi, Rodríguez- Teutsch and Anna-Maria Giannopoulou Head and Deputy Head of the Schools and
Antonio de Padua-Palacios, Nuno Dorotea, Conor Galvin, Mina Ghomi, Georgia Multilingualism Unit (DG EAC.B2), who provided their support and input at all times.
Gyftoula, César Herrero-Rámila, Anna Kostetska, Mart Laanpere, Margarida Lucas, Author
Laura Mattioli, Kleanthis Noou, Robert O‘Dowd, and Clara-Maria Vizoso-Martin.
Anastasia Economou
The members of the Education and Training 2020 Working Group on Digital Education
(DELTA) who provided useful insights from the different national perspectives. The
DELTA WG coordinators Simona Petkova and Kristina Larsen for their support.

The JRC, DG EAC and DG CONNECT colleagues who at different stages contributed based
on their expertise and experience to the tool development: Jonatan Castano-Munoz,
Nikoleta Giannoutsou, Andreia Inamorato-dos-Santos, Panagiotis Kampylis, Annika
Östergren-Pofantis, Arianna Sala, Margarita Spasova, Maria Spyridonos, Ana-Maria Stan,
Riina Vuorikari, and Lilian Weikert-Garcia. Romina Cachia for her review of this report.

2 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


Executive summary
Policy context their digital competence. The tool provides 32 items which correspond to the six
areas of competences in the DigCompEdu framework and describe six proficiency levels
Education systems in Europe are increasingly promoting the use of digital technologies per item with examples relevant to teachers’ professional practice. On completing
in teaching and learning, pursuing a digital transformation in education. In 2017, their self-reflection, teachers receive a report with their results and feedback with
the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu) suggestions on how to level up.
captured and described the digital competence of educators, responding to the The tool is based on work carried out by the European Commission’s Joint Research
growing awareness that educators need a set of digital competences specific to their Centre (JRC), on behalf of the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and
profession to be able to seize the potential of digital technologies for enhancing and Culture (DG EAC). It was launched on 5 October 2021 (World Teachers Day) in five
innovating education (Redecker, 2017). The COVID-19 health crisis imposed online languages (English, French, German, Greek and Slovenian), and as of January 2022
and remote teaching to many schools across Europe, leading to a growing demand for is available in 29 languages.
educators’ professional development programmes and support to build their digital
competence (Di Pietro et al., 2020; OECD, 2021; Carretero Gomez et al., 2021). The SELFIEforTEACHERS links:
European Commission Digital Education Action Plan 2021-20271, Action 5 under
‣ The tool: https://educators-go-digital.jrc.ec.europa.eu
Strategic Priority 1 “Fostering the development of a high-performing digital education
‣ About the tool: https://ec.europa.eu/educators-go-digital
ecosystem”, suggested the launch of an online self-assessment tool for teachers.
‣ #SELFIEforTEACHERS_EU

Key conclusions - SELFIEforTEACHERS Main findings


The research undertaken led to SELFIEforTEACHERS. SELFIEforTEACHERS provides a
SELFIEforTEACHERS is a valid and reliable tool for primary and secondary teachers in
two-fold solution: a tool to guide teachers in self-assessing their digital competence,
Europe to self-assess their digital competence, as confirmed by the tool pilot study.
and a process to help teachers reflect on their results and support them to further
At the same time, there is high acceptance and appreciation of the tool among users,
build their digital competence.
as confirmed by the follow-up study in the pilot implementation using quantitative
SELFIEforTEACHERS moves from the DigCompEdu conceptual framework to a and qualitative approaches.
practical tool for primary and secondary teachers, transforming the competence
The use of a solid and scientific conceptual framework, DigCompEdu, as a benchmark
descriptors in the framework into self-reflection items to help teachers self-assess
for the tool’s self-reflection items proved to support the scientific soundness of
the tool, as confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the tool’s six areas and the
1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020DC0624 corresponding items. The tool design and development process, which included

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


3
iterative consultations with experts and education representatives from Member
States, increased inclusivity and collective work. The co-construction process created
Quick guide to the report
a sense of ownership, and several countries have already included the use of the This report aims to contribute to the efforts of education stakeholders, including
tool in their national digital education strategies. teachers, trainers, researchers, regional and national authorities, to offer meaningful
and effective professional development opportunities for teachers to further build
The tool can be adopted as is by education stakeholders, but it has the flexibility to
their digital competence.
be adapted to meet institutional and contextual requirements in different countries
and different educational sectors. It consists of three parts in addition to the introduction. The first part gives an
overview of SELFIEforTEACHERS; the second part explains the process for the
Related and future JRC work design and development of the tool; and the third part presents the tool items and
feedback. Each self-reflection item is presented under the relevant competence
The JRC has developed a number of reference frameworks for individuals’ area with an introductory statement explaining what the competence entails, the six
competence development. The first of these, the Digital Competence Framework for proficiency level statements and the feedback with suggestions for each proficiency
Citizens (DigComp), was published in 2013 (with a recent update to DigComp 2.2 level. The report also provides a glossary for the tool, as well as ‘use cases’ for the
in 2022). Since then, a number of other frameworks have been developed, such as tool implementation.
the Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp), the Personal, Social and
Learning to learn competence framework (LifeComp), the European sustainability More detailed and in-depth analysis of a complete tool pilot study will be available
competence framework (GreenComp), the European Framework for Digitally in additional reports, describing the validation of the tool through psychometrics
Competent Educational Organisations (DigCompOrg) and the European Framework and quantitative methods, and user perception of the tool through a qualitative
for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu). These frameworks can study. A toolkit, providing information about the tool and step-by-step guidance for
provide a common reference for policy makers, researchers, regional authorities and users, has been also published2. Some small excerpts from the Toolkit publication
other stakeholders, and serve as a starting point for discussing, planning, designing are included verbatim in this report.
and developing different instruments, actions, policies, strategies and research for
developing a competence.

A self-reflection tool, SELFIE that incorporates a module on work-based learning (SELFIE


WBL), has been developed based on DigCompOrg to support the building of the schools’
digital capacity. SELFIEforTEACHERS is a new tool based on DigCompEdu, developed to
support the building of the teachers’ individual digital competence.

2 Economou, A., SELFIEforTEACHERS Toolkit - Using SELFIEforTEACHERS, Publications Office of the


European Union, Luxembourg, 2023, doi:10.2760/626409

4 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


1. Introduction
1.1 Policy context and background This need is addressed in the European Commission Digital Education Action Plan
2021-2027 (DEAP), where the digital competence of educators is addressed as one
The provision of high quality and inclusive digital education for all learners is high on of the guiding principles:
the European agenda. Education and training systems are increasingly developing
strategies and policies to support the digital transition in education, acknowledging Digital competence should be a core skill for all educators and training
educators’ key role in the digital transformation of education. staff and should be embedded in all areas of teacher professional
development, including initial teacher education. Educators are highly
The teaching profession needs educators equipped with even broader and more knowledgeable and skilled professionals that need the confidence and
sophisticated competences to respond to rapidly changing demands in teaching and skills to use technology effectively and creatively to engage and motivate
learning. The COVID-19 health crisis exposed education systems to the challenge their learners, support the acquisition of digital skills by learners and to
of continuing educational provision through online and remote settings. As not all ensure that digital tools and platform used are accessible to all learners.
educators were necessarily equipped with the skills and competences to respond to Teachers and trainers should have access to ongoing opportunities for
the new challenges, there has been an increasing need to support skilling, reskilling professional learning and development tailored to their needs and their
and upskilling of educators in order to harness the benefits and opportunities, as discipline. (European Commission, 2020)
well as the challenges that digital technologies can offer for teaching and learning.
Moreover, under the DEAP Strategic Priority 1 “Fostering the development of a high-
According to the OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) in 2018, performing digital education ecosystem” Action 5 includes the launch of an online
just over half of teachers (56%) across participating countries had received training self-assessment tool for teachers based on the European Framework for Digital
in ‘use of ICT for teaching’ as part of their formal education or training, and only 43% Competence of Educators.
felt well or very well prepared for this element (OECD, 2019). While Member States
are responsible for the content of teaching and the organisation of their education 1.2 The research study
and training systems, the DEAP consultation (European Commission, 2020) showed
that respondents believe that action at European level should support professional Responding to the need to offer effective professional development opportunities
development for teachers, and they rated teachers’ digital skills and competences to foster digitally competent teachers across Europe, the European Commission
as a very important component of digital education. Supporting actions can include undertook the present research study with the main objective to develop an up-
trainings through cooperation, the exchange of good practice, frameworks, research, to-date and scientifically valid and reliable tool to support the building of primary
recommendations and other tools to contribute to the development of quality and and secondary teachers’ digital competence. The online tool is an integral part of a
inclusive education. comprehensive professional learning process through self-reflection. Through self-
reflection, teachers are encouraged to actively engage and assume a central role

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


5
in their professional learning, by capturing their current digital competence through The research study incorporated a pilot implementation to test the reliability and
guiding self-reflection items and by receiving feedback that helps them plan training validity of the tool, using psychometric statistical methods in combination with
activities. The study took into account that while education systems should provide quantitative and qualitative research to explore users’ reception of the tool.
teachers with education and training opportunities and support, teachers should at
the same time be encouraged to take ownership of their professional learning and In summary, the research study proposed a solution that entails an online tool and
development and act as reflective practitioners, capable of identifying their own a self-reflection process and envisions an ecosystem around it that can empower
training needs and mapping out their learning pathways in a context of autonomous teachers’ active engagement and agency in assuming a central role in their
lifelong learning (European Commission, 2007). professional learning, initiating and designing their learning pathways. The output
of the research study was SELFIEforTEACHERS.
The research study used the definition of competence as a combination of
knowledge, skills, and attitudes, as introduced in the European Recommendation on 1.3 SELFIEforTEACHERS approach
Key Competences for Life-long Learning (European Council, 2006), as well as the
updated definition of digital competence in the Council Recommendation on Key SELFIEforTEACHERS supports teachers reflect upon and further develop their digital
Competences for Lifelong Learning in 2018: competence. After completing their self-reflection, users receive a personal report
with their results, showing their proficiency level in each of the 32 items and also
Digital competence involves the confident, critical, and responsible use averaged by competence area. Teachers also receive suggestions for next steps for
of, and engagement with, digital technologies for learning, at work, and further development.
for participation in society. It includes information and data literacy,
communication and collaboration, media literacy, digital content SELFIEforTEACHERS is not designed for external assessment of teachers’ performance
creation (including programming), safety (including digital well-being but for empowering teachers to identify their strengths and gaps and plan their
and competences related to cybersecurity), intellectual property related professional learning and development. The tool can be used by individual teachers
questions, problem solving and critical thinking. (European Council, or by a group of teachers (e.g. within a school, region, or discipline). In the latter case,
2018) the tool creates an aggregated report for the whole group. As such, the tool can
contribute to European, national and regional efforts to support all citizens develop
The DigCompEdu framework was used as the basis for the SELFIEforTEACHERS tool, the necessary competences to use digital technologies critically, responsibly and
guiding teachers to understand what is meant by educators’ digital competence and creatively, by fostering digitally competent educators who can facilitate digitally
helping them to position themselves at a digital competence proficiency level. It competent students.
did this by transforming the framework key competences into practical statements,
with examples relevant to teachers’ practice, to facilitate their understanding of the SELFIEforTEACHERS follows a professional learning approach using critical self-
framework and guide their self-reflection. The framework 22 key competences were reflection to support teachers identify their own needs through guided self-reflection
studied and deconstructed through their descriptors, aided by the activity examples items and to take action based on their results to further develop their digital
provided in the framework. From the 22 competences 32 self-reflection items were competence. Engaging in critical self-reflection can lead to engaging in strategies
derived (in some cases, multiple items are associated with one competence, and in such as setting goals for continuing personal, professional and career development
other cases new items were created to emphasise some aspects of teachers’ digital (Cheng, 2005). The self-reflection process in SELFIEforTEACHERS involves firstly
competence based on emerging educational needs), providing six proficiency level teachers reflecting on their digital competence using the tool items to self-assess
statements based on the framework progression model. their digital competence, and secondly reflecting on the tool feedback to plan their
professional learning.

6 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


The full use of SELFIEforTEACHERS is a learning process in itself. Its items correspond SELFIEforTEACHERS supports individual teachers to initiate their professional
to and describe the various aspects of a teacher’s digital competence. By reviewing learning paths by using the tool at any point in time, independently of any
statements about educator digital practices, teachers reflect on their own practice, organisational context. Teachers can benefit from both (a) the self-reflection as a
and by positioning themselves on each item they realise their current stage of learning and development process, and (b) the self-reflection outcomes based on
development on each particular corresponding competence. SELFIEforTEACHERS what further action is to be taken. At both stages, teachers can work individually or
aims to enhance teachers’ agency in their professional development and support in collaboration with peers. The tool gives them the option to set up or participate
them as designers of their professional learning, based on their needs and aptitudes, in a group, making it possible to plan collaborative learning activities, exchange
by providing a report giving results and feedback with suggestions on how to level up. practices and monitor progress over time or measured against group and global
The tool allows teachers to start the process of professional learning on digital averages. In addition, from a policy perspective, the tool allows education authorities
technologies, either for their personal professional learning path or for a group with to use anonymised aggregated data to support teachers’ professional development.
which they choose to work. Properly used, the tool can help teacher trainers and Moreover, it provides a professional development context for teachers, which can
policy makers to support teachers’ professional development. For this, they must be further enriched by training programmes, tools, resources and other measures
provide a self-reflection facilitating context for teachers to use the tool, and use introduced by education stakeholders.
of anonymised aggregated results to support planning training programmes and
In summary, SELFIEforTEACHERS, aims to help teachers take initiative in their
creating resources (Figure 1).
professional learning to further build their digital competence, and to provide
support for institution and system-level action. Its ultimate goal is to support
Figure 1. SELFIEforTEACHERS scope
teachers build their digital competence for their professional practice and their use
of digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning, allowing students to reach
their greatest learning potential while supporting development of their own digital
competence.

Source: SELFIEforTEACHERS toolkit, 2023.

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


7
2. SELFIEforTEACHERS
The outcome of this study is SELFIEforTEACHERS, a self-reflection tool to help The tool can also be used for self-reflection within a group, for example a group of
teachers build their digital competence through a self-reflection process. teachers of the same discipline (e.g. mathematics), a group of teachers from the
same school or network of schools, a group of teachers in a training programme, or
The tool guides teachers through the construct of digital competence of educators
the teachers in a region. In this case, the tool provides a report with aggregated data
as described in the DigCompEdu conceptual framework. By responding to the tool’s
which can be used to plan professional development activities as a group.
32 self-reflection items in the 6 digital competence areas, teachers self-assess
their digital competence and position themselves on a 6-level proficiency scale. Teachers can monitor their progress over time by comparing the results of their
On completion of the self-reflection, teachers receive a personal report, with their self-reflections, as well as by positioning themselves with respect to the aggregated
results for each area and each item, and feedback and suggestions on how to level averages for their group or the global results (for all teachers using the tool).
up. Teachers can identify their weaknesses and strengths and plan their professional
learning paths to further build their digital competence. Teachers can initiate a self- Teacher’s general digital competences as described in the Digital Competence
reflection at any time and complete it at their own pace in as many sessions as they Framework for Citizens are not described in the DigCompEdu framework, nor in
need. SELFIEforTEACHERS. The tool comprises items for the educator-specific digital
competences as described in DigCompEdu, relevant to school teachers.

Figure 2. SELFIEforTEACHERS areas and items.

Source: SELFIEforTEACHERS tool infographics, 2021.

8 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


Table 1. SELFIEforTEACHERS overview.
6. Facilitating
1. Professional 5. Empowering learners’ digital
engagement 2. Digital resources 3. Teaching and learning 4. Assessment learners competence

Digital technologies can Teachers have potentially Digital technologies can Digital technologies Using digital technologies Teachers’ digital competence
help teachers in their a wide range of digital enhance and improve can enhance existing can help teachers to is important to support and
professional practice to resources available to them. teaching and learning assessment practices create innovative learning facilitate the development
access information and It is important for them to practice in a number of and facilitate new and experiences, resulting in of their learners’ digital
enhance their teaching and effectively identify resources ways. A key skill of teachers innovative ones. Teachers learners becoming more competence.
learning practices. Teachers that best fit their needs, is to design learning with the can use digital technologies actively engaged. Digital
can also use technology their teaching style, and use of digital technologies to collect data to better technologies can be used
to communicate with and their learners. They may also to help students to engage support and assess learners, by teachers to personalise
support students and need to learn how to modify actively in authentic learning while enabling them to learning and tailor it
parents, and to share and and adapt resources to meet experiences. Advanced reflect and adapt their according to individual
learn with colleagues and their exact requirements practice involves a shift from teaching practice. learners’ levels, interests
others beyond the school. or create new ones. At the teacher-led to learner- and needs. However, it is
Through digital technologies, same time, they need to centred activities. important to avoid amplifying
teachers can enhance learn how to share digital inequality, for example in
their own professional resources responsibly, terms of learner access to
development, and support protect sensitive data, and technology or lack of skills.
the overall improvement manage content ethically Accessibility for all learners is
of their organisation and and respect copyright rules. crucial, including those with
profession. special educational needs.

1.1. Organisational 2.1. Searching and selecting 3.1. Teaching 4.1. Assessment strategies 5.1. Accessibility and 6.1. Information and data
communication Using searching and selection Designing, developing and Using digital technologies inclusion literacy
Using digital technologies criteria to identify digital support learning with the to support formative and Ensuring access to digital Incorporating learning
to enhance communication resources for teaching and use of digital technologies to summative assessment of resources and learning activities, which require
with colleagues and/or learning. enhance learning outcomes. learning. activities for all students, learners to use digital
learners and/or parents. taking into consideration technologies to search,
2.2. Creating 3.2. Guidance 4.2. Analysing evidence any contextual, physical or evaluate and manage
1.2. Online learning
Creating digital resources that Using digital technologies Using digital technologies cognitive constraints to their information and data in
environments
support and enhance teaching in order to provide feedback to collect and analyse use. digital environments.
Managing online learning and learning aims. and opportunities for evidence on students´
environments taking data reflection, leading to learning processes and 5.2. Differentiation and 6.2. Communication and
management and ethics into 2.3. Modifying readjustment of teaching outcomes. personalisation collaboration
account. Modifying existing digital and learning practices for Using digital technologies Implementing learning
resources to support and both teachers and learners. 4.3. Feedback and planning to address diverse learning activities that require
1.3. Professional
collaboration enhance teaching and Using digital technologies needs and capabilities, by learners to communicate
learning aims, respecting 3.3. Collaborative learning to provide feedback to allowing learners to advance and collaborate using digital
Using digital technologies to
copyright and licencing rules. Using digital technologies to learners, facilitating at different levels and technologies.
engage in collaboration and
foster and enhance learner planning of further action. speeds, and follow individual
interactions with colleagues 2.4. Managing, protecting 6.3. Content creation
collaboration for individual learning pathways and
and/or other education
Organising digital content, and collective learning. objectives. Incorporating learning
stakeholders.

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


9
1.4. Digital technologies enabling easy and secure 3.4. Self-regulated learning 5.3. Actively engaging activities that require
and school level access for students, Using digital technologies learners learners to express
infrastructure parents and teachers, while to enhance students’ Using digital technologies to themselves by creating
Using digital technologies protecting sensitive and self-regulated learning foster learners’ active and digital artefacts.
(devices, platforms and personal data. processes, fostering active creative engagement in their
6.4. Safety and wellbeing
software) and infrastructure and autonomous learning learning.
2.5. Sharing Empowering learners to
(internet access, local making students more
network) available in my Sharing digital content responsible for their own 5.4. Blended learning use digital technologies
school to enhance education. with respect to intellectual learning, thereby shifting Using digital resources safely, while mitigating
property and copyright rules. the focus from teaching to and tools, online learning risks to ensure physical,
1.5. Reflective practice learning. environments and platforms psychological and social
Reflecting on my own and to ensure students’ learning well-being.
collective professional 3.5. Emerging technologies within and beyond the
6.5. Responsible use
practice with the use of Using emerging technologies classroom.
digital technologies. in ethical ways to explore Empowering learners to
novel learning experiences use digital technologies
1.6. Digital life and content. responsibly and ethically,
Contributing positively managing their digital
and ethically in the digital identity digital footprint and
world, considering safe and digital reputation.
responsible digital practices.
6.6. Problem solving
1.7. Professional Incorporating learning
learning (through digital activities, where learners
technologies) use digital technologies
Using digital technologies to understand and solve
for one’s own professional problems.
learning.

1.8. Professional learning


(about digital technologies)
Engaging in professional
learning activities for the
development of teachers’
digital competence.

1.9. Computational thinking


Engaging with computational
thinking concepts and
processes as part of teacher
digital competence.

10 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


Each item in the tool comprises an introductory statement, followed by six statements A seventh option ‘I am not aware of this competence’, was added following a
reflecting different proficiency levels. Based on this model, each self-reflection item suggestion in the pilot study, to ensure that all teachers can find a best fit for their
provides six proficiency statements with an allocation of one to six points (Annex 1). current competence level. This option has zero points assigned towards the scoring
To help teachers understand their competence level, each statement (i) indicates the of the competence level results.
proficiency level by highlighting the action verbs, (ii) provides help text for complex
The tool generates an automated personal report for the teachers (Annex 2) with
terms, and (iii) gives indicative examples. Teachers are asked to choose the statement
that best describes their current competence level. their results (Figure 4).

Figure 4. SELFIEforTEACHERS personal results (an example).


The six proficiency levels follow the progression model described in the DigCompEdu
framework. To help users, the statements use ‘action verbs’ related to the proficiency
level (Figure 3) and provide indicative examples relevant to teachers’ practice. The
tool also provides a glossary of terms and help text related to teachers’ digital
competence. This feature supports teachers’ learning about digital competence,
while at the same time supporting their understanding of the related competence.

Figure 3. SELFIEforTEACHERS proficiency levels.

C2

C1

B2 Source: SELFIEforTEACHERS toolkit, 2023.

B1

A2
The tool also provides teachers with personalised feedback based on their competence
level in each self-reflection item with suggestions how to level up (Figure 5). Based
A1
on their results and the feedback received, teachers are encouraged to plan their
professional learning to further develop their digital competence.
Source: SELFIEforTEACHERS tool infographics, 2021.

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


11
Figure 5. SELFIEforTEACHERS personalised feedback with suggestions on how to level up
(an example).
2.1 Content
SELFIEforTEACHERS comprises 32 self-reflection items in 6 competence areas. Each
item is introduced by a description of the competence and provides six competence
statements following a six-level proficiency model. Teachers receive their results
based on a score for each one of the items. They also receive feedback according to
their competence level for each of the items, with suggestions on how to level up.

In section 4 of this report, we present each one of the competence areas with its
description, the items underneath each area with their introductory statements,
and the six proficiency level statements. For each proficiency level, the feedback
provided to the teachers is also presented.

2.2 Glossary
SELFIEforTEACHERS includes some terms from recent literature that might not be well
understood by teachers in all contexts, for example ‘learning design’ or technical terms
such as ‘maker spaces’. Some other terms are also used in the context of the tool
with a specific meaning, for example ‘various’. To facilitate teachers’ understanding
of the competence level statements, these terms are indicated as text with help text
Source: SELFIEforTEACHERS toolkit, 2023. available on hover. The glossary used for these terms is presented in Annex 3.

The tool was launched on 5 October 2021 in five languages and as of January 2021
is available online in 29 languages. 2.3 Online platform
Translation of the tool into the EU official languages was undertaken by the SELFIEforTEACHERS is hosted online on an in-house custom-made platform. This
European Commission translation services. As the translation was more of an provides the flexibility to build a user interface with features to fit the design and aims
adaptation than a linguistic translation alone, each translation was then reviewed of the tool, while allowing for quality control based on the European Commission’s
by national education experts, to ensure the quality of the translations in reference ethics and policies, such as data privacy and security, and free and equal access.
to terms used in the educational context of the countries. The following process
was established for translation/adaptation of the tool: (1) Linguistic translation, The design of the platform follows learning design principles, supporting teachers’
(2) Review for adaptation to specific language context, (3) Reverse translation learning needs as adult professionals. This includes providing a user dashboard
(random selection of 10% of the content to translate back to English and compare), where they can manage their self-reflections, save their results in different sessions,
(4) Testing of translation with teachers (about 10 teachers from both primary and compare results over time and with averages for groups of users, access their
secondary education), and (5) Finalisation of the translation. results and feedback reports whenever needed, and download and print their digital

12 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


badges and certificates of participation. The platform also supports teachers to take The SELFIEforTEACHERS expert network brings together experts and practitioners who
initiative for their own learning, as any teacher can begin their self-reflection by contributed to the tool development to further support the use of SELFIEforTEACHERS
simply creating an account at any point in time. Furthermore, it allows users act as by implementing various use cases in different contexts across Europe and exchanging
a group creator and invite teachers to take self-reflection within a group, with the practices. The network aims to facilitate knowledge and experience sharing while
option of sharing their anonymised results to help plan professional development building a strong community for SELFIEforTEACHERS users. A workshop on 2-3 June
activities for the group. Group creators have access to the group’s aggregated results 2022 marked the kick-off of the expert network.
for further analysis if needed.
While SELFIEforTEACHERS encourages teachers to have agency and active
An important aspect of the design of the platform hosting SELFIEforTEACHERS is participation in their learning, institutional and systemic support is also very important
that it gives flexibility and adaptability through planned features that will allow to facilitate their further development and to provide support on their professional
adding a new education sector or new area, or adding or removing items to suit the learning paths. Teachers need access to learning resources and to communities to
needs of a specific group. meet their learning needs, to receive feedback and to exchange good practices (steps
4 and 5, Figure 6).
2.4 Ecosystem
Figure 6. SELFIEforTEACHERS professional learning process.
The SELFIEforTEACHERS tool aims to help teachers further develop their digital
competence and subsequently use digital technologies for the benefit of their
students. The tool encourages teachers to take action following their self-reflection 1
6 Take the
self-reflection
results, and aims to establish an ecosystem to support its users on their learning Take the self-reflection
again to see progress
journeys.

Supporting material – including videos, infographics and other resources – has been 5 2
developed to provide information about the tool and guidelines on how to use it. A Apply new competences
in professional practice
Receive the individual
feedback report
dedicated website serves as the gateway to this material and provides news and
updates about the tool.

Moreover, good practices by various users in implementing the tool are being 4
collected and shared. Teachers are starting to share stories on how they are using 3
Implement the plan – e.g. training
Design a professional
SELFIEforTEACHERS, with some already presented in webinars and on online shared courses, communities of practice,
working with colleagues learning plan
platforms (such as the DigCompEdu ePosters platform). Furthermore, the DigCompEdu
community serves as an initial hub where researchers, educators, teachers and other
stakeholders can start discussions about SELFIEforTEACHERS and its implementation. Source: SELFIEforTEACHERS tool infographics, 2021.

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


13
A number of projects have been launched in relation to SELFIEforTEACHERS by
different stakeholders, including the development of teacher training programmes,
and educational resources, and the implementation of teaching and learning using
digital technologies. The SELFIEforTEACHERS ecosystem envisages to promote a
repository for all this material, which would correspond to the six digital competence
areas, and which would support teachers in implementing their professional learning
paths and in sharing their learning achievements.

2.5 Use cases


SELFIEforTEACHERS is not a test or a survey; it is a tool for self-reflection to support
teachers’ digital competence and encourage them to take action based on their
results and the feedback provided.

Various use cases have been described for the tool; these are general descriptions of
how the SELFIEforTEACHERS tool can be used in a particular setting (i.e. hypothetical
but possible scenarios of how it could be implemented). Implementation of a
SELFIEforTEACHERS use case refers to how the use case will be carried out in practice
(i.e. the application of a potential scenario for a use case). The various use cases are
defined by who is using the tool (e.g. individual teachers, groups of teachers, school
leaders, teacher educators, teacher trainers, education authorities) and for what
purpose (e.g. design individual learning paths, use aggregated data for planning). A
number of use cases are presented in Annex 4, following a structure that describes
the target of the use case (who), the context in which it may take place (context),
actions to be taken (action), how it can be implemented (how to) and how to follow
up (follow up).

These use cases can support exploration of how the tool can be used effectively in
different educational contexts and settings, for example by networks of teachers and
schools, in initial teacher education, by in-service training institutes and by education
authorities. Implementations of the use cases can provide practices and insights into
key factors – enablers and barriers - that can support the aim of the tool, i.e. to build
teachers’ digital competence.

14 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


3. Methodology
3.1 Overview 3.2 Conceptualisation
To develop SELFIEforTEACHERS, the research team used the European Digital To address the need to support building teachers’ digital competence through an
Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu) as a benchmark for teachers’ digital online self-reflection tool for teachers based on the European Framework for Digital
competence. As DigCompEdu addresses educators of all education levels, we Competence of Educators as described in DEAP Action 5 (European Commission,
performed a content analysis of the framework to adapt it specifically to primary and 2020), we conceived the research study in two aspects: (a) the design and
secondary teachers in Europe, taking into consideration emerging educational needs development of the tool content, which includes the reflection items, examples,
and approaches. We then designed a number of self-reflection items following the help text explaining the terms used and proficiency level-based feedback with
framework six competence areas and reflecting the framework key competences and suggestions on how to level up, and (b) the design and development of the online
crucial aspects/subsets. These items are presented with a title name, an introductory platform to host the tool, which includes tool functionalities and usability. A further
statement describing the specific competence they correspond to, and six proficiency aspect includes the tool ecosystem to support users in their self-reflection process
level statements with teacher practice examples to guide teachers identify their current level. and in further development of their digital competence.

In order to ensure the tool suitability, quality, validity and reliability we relied on
Regarding the tool content, DigCompEdu, being widely accepted across Europe,
previous research and literature and an extensive network of experts who contributed
served as the conceptual reference for the tool content. Content analysis of the
to the development process through iterative consultations, workshops and in some
framework has been performed to respond to the specific needs of the target group
cases contractual work. We also conducted a pre-pilot and a pilot study in five
of the tool, i.e. primary and secondary teachers in Europe, As DigCompEdu was
countries with more than 4.000 participating teachers.
published in 2017, the tool content was enhanced by desk research and expert
consultations to meet up-to-date educational needs and trends.
Figure 7. Overview of the SELFIEforTEACHERS design and development methodology.

Primary and Secondary Teachers In order to offer meaningful and effective professional development opportunities to
Emerging education needs and approaches teachers, SELFIEforTEACHERS design took into account important aspects of teachers’
professional learning, including learning approaches and teachers’ professional
Desk research Expert consultations
characteristics, to support the development of teachers’ digital competence as a
DigCompEdu Item and content
Revision
learning outcome, while at the same time providing a continuous learning process.
content analysis creation

In summary, the tool design and development was guided by the following elements:
Pilot Pre-pilot
(a) transforming the conceptual framework concepts and descriptors into statements
that are more concrete and relevant to teachers’ professional context, with examples,

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


15
(b) taking into account emerging and up-to-date pedagogical needs and trends, The DigCompEdu framework sets out a six-scale progression model to capture
(c) ensuring scientific evidence of the tool’s validity and reliability, (d) providing an educators’ competence proficiency level: A1 = Awareness, A2 = Exploration, B1 =
opportunity that is meaningful to teachers’ professional development and follows Integration, B2 = Expertise, C1 = Leadership, C2 = Innovation (Figure 9).
effective professional learning approaches, (e) providing a learning experience for
teachers through a self-reflection process with personalised feedback, (f) supporting Figure 9. European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu),
teachers’ active engagement and agency in the design of their professional learning, Progression Model.
(g) encouraging collaborative learning design and activities, and (h) providing
aggregated data to support planning and monitoring of professional development.

3.2.1 The DigCompEdu framework


The European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu)
captures and describes 22 educator-specific digital competences in six areas. These
areas correspond to three dimensions: educators’ professional context, pedagogy
and learners’ competences (Figure 8).
Source: European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators report, 2017.

Figure 8. The European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu). According to the framework report (Redecker, 2017), the proposed progression
model describes different stages or levels of digital competence development,
linked to the six proficiency levels used by the Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from A1 to C2, for ease of reference. The
3 CEFR levels were coupled with motivating role descriptors, ranging from Newcomer
(A1) to Pioneer (C2). These stages and the logic of their progression were inspired
1 6 by Bloom’s revised taxonomy3, which explains the subsequent cognitive stages
2 5
of any learning progress from ‘Remembering’ and ‘Understanding’, to ‘Applying’
4 and ‘Analysing’, and finally to ’Evaluating’ and ‘Creating’. Similarly, in the first two
stages of DigCompEdu, Newcomer (A1) and Explorer (A2), educators assimilate
new information and develop basic digital practices; at the following two stages,
Integrator (B1) and Expert (B2), educators apply, further expand and reflect on their
digital practices; at the highest stages, Leader (C1) and Pioneer (C2), educators pass
on their knowledge, critique existing practice and develop new practices (Redecker,
2017).
Source: European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators report, 2017.

For each competence, a competence descriptor is provided, complemented by a list


of typical activities that are examples of the competence. A series of proficiency 3 Anderson, L.W., and Krathwohl, D. R. (eds.), A Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching and Assessing: a
statements exemplify the activities at six proficiency levels. Revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. Longman, New York, 2001

16 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


3.2.2 The CheckIn testing tool 3.3 The process
A testing tool (CheckIn)4, had been developed by the JRC in 2018 and was available The SELFIEforTEACHERS development process involved an iterative collaboration
online on EUSurvey, the European Commission’s official survey management system5. between the main researcher of the study, the JRC team and education experts
The aim was to test educators’ understanding of the DigCompEdu framework and to from the EU Member States, complemented by desk research on international
offer them an initial assessment of their individual strengths and learning needs The developments in the field of educators’ digital competence, competence frameworks
CheckIn tool was studied along with DigCompEdu for the design and development and self-assessment tools. Minimising the possibility of bias and building collective
of the SELFIEforTEACHERS tool. and shared ownership were important for the tool development, its dissemination
and use, as well as its testing and collection of data for further development.
As described by Ghomi and Redecker (2019), the tool consisted of 22 items Subsequently, we organised a workshop in which a group of around thirty experts –
representing each competence in the framework. Each item consisted of a statement including researchers, policy makers, teacher educators and teachers– discussed the
describing the core of the competence and five possible answers, which were items and provided their input. We edited the items based on the feedback received
cumulatively structured and mapped onto the proficiency levels, as described in the in collaboration with three education experts and one expert in assessment items
DigCompEdu progression model. As it was decided that each competence should development. More input was received on the updated items by the experts as well
be represented by only one item, in some cases a choice had to be made between as education stakeholders from the DG EAC Education and Training 2020 Working
different aspects crucial to a given competence. For example, for competence 2.3 Group on Digital Education.
(Managing, protecting, sharing) it was decided to focus on data protection, rather
than on copyright rules or the use of shared content repositories. Finally, a pilot study was undertaken to scientifically confirm the validity and reliability
of the tool, along with a usability study to collect user feedback to improve the
The five possible answers to each question corresponded to a five-point scale online platform hosting the tool. Next steps include implementing various use cases
progression, assuming that digital competence development comprises the of the tool to identify key factors for its effective use. Finally, future plans involve
following stages: no use, basic use, diversification, meaningful use, systematic use qualitative and quantitative research of the tool use and analysis of collected data
and innovation. In some cases, the categories of meaningful and systematic use to support policy planning.
were merged, as it was deemed difficult for users to differentiate between the two
options. In other cases, the highest competence level (C2), was left out, as it was Figure 10. SELFIEforTEACHERS design and development path.
expected that current usage patterns were unlikely to display innovative strategies.
The resulting CheckIn instrument presented five answer options, for which points March 2020 Desk research February 2021 Revision of content for the tool

ranging from 0 to 4 were allocated. In the feedback report generated, the total April-May 2020 Content development for first version of the tool March - April 2021 Pilot study
26 May 2020 Expert consultation workshop
score - ranging from 0 to 88 points - is mapped onto the six different DigCompEdu June - November 2020 Review and updates, development of online platform
May - June 2021

July - September 2021


Finalisation of content

Translations of the tool


proficiency levels (Ghomi and Redecker, 2019). 30 November 2020 DELTA WG consultation workshop 5 October 2021 Official launch of the tool in five languages
December 2020 – January 2021 Pre-pilot study January 2022 Launch of the tool in all EU official languages

4 https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/digcompedu/digcompedu-self-reflection-tools_en
5 https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


17
3.3.1 Desk research in Europe could relate to (c) bringing forward competences that are relevant to up-
to-date educational needs (d) describing the progression within a competence to
Since the publication of the DigCompEdu framework in 2017, social and technological guide teachers position themselves in a six-scale competence level, (e) providing
changes have led to new needs and development in education, with a number of personalised feedback to teachers according to their individual competence level to
education reforms taking place in Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a major help them plan further development.
impact on how education is offered. In order to capture these emerging pedagogical
needs and trends and incorporate them into the tool self-reflection items to ensure The creation of the tool content was based on the following principles:
an up-to-date tool, desk research was conducted, along with consultation with ‣ The tool follows the six competence areas in the three dimensions presented
experts and practitioners. in the DigCompEdu. The first dimension covers teachers’ competence in their
professional engagement and development, the second covers teachers’
This exploration did not repeat the mapping exercise of tools and frameworks done pedagogic competence and teaching practices, and the third covers facilitating
for the DigCompEdu framework. It involved a narrow selection of recent tools and students to build digital competence.
reports (after the publication of DigCompEdu) related to digital competence in ‣ Each self-reflection item lies within a DigCompEdu competence area,
education, based on specific elements proposed by the researchers, practitioners according to the area description.
and experts, as extensive review of academic and grey literature had already been ‣ The tool presents competences, using a simple and practical approach, and
conducted for the framework. The selection included websites and reports from contains examples to help teachers reflect on their digital competence.
national education ministries, councils or agencies, in order to identify relevant ‣ The tool considers competence as a complex construct that combines
instruments and digital competence frameworks at national and European level knowledge (being aware of, understanding), skills (applying, performing) and
that appeared or were in development after the release of DigCompEdu. It also attitudes (developing a mindset for critical, ethical and creative use).
included relevant policy reports on emerging trends. ‣ Teacher-specific digital competences as introduced in DigCompEdu are
supported by the general digital competences described in DigComp, as well
The key aim of the desk research was to identify any teachers’ digital competences as teacher subject specific, pedagogic and transversal competences.
that were not explicitly mentioned in the framework, and to provide evidence of ‣ Each item consists of an introductory statement giving the overall scope
the analysis of such key competence descriptors. The desk research led to some of the competence and six proficiency level statements associated with
elements being considered for greater prominence among the tool items, such as teachers’ level of competence.
computational thinking, emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, distance ‣ The six proficiency level statements show progression in terms of ‘skills
and blended learning, data management and ethical considerations. complexity’ and not in terms of points on a scale of competence or frequency
(e.g. a 6-point Likert scale). This also indicates that a level reflects a ‘range’
and not an absolute number.
3.3.2 Content creation
‣ Teachers receive a score for each one of the items that indicates their
cumulative points (one point for each level, thus a range from 1 to 6 points
The research team performed a content analysis of the DigCompEdu key competences
for each item).
and their descriptors adapting it specifically for primary and secondary education
teachers in Europe. The work encompassed the following tasks: (a) analysing and Some practical aspects were also anticipated to make the tool useful and usable for
simplifying the key ideas in the framework, (b) transforming the framework into teachers. For example, the number of items could not be exhaustive as this would
self-reflection items with concrete practices that primary and secondary teachers require too much time and effort from teachers. Similarly, provided feedback at a

18 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


large scale, was designed to be as personalised as possible (e.g. responding to the Figure 11. Defining the items.
teacher competence level for each item) while at the same time introducing scoring
of the items to provide a quantitative representation of the teachers’ results in Item X
addition to the qualitative feedback. Deconstruction of
Desk
Item X1 + Item X2
research /
Key
competence descriptor emerging needs
Competence X Item X + New item
into its crucial aspects and trends in
3.3.2.1 Defining the self-reflection items education New item

We started with a preliminary analysis of the DigCompEdu key competences,


involving understanding the descriptor for each competence along with its proficiency
statements, as well as the activities presenting some examples of the competence. During the process, we tried to ensure that all key competences and their crucial
We then analysed each competence for its key elements, as some of them were aspects were included in the tool items, either vertically (i.e. under an area as a
quite complex involving more than one crucial aspect which could not be described separate item) or transversally (i.e. embedded in the items proficiency levels).
by one simple item. Based on the desk research and consultations with experts
and practitioners, we considered whether to use each aspect as a proficiency level For each item, we revisited the existing competence descriptor and created a new
statement within the same item, indicating the complexity increment for each level one for the new items, based on recent literature. The competence descriptor plays
(for example under competence 1.2. (Professional collaboration), ‘collaborative the role of introducing the competence on which each item then elaborates. To decide
innovating pedagogic practices’ was viewed as a more advanced level of ‘using on the item title and the introductory statement, we also consulted experts with
digital technologies to engage in collaboration with peers’) or whether we would experience in the area, along with literature. For example, related to ‘computational
create additional items. In a number of cases, a crucial aspect of a competence was thinking’ terms such as ‘algorithmic thinking, ‘programming’, ‘coding’ were discussed,
considered important enough to be analysed further and presented as a separate and related to ‘blended learning’ terms such as ‘online learning’, ‘remote learning’
item. For example, competence 2.2. (Creating and modifying digital resources) was and ‘distance learning’ were discussed.
split into two, so as to include the learning design aspect in the ‘Creating’ item
and the copyright aspect in the ‘Modifying’ item. In other cases, a crucial aspect Based on the recent literature, we also renamed the key competence 1.4 Digital
was selected to become a new item to emphasise and to show the different areas Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to ‘Professional learning’. In addition,
within one competence. Such an example is the new item ‘Managing online learning we decided to include some terms in the item statements that are aligned with
environments’ under the area of ‘Organisational communication’, to include data more recent pedagogical approaches, as for example the terms ‘Learning design’
management and ethical considerations. Finally, based on emerging trends and and ‘Maker spaces’.
needs in education, aspects were identified that needed greater prominence, either
in the progression level analysis or as new items. This resulted either in new items, The analysis was done in parallel with the CheckIn tool, as each of the tool’s 22
such as ‘Emerging technologies’ and ‘Computational thinking’, or in new elements questions corresponded to the framework competences.
embedded in existing competences, such as data management and ethical
considerations. Table 2 presents the items to be included in the first working version of the tool
for the expert consultation workshop, while Annex 5 presents this analysis in more
detail. In summary, the suggested working version for the tool presented 32 self-
reflection items (10 more than the CheckIn tool), corresponding to the competences

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


19
proposed by the DigCompEdu framework. Different approaches were employed 3.3.2.2 Creating the items and the proficiency level statements
for the introduction of new items. In some cases, existing items were split to
accommodate different aspects of the competence proposed by the framework. In We started creating the proficiency statements for each item by first writing down
other cases, new items were added to emphasise current needs. However, each item the basic aspects of the competence corresponding to the item, and then writing a
still lays within one of the six competence areas in the framework. range of practices with concrete examples related to teachers’ professional context.
We then tried to organise them along the DigCompEdu progression model. The
Table 2. SELFIEforTEACHERS first proposal for new items in relation to DigCompEdu competence areas. progression was underpinned by the following:
‣ The proficiency level statements follow the progression model in the
DigCompEdu competence area New items DigCompEdu framework (A1 – Awareness, A2 – Exploration, B1 – Integration,
B2 – Expertise, C1 – Leadership, C2 – Innovation).
1. Professional learning (using digital ‣ The proficiency level statements reflect the increased level of skills complexity,
technologies) (1) describing different stages or levels of digital competence development.
2. Professional learning (on digital technologies)
Similarly, each level reflects a ‘range’ of more complex abilities in a continuum
Area 1 – Professional engagement (1)
3. Digital technologies and infrastructure rather than an absolute number (e.g. 5-point Likert scale).
4. Online learning (management) ‣ The progression moves from specific to more strategic (e.g. initiating a school
5. Digital citizenship policy) and from individual to more collective (e.g. supporting others). It also
moves from awareness and basic understanding (knowledge) to using and
6. Creating (2) applying (skills) and involving others, to initiating actions (attitudes).
7. Modifying (2) ‣ The proficiency level in the statements is reflected in action verbs that are
Area 2 – Digital resources
8. Sharing used consistently (e.g. I use, I explore, I choose, I apply, I develop).
9. Programming ‣ The statements are stated in the first person ‘I …”’, so as to provide more
relevance to the teacher.
Area 3 – Teaching and learning 10. Emerging technologies ‣ The proficiency level statements measure a competence that teachers have,
not their everyday practice. Thus, adverbs expressing frequency of use (e.g.
Area 5 – Empowering learners 11. Distance education often, sometimes, always) or degree (e.g. strongly, completely, barely) are
avoided.
Area 6 – Facilitating learners’ digital ‣ The items approach the competences at a macro- as opposed to a micro-
12. Innovate
competence level (e.g. specific skills in using a certain digital tool or technology are not
included), while at the same time providing context for the teachers to relate
(1) These two items were presented as one in the CheckIn tool. to their practice and specific context.
(2) These two items were presented as one in the CheckIn tool.
We applied a structure where each item consists of an introductory statement, giving
the overall scope of the competence in focus, and six proficiency level statements,
describing how competence manifests itself at different proficiency levels, with
examples providing relevance and context for teachers.

20 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


To make the proficiency statements for each item easier to read and understand, we The quality and tone of the feedback language was also addressed, to avoid
followed the scheme presented in Figure 12, where the core text of the statement authoritative or condescending language and to inspire teachers to take action based
appears in bold text, indication of complexity appears in red text, and examples/ on their results and plan their professional learning paths based on the suggestions.
explanations appear in italics.

The first working version of the tool was updated and shared for the expert 3.3.3 Expert consultations
consultation workshop.
A number of consultations were held during the development phase, to obtain expert
Figure 12. SELFIEforTEACHERS structure of proficiency statements (an example). feedback and suggestions. A first consultation took place during a workshop on 26
May 2020 (see Annex 6). The first working version for the consultation presented
the 32 items, with the introductory and proficiency statements, under the 6 areas.
In general, the 32 items were accepted as they had been distributed in the 6 areas
with the following modifications:
‣ The item related to ‘Programming’, initially positioned under ‘Area 2 - Digital
resources’ was instead included under ‘Area 1 – Professional engagement’ as
‘Computational thinking’.
‣ The item related to ‘Responsible use: To empower learners to exploit digital
technologies creatively, responsibly, ethically and safely, while mitigating
risks to ensure their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.’ under ‘Area
6- Facilitating learners’ digital competence’ was expanded and divided into
two distinct items, namely ‘Responsible use’ and ‘Safety and wellbeing’.
Source: SELFIEforTEACHERS toolkit, 2022.
‣ The new item ‘Innovate’ proposed under ‘Area 6- Facilitating learners’ digital
competence’ was excluded as it was considered to overlap with other items
3.3.2.3 Feedback report
(mainly ‘Content creation’ and ‘Problem solving’).
The SELFIEforTEACHERS feedback report, which users receive after completing their Another important change deriving from the expert consultation was to start
self-reflection, was developed using the CheckIn tool feedback report as a starting the proficiency level A1 from a lower point, i.e. from ‘awareness’ and not ‘using’.
point. This existing report was reviewed and modified to reflect the changes made in Furthermore, it was suggested to ensure consistency in the use of words (verbs) for
the content of the new tool (e.g. new items, differentiated proficiency levels). each proficiency level: A1 = I am aware of, A2 = I use in a basic way, B1 = I choose
and use suitable digital technologies, B2 = I reflect and modify, C1 = I support (or
The feedback format was restructured into two parts: (a) acknowledging advise/assist/coach) and readjust practices, C2 = I initiate/introduce/invent/develop
achievement at the current proficiency level by providing comments focused on the a comprehensive strategy.
key aspects of this level, and (b) providing suggestions on how to level up, with a
range of suggested actions to take for further development of digital competence, Following the workshop, three experts were contracted to work closely with the JRC
highlighting key aspects of the next proficiency level. Thus, the feedback provided for team to review the tool and further elaborate on the items based on the expert
each level encompasses elements of the current level and also indicates a direction feedback. These three advisers had expertise in digital technologies for education,
towards the next one. and more specifically on digital competence, teachers’ professional development

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


21
and assessment tools. The work took place between July and October 2020. It then Table 3. Set of action-verbs used in describing the proficiency level statements.
went through a final language review and edit by another expert, with experience in
A1 - A2 - B1 - B2 - C1 - C2 -
developing assessment items. Awareness Exploration Integration Expertise Leadership Innovation

The involvement of external experts was designed to ensure that all steps were I lead / I
support
counter-checked and that the quality of the final tool was covered in all its aspects. Area 1 – I analyse and and provide
I contribute
I am aware I use various… to /
The expert team worked closely with the JRC team and provided recommendations Professional
that
I explore
according to…
select… advice
I initiate and
engagement based on… (from
on improvements to overall content. Each expert worked on one or two areas (with individual to
promote
each area covered by two team members for a degree of cross-validation) and during collective)
regular online meetings each item was discussed and agreed, in terms of content, I analyse and
I reflect on…
language and examples provided for each statement. The first revised draft was select... I initiate and
and readjust /
Area 2 – based on... contribute/
then revisited by all experts, looking at each item in terms of the progression levels I am aware I use various… redesign
Digital I explore or promote...
that according to… or
within each one (vertically) and each progression level across all items (horizontally). resources I select…
I design and
school-wide
to modify and strategy
The whole work was undertaken by five people, including the JRC team. adapt
develop

Based on the feedback received during the workshop, the introductory level A1, I select and I initiate and
employ digital I reflect on contribute/
originally conceived as ‘basic use’ of digital technologies, was modified to focus on Area 3 – I employ technologies and redesign... promote...
I am aware
the ‘awareness’ level, where teachers are expected to know/have a basic level of Teaching I explore various… in my learning students’ within my
that
and learning to support… designs based active school and
awareness of a specific aspect of digital competence. Levels C1 and C2 were also on their engagement its wider
modified, in line with the expert feedback, for greater consistency. In particular, level affordances community

C1 encompasses teachers’ capability ‘to be source of inspiration for others, to whom I initiate and
I develop contribute/
they pass on their expertise’, hence supporting and engaging with colleagues and I implement /
learning
I reflect on
promote...
Area 4 – I am aware integrate… and involve
students. Similarly, level C2 highlights teachers’ capability to initiate and promote Assessment of/that
I explore
according to
designs...
my students
within my
I reflect / school and
actions within and beyond the school, reaching out to the wider community. their needs in…
select its wider
community
The experts also revised the language used and some of the terminology, to reflect
I initiate and
the competences in a simpler and more concise way that is closer to teachers’ contribute/
I implement /
every-day practice. They also further elaborated the explanation of key terms used, Area 5 –
I am aware integrate…
I develop
I reflect on
promote...
Empowering I explore learning within my
with the tool’s Glossary serving as a help feature. learners
of/that according to
designs...
and redesign
school and
their needs
its wider
Moreover, to ensure consistency with the DigCompEdu framework, as well as community
coherence across the different areas and competences, a revised set of agreed Area 6 – My students
I implement / I reflect and
‘action verbs’ was adopted. This pool of words has been consistently applied to Facilitating
I am aware integrate…
I develop
redesign...
and I...
learners’ I explore learning initiate and
ensure the proficiency level statements aligned with the progression model (vertically digital
of/that according to
designs...
or
promote/
their needs I lead...
within an item and horizontally across items). Progression levels were considered as competence contribute
cumulative; hence each higher-level descriptor comprises all lower-level descriptors.
An ‘N/A-Not Applicable’ option would also be accommodated in the online tool.

22 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


Concerning the feedback generated for each proficiency level, a refinement to the Table 4. SELFIEforTEACHERS items in relation to DigCompEdu competence areas and competences.
proposed structure was agreed (in the approach and in the wording of the two DigCompEdu competence area
and competences SELFIEforTEACHERS items
parts): (a) the introductory comment focusing on the key characteristics of the
current proficiency level and (b) suggestions on how to level up, highlighting facets Area 1 – Professional engagement Area 1 – Professional engagement
of the competence at the following proficiency level and providing teachers with a 1.1 Organisational communication 1.1 Organisational communication
1.2 Professional collaboration 1.2 Online learning environments (1)
range of possible actions to take to further develop their digital competence. All the 1.3 Reflective practice 1.3 Professional collaboration
experts validated the feedback for each item (under each competence level) and 1.4 Digital Continuous Professional 1.4 Digital technologies and school level infrastructure (1)
across all competence levels (for each item). Development (CPD) 1.5 Reflective practice
1.6 Digital life (1)
The contracted experts were also consulted during revision of the tool after the pre- 1.7 Professional learning (through digital technologies) (2)
1.8 Professional learning (about digital technologies) (2)
pilot, and pilot to enhance the internal validity of the tool with additional external 1.9 Computational thinking (1)
validity as well from the perspective of experts and practitioners.
Area 2 – Digital resources Area 2 – Digital resources
After the contractual work, the revised tool was sent to the workshop expert group 2.1 Selecting digital resources 2.1 Searching and selecting
2.2 Creating and modifying digital 2.2 Creating (3)
for further input. The consultation also involved the European Commission’s Working
resources 2.3 Modifying (3)
Group on Digital Education: Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA WG). The 2.3 Managing, protecting and sharing 2.4 Managing and protecting (4)
consultation took place on 30 November 2020 during a 2-hour online workshop, digital resources 2.5 Sharing (4)
with some preparatory and follow-up work. The goal of the workshop was to present Area 3 – Teaching and learning Area 3 – Teaching and learning
the preliminary tool and get feedback on the content (items and feedback report), 3.1 Teaching 3.1 Teaching
the platform (features, interface) and its potential usage. In all, 34 participants 3.2 Guidance 3.2 Guidance
3.3 Collaborative learning 3.3 Collaborative learning
from ministries of education (Member States, EFTA and candidate countries),
3.4 Self-regulated learning 3.4 Self-regulated learning
social partners and NGOs took part. The participants gave positive feedback and 3.5 Emerging technologies (1)
showed a strong interest in the tool providing comments and suggestions mainly on
Area 4 - Assessment Area 4 - Assessment
improving the interface and its usability. At a later stage, the DELTA WG members 4.1 Assessment strategies 4.1 Assessment strategies
were also informed about the results from the pre-pilot and pilot, and consulted 4.2 Analysing evidence 4.2 Analysing evidence
about possible revisions. 4.3 Feedback and Planning 4.3 Feedback and planning

Area 5 – Empowering learners Area 5 – Empowering learners


The revised working version of the tool led to the pre-pilot version which was used 5.1 Accessibility and inclusion 5.1 Accessibility and inclusion
for the pre-pilot study. Table 3 presents the items of this version in relation to the 5.2 Differentiation and personalisation 5.2 Differentiation and personalisation
DigCompEdu competence areas and competences. 5.3 Actively engaging learners 5.3 Actively engaging learners
5.4 Blended learning (1)

Area 6 – Facilitating learners’ digital Area 6 – Facilitating learners’ digital competence


competence 6.1 Information and data literacy
6.1 Information and media literacy 6.2 Communication and collaboration
(1) These are new items. 6.2 Digital communication & 6.3 Content creation
(2) These two items were presented as one in the CheckIn tool. collaboration 6.4 Safety and wellbeing (5)
(3) These two items were presented as one in the CheckIn tool. 6.3 Digital content creation 6.5 Responsible use (5)
(4) These two items were presented as one in the CheckIn tool. 6.4. Responsible use 6.6 Problem solving
(5) These two items were presented as one in the CheckIn tool. 6.5 Digital problem solving

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


23
3.4 Pilot study Table 6. Distribution of participants in the follow-up qualitative study by country.

Country Primary Secondary Total


The pilot study aimed to validate the overall scientific soundness of the tool.
Italy 9 9 18
Psychometric statistics were used to verify the competence areas and progression
levels with reference to the DigCompEdu framework, and the validity and reliability Portugal 8 8 16
of the 32 items underneath each of the areas. A follow-up study using quantitative
Grand total 17 17 34
and qualitative methodology, collected user feedback on the tool.

The study was conducted by an external contractor and comprised in two phases: a Factor analysis confirmed a good fit for the suggested six-factor model of teachers’
pre-pilot, in two countries (Italy and Portugal) during December 2020 and January digital competence. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Item Response Theory
2021, and a pilot in four countries (Estonia, Italy, Lithuania and Portugal) in April (IRT) did not suggest any changes to the dimensionality (factor structure) of this
2021. Two reports will provide more details and in-depth analysis of the pilot study. construct. All items had good - or at least satisfactory - factor loadings, and there
was no evidence to support an argument for removing, adding or replacing items for
3.4.1 Pre-pilot any factor. Moreover, correlation analysis did not reveal significant overlap between
any two items in the self-reflection tool. None of the item pairs correlated so highly
The self-reflection and quantitative data was collected from 2 December 2020 to with each other as to suggest removal of one. There were some doubts, as perceived
12 January 2021 from a sample of teachers in two countries, Italy and Portugal. by respondents, regarding the distinctiveness of the six progression levels and equal
A clustered (school-based) sampling approach was followed with 6-8 primary and distances between the levels across items.
6-8 secondary schools for each country, stratified by school size, and geographical
region. All teachers from these schools were invited to participate in the study. The expert team involved in the creation of the items was consulted about revision
of the tool after the pre-pilot. Even though CFA and IRT applied to the pre-pilot results
Table 5. Distribution of respondents by gender and country. did not suggest any changes, we wanted to enhance the internal validity of the tool
with additional external validity from the perspective of experts and practitioners.
Country Male Female Missing Unrevealed Total
Based on the pre-pilot results, the expert team reviewed the wording of some items
Italy 81 (16%) 412 (81%) 3 9 505 where psychometric analysis revealed higher difficulty. Specifically, this related to
Portugal 95 (33%) 191 (66%) 4 290 difficulty and progression under the items 1.2. (Online learning environments), 1.5.
(Reflective practice), 1.9. (Computational thinking) and 3.5. (Emerging technologies)
Grand total 176 603 3 13 795 regarding proficiency levels. The expert team discussed the possibility that the
items reflected a competence that is indeed more difficult for teachers to develop,
The quantitative data collection was complemented by a qualitative follow-up study, as it might represent a new competence for them (e.g. ‘Emerging technologies’
where a sample of 34 primary and secondary school teachers who participated in and ‘Computational thinking’. The experts simplified the language in some of the
the pre-pilot were invited to focus group interviews for in-depth reflection on the sentences and provided simpler examples of these items in some cases. A decision
pre-pilot experience. was also made to test the tool in Ireland, where English is a native language, in order
to explore the efficiency of the language translations of the tool.

24 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


3.4.2 Pilot Table 8. Distribution of participants in the follow-up qualitative study by country.

Country Primary Secondary Total


The self-reflection and quantitative data was collected from 7 to 30 April 2021
Estonia 10 8 18
from a sample of teachers in four countries (Estonia, Italy, Lithuania and Portugal),
using the revised tool after the pre-pilot results. A clustered (school-based) sampling Italy 9 9 18
approach was followed, with 6-8 primary and 6-8 secondary schools for each
Lithuania 11 11 22
country, stratified by school size, and geographical region. All teachers from these
schools were invited to participate in the study. In addition, 81 teachers were invited Portugal 5 8 13
to test the tool in Ireland through an open call.
Ireland (1) 7 14 21
Table 7. Distribution of respondents by gender and country.
Grand total (2) 35 36 71
Prefer not
Country Female Male Other to say Missing Grand Total
(1) Ireland data was not included in the analysis as the qualitative methodology approach was different.
Estonia 401 (90%) 39 (9%) 1 5 1 447 (2) The Grand Total numbers do not include the respondents in Ireland.

Italy 548 (83%) 105 (16%) 2 7 2 664 Factor analysis confirmed a good fit for the suggested six-factor model of teachers’
Lithuania 762 (86%) 100 (11%) 2 14 5 883 digital competence. CFA and IRT did not suggest any changes to the dimensionality
(factor structure) of this construct. Analysis confirmed that all items had good - or
Portugal 838 (68%) 362 (30%) 5 11 8 1224
at least satisfactory - factor loadings and there was no evidence to support an
Ireland (1) 53 (65%) 27 (33%) 1 81 argument for removing, adding or replacing items for any factor. Correlation analysis
did not reveal significant overlap between any two items in the self-reflection
Grand
2549 (79%) 606 (19%) 10 37 16 3218 tool, and none of the item pairs correlated so highly with each other as to suggest
Total (2)
removal of one.
(1) Ireland data was not included in the analysis as the sampling process was different (convenience
sampling by an open call to teachers in Ireland). Once more, the expert team involved in the creation of the items was also involved
(2) The Grand Total numbers do not include the respondents in Ireland.
in discussion of the pilot results to further assure the external validity of the tool.
The quantitative data collection was complemented by a qualitative follow-up
study, where a sample of 71 primary and secondary teachers who had participated
in the pilot were invited to focus group interviews for in-depth reflection on the pilot
experience.

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


25
4. SELFIEforTEACHERS items and feedback
SELFIEforTEACHERS comprises 32 self-reflection items in 6 competence areas. Each item is introduced by a description of the competence and provides six competence
statements following a six-level proficiency model. A seventh statement of not being aware of the competence is also available.

Teachers receive their results based on a score for each one of the items, ranging from 1 to 6 points. They also receive feedback according to their competence level for each
of the items, with suggestions on how to level up.

In the following pages, we present each one of the competence areas with its description, the items underneath each area with their introductory statements, and the six
proficiency level statements. For each proficiency level, the feedback provided to the teachers is also presented.

26 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


Area 1 – Professional Engagement
Digital technologies can help teachers in their professional practice to access information
and enhance their teaching and learning practices. Teachers can also use technology to
communicate with and support students and parents, and to share and learn with colleagues
and others beyond the school. Through digital technologies, teachers can enhance their own
professional development, and support the overall improvement of their organisation and
profession.
The proficiency level statements are organised by increasing level of engagement with
digital technologies with a focus on contributing to organisational development.

ITEM NAME and PROFICIENCY LEVEL


INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT STATEMENTS FEEDBACK

1.1 Organisational I am aware that digital technologies can be Being aware of digital communication tools and platforms is important to help you find effective
communication used for organisational communication (e.g. ways to streamline your interaction with students, parents and colleagues. Start with exploring
email, instant messaging, social networks, different communication tools for information exchange and interaction.
Using digital technologies to
online learning platforms).
enhance communication with [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying different tools (e.g. email, instant messaging, social
colleagues and/or learners and/ networks, online learning platforms) to communicate with colleagues, parents or students.
or parents.
I have tried using digital technologies to help Exploring digital communication tools and platforms can help you streamline your interaction with
me communicate with colleagues, learners and/ students, parents and colleagues and enable you to find an appropriate communication channel
or parents (e.g. email, instant messaging, social that works for all of you. Sometimes a different format or channel is more appropriate. Try to be
networks, online learning platforms). flexible and adapt your choice of communication channel to your audience and communication
needs.
[Suggestions to level up]: Use a variety of digital technologies according to your communication
goal, target or context, so as to meet your organisational communication needs (e.g. email
or instant messaging, individual chat or group discussion forum).

I use various digital technologies according to There is a variety of technologies that help people to communicate across an organisation. Each
my organisational communication needs (e.g. has different strengths and weaknesses. You can optimise communication by selecting the most
the communication goal, target and context). appropriate technologies for the specific communication context, target and goal. Try to identify
the most typical communication needs in your organisation and analyse the affordances and
limitations of available digital communication tools so as to select the most suitable and effective
one(s).
[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse the affordances and limitations of digital communication
technologies for effective communication and interaction (e.g. develop a personal effective,
efficient and safe communication practice).

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


27
I analyse and select digital technologies Being able to analyse digital technologies based on their affordances and limitations facilitate the
based on their features and suitability for my selection of the most appropriate communication tools for the communication goals and needs.
organisational communication needs (e.g. You may also want to work with colleagues and support them on developing common digital
effective, efficient and personal communication). communication practices to use for the whole school and its wider community.
[Suggestions to level up]: Think about the communication needs and skills of your colleagues
and provide support and advice to reach effective, efficient, safe, responsible, inclusive
communication at school level and beyond.

I support and provide advice to colleagues on By supporting and providing advice to colleagues on the use of digital technologies for effective
how to use digital technologies for organisational organisational communication you will be able to extend your own digital competence on
communication (e.g. for effective, efficient, safe, organisational communication and contribute to the development of innovative organisational
responsible, inclusive communication at school communication practices in your school. Try to engage teachers in your school in using digital tools
level). for communication and provide them with guidance for most effective uses.
[Suggestions to level up]: Work with colleagues on developing a common digital communication
strategy for the whole school and its wider community.

I contribute to developing organisational Contributing to the development of organisational practices on the use of digital technologies for
practices on communication using digital effective communication and interaction within the school and beyond, allows you to use your digital
technologies (e.g. for effective, efficient, safe, competences to support innovative solutions for the communication needs of your school. Keep
responsible, inclusive communication). adjusting your communication practices and strategy to meet different communication needs. To seize
the full potential of your digital competence in this area you should focus on continuously adapting
your strategies and exploring new options. As new technological solutions keep emerging, you will find
ways to even better address and accommodate your own and your colleagues’ communication needs.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Keep anticipating your colleagues’ communication needs and use
digital tools and solutions in strategic and innovative ways. Continue exploring new solutions.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

1.2 Online learning I am aware that when managing online Being aware that there are ethical considerations in the management of data is important when starting
environments learning environments, ethical issues and use using online learning environments. Questions such as what kind of personal data is necessary to collect, who
appropriate data management methods should has access to it, whether or not and to whom to share it with and so on are important aspects to understand
Managing online learning
be considered (e.g. open or restricted access, data management strategies and address ethical considerations of data use. Make sure you are aware of the
environments taking data
GDPR compliance.) general principles of the General Data Protection Regulation in the context of being a teacher and common
management and ethics into
teaching/learning practices (GDPR). Ask your school if there is a GDPR policy, and if so ensure you are familiar
account.
with it. You can start exploring features of online learning environments in reference to data management
and how they address ethical issues, especially when dealing with students’ and teachers’ data.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start trying features of online learning environments related to
ethical considerations and data management strategy (e.g. users’ data management, access
policy, terms of use, privacy issues).

28 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I have tried different settings to ensure that Exploring features of online learning environments in reference to data management and how they
online learning environments to comply with address ethical issues, especially when dealing with students’ and teachers’ data, is essential when
ethical considerations and data management incorporating online learning in your teaching practice. It is important to understand the policies
strategy (e.g. protection of users’ data, access and terms of use of an online environment or tool before starting using it with your students, as
policy, terms of use, data management, privacy sometimes you might find that personal information collected can be used for marketing or other
issues). purposes. Start by acknowledging your school data management strategy and ethical considerations
that you might have and apply them when administering online learning environments and tools.
[Suggestions to level up]: Administer online learning environments in line with ethical
considerations and data management strategy in compliance with the main principles of
the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (e.g. consider administration features, describe
a policy on managing content and students’ data, edit privacy settings).

I administer online learning environments You should now be able to administer online learning environments in line with ethical considerations
in line with ethical considerations and data and data management strategy in compliance with the main principles of the General Data Protection
management strategy (e.g. administration Regulation (GDPR). You might want to consult other colleagues and follow existing practices or even
features, managing content and student data). consult the Data Protection Officer in your organisation. Start analysing the specificities of your own
professional context and any particular implications that you might need to consider. For example,
some online tools and environments have age restrictions while some others might require the user
to accept sharing contact details with third parties. This process will ensure that you choose an
online learning environment that best responds to the ethical considerations and data management
strategy of your working context.
[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse the features of online environments and tools in reference
to your ethical considerations and data management strategy (e.g. security, users and data
management, access policy, hosting of data).

I analyse the features of online learning Being able to analyse and select the online environments and tools that best respond to your
environments and apply the ones that best ethical considerations and data management strategy can ensure the best possible safe and secure
respond to the ethical considerations and data environment for you and your students to work in. It is important to extend this competence to your
management strategy of my working context colleagues so that all of the school community can benefit from the exchange of good practice and
(e.g. security, users and data management, altogether to lead successful data policy and code of ethical conduct when using online learning
access policy, hosting of data). environments.
[Suggestions to level up]: Support and provide advice to colleagues on ethical considerations
and data management strategy when using an online learning environment (e.g. use of
passwords, encryptions, security procedures, data management transparency).

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


29
I support and provide advice to colleagues on By supporting other colleagues towards the implementation of a data management policy and a
ethical considerations and data management code of ethical conduct when managing online learning environments, extends your own competence
practices when using an online learning while at the same time facilitates the engagement of the school community into a culture that
environment (e.g. use of passwords, encryptions, promotes respect for personal data as well as safety and security issues. It will also lead to
security procedures, data management awareness on possible misuse of data by third parties, especially when data management policies
transparency). are not transparent. You can support your school to gather good practices on data management
on a more practical level for everyday practice as well as to initiate an effort to develop a school
level data policy and code of ethical conduct when using online learning environments. Moreover, to
consider accessibility issues to online learning that students might face.
[Suggestions to level up]: Propose and advocate for school level data policy and code of
ethical conduct in online learning environments (e.g. personal data management, accessibility
for all, security, privacy).

I initiate and promote a school level data policy Contributing to the development of organisational practices on the use of digital technologies for
and code of ethical conduct in online learning effective communication and interaction within the school and beyond, allows you to use your
environments (e.g. personal data management, digital competences to support innovative solutions for the communication needs of your school.
accessibility for all, security, privacy). Keep adjusting your communication practices and strategy to meet different communication needs.
To seize the full potential of your digital competence in this area you should focus on continuously
adapting your strategies and exploring new options. As new technological solutions keep emerging,
you will find ways to even better address and accommodate your own and your colleagues’
communication needs.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Keep anticipating your colleagues’ communication needs and
use digital tools and solutions in strategic and innovative ways. Continue exploring new
solutions.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

1.3 Professional collaboration I am aware that digital technologies can be Being aware that digital technologies can facilitate the exchange of ideas and boost interactions
used for collaboration and interactions with with colleagues and educational stakeholders is a first step for you to start engaging in professional
Using digital technologies to
colleagues and/or other education stakeholders collaboration practices. Try to explore different digital technologies to share and exchange material
engage in collaboration and
(e.g. exchange content by email attachments). and good practices with colleagues within and beyond your school. Join online professional groups
interactions with colleagues and/
(e.g. on social media) to get inspired by the discussions and access material other teachers all over
or other education stakeholders.
the in your country, across Europe and around the world have created. You can share with them
material you’ve created and get feedback and ideas on how to adapt them to different situations
or how to make them even better. Such an exchange is often an enriching professional experience.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start trying different digital technologies to interact and share
ideas and resources with colleagues (e.g. exchange material using online services, participate in
online professional networks).

30 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I have tried using digital technologies to Once you start exploring digital technologies to interact with colleagues and other education
collaborate and interact with colleagues and/ stakeholders, you will be able to share and exchange ideas, practices, resources and material that
or other education stakeholders (e.g. exchange can enrich your teaching practice. You can then start using collaborative tools that better fit your
content using online services, participate in purpose and preferences, such as shared online files or a teachers’ group on a social network.
online professional networks).
[Suggestions to level up]: Use digital technologies to collaborate with colleagues and other
stakeholders in your school and its wider community (e.g. share content on a common online
space for collaboration, join an online professional community).

I use various digital technologies to collaborate Reaching the point where you use various digital technologies to collaborate and interact with
and interact with colleagues and/or other colleagues in your school and beyond will allow you to enrich your teaching practices with new ideas
stakeholders, according to collaboration needs and a collective approach for professional development. Reflect on how the digital collaborative
(e.g. sharing content, practices, and/or ideas). tools you are using are facilitating and supporting your collaborations. Reflect on how you can
best benefit from these interactions. Are you learning from your peers and are you bringing in your
expertise so that they can learn from you?
[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse and select digital technologies for effective collaboration
and interaction based on their affordances and limitations (e.g. use online collaborative spaces
to engage with peers in the joint production of teaching resources that each of you can refine for
their purposes and thus learn from each other, or implement a joint project where your students
interact with students from different contexts).

I analyse and select digital technologies based Being able to analyse digital technologies based on their affordances and limitations can help in the
on their features and how they can support selection of the most appropriate collaborative tools to satisfy goals and needs. You may also want
collaboration tasks I need to engage in with to work with colleagues and engage them in collaborative tasks with partners within the school and
colleagues and/or other education stakeholder its wider community. Support them to select the collaborative tools that best fit the task purpose
(e.g. collaborative online activities). and participants’ needs and preferences.
[Suggestions to level up]: Anticipate your colleagues’ collaboration skills and provide support
and advice so as to reach effective, efficient, and inclusive collaborations at school level
and beyond (e.g. lead collaborative tasks for colleagues to participate in co-creation of learning
designs, implementation of joint projects).

I lead collaborative tasks with colleagues and/ By leading collaborative tasks for colleagues and supporting them to co-create material and
or other education stakeholders using digital implement joint projects, you will be able to extend your own digital competence on professional
technologies (e.g. collaboration and co-creation collaboration and contribute to the development of collective learning and development in your
of learning designs, implementation of joint school. Try to extend the collaborative activities beyond the school (and regional/national context)
projects). involving more education stakeholders in the wider school community.
[Suggestions to level up]: Initiate and promote collaborative activities within the school and
beyond involving colleagues, students, parents, external partners (e.g. initiate a partnership
with educational technology companies, promote collaborations with teachers in other countries,
engage students and parents in joint projects).

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I initiate and promote collaborative activities Initiating and promoting collaborative practices with the use of digital technologies for your school
between my school and its wider community and its wider community, allows you to use your digital competence in this area to support innovative
using digital technologies (e.g. networks, solutions for a collaborative and collective learning culture within your school. Keep adjusting your
communities and synergies, partnerships with professional collaboration practices and strategy to meet different collaboration needs. To seize the
local and wider community). full potential of your digital competence in this area you should focus on continuously adapting your
strategies and exploring new options. As new technological solutions keep emerging, you will always
find ways to even better address and accommodate your own and your colleagues’ collaboration
needs.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Keep anticipating your colleagues’ and school’s collaboration
needs and strategically employ innovative digital solutions. Continue exploring new
solutions.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

1.4 Digital technologies and I am aware of digital technologies Your professional practice could be enhanced using digital technologies already available in your
school level infrastructure available in my school that can support my school. Being aware of available infrastructure, devices, and digital resources is a first step for you
professional practice (e.g. devices, applications, to start learning about opportunities that digital technologies can bring to education and teaching
Using digital technologies
infrastructure). and learning. Start talking with colleagues to find out what kind of digital technologies are available
(devices, platforms and software)
in your school and exchange ideas of how they can support your professional practice.
and infrastructure (internet
access, local network) available [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying to use the digital technologies which may be available
in my school to enhance in your school to support your teaching practice (e.g. interactive whiteboards, tablets, intranet).
education.
I have tried using digital technologies available Now that you started exploring what kind of digital resources are available in your school, you will
in my school that can support my professional be able to develop ideas on how to incorporate them to enrich your professional practice. You can
practice (e.g. interactive whiteboards, tablets, start sharing and exchanging ideas and practices with colleagues that are already using these
intranet). technologies and start using them to enhance your students’ learning.
[Suggestions to level up]: Use digital technologies to meet your professional practice needs
(e.g. use an online learning management system, use tablets for students to work on a project).

I use various digital technologies available Reaching the point where you use various digital resources to support your professional practice
in my school according to my professional and to support and enhance your students’ learning, will allow you to enrich your teaching practices
practice needs (e.g. learning management with new ideas and pedagogies. Reflect on how the digital tools you are using allow your students’
system, cloud services). active engagement in their learning process and what kind of pedagogies are needed to employ in
your teaching. Start analysing the available technologies to see whether and how they can support
innovative pedagogies and learning.
[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse and select digital technologies for effective teaching and
learning based on their affordances and limitations (e.g. use online learning environments to
engage students in active learning within and beyond the classroom, use digital tools to facilitate
management of learning outcomes).

32 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I analyse and select digital technologies Being able to analyse and select the most appropriate digital tools based on their affordances and
available in my school based on their features suitability, can support and enhance your professional practice. It can facilitate your ideas on how to
and suitability to enhance my professional incorporate digital technologies in your teaching practice for the benefit of your students’ learning.
practice (e.g. online learning environments, Digital tools can also enhance the building of a community of practice in your school for sharing
immersive technologies). good practices and resources. You can share your experience and competence with your colleagues
to support their own needs as well as to benefit from their ideas and pedagogical approaches.
[Suggestions to level up]: Support and provide advice to colleagues to use available digital
technologies for their professional practice (e.g. give presentations, organise workshops on how
to use a particular digital tool).

I support and provide advice to colleagues Supporting other colleagues to use digital technologies in their professional practice, extends your
on how to use digital technologies available in own competence while at the same time facilitates the engagement of the school community
our school for their professional practice (e.g. in collaborating and sharing teaching and learning practices. This can lead your school towards
giving presentations, organising workshops, pedagogical innovation. You can facilitate your school as a whole to become aware of the potential
developing learning resources). for innovative teaching and learning with the use of digital technologies. You can initiate communities
of practice in your school, to share ideas and pedagogical approaches using the available digital
technologies in your school, as well as suggesting new ones that can support your professional aims.
[Suggestions to level up]: Drive innovation and change across your school by proposing
innovative digital technologies to be used in your school (e.g. new apps, infrastructure,
emerging technologies).

I propose new digital technologies for New technological solutions are constantly emerging which can support new needs and pedagogical
professional practice to be used in my school trends. It is important to be open to new tools that can enhance your professional practice as
(e.g. emerging technologies, applications, well as searching for new technologies that can satisfy your professional goals and pedagogical
infrastructure). approaches. While it is important to continue existing digital technologies, it is equally important to
search for new one and discuss how the whole organisation could benefit from innovative teaching
practices that these technologies can support.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Continue exploring new digital technologies that support
innovative pedagogies, as well as ones that provide new perspectives in teaching and
learning.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

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1.5 Reflective practice I am aware that reflecting on how I use digital Being aware that reflection on your professional practice with the use of digital technologies can
technologies can enhance my professional enhance your teaching is an important first step for you to develop your digital competence. Start
Reflecting on my own and
practice (e.g. online diary, peer-to-peer by asking yourself:
collective professional
reflections).
practice with the use of digital • How can I use digital technologies with an added value?
technologies. • What can I achieve with them that I could not achieve in traditional ways?
• What can I change to improve the match between the technology I select and the set learning
objectives?
Then, explore some tools (e.g. online diaries, tools for notes taking) to start reflecting on your practice.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start trying different methods to support your reflection on your
teaching practice and reflective learning with the use of digital technologies (e.g. use online
self-reflection tools, keep a reflection diary, explore reflective digital story telling).

I have tried reflection methods on my use Having tried using different methods to reflect on your professional practice with the use of digital
of digital technologies to further develop my technologies is important to further develop your digital competence. However, in some instances
digital competence (e.g. online self-reflection you will find that it is difficult for you to improve your teaching practices using digital means yourself.
tools, reflection diary, digital story telling). This is when you should seek help and look for other ways of improving them. Start by sharing your
reflections with colleagues and seeking their feedback. Try using different tools to reach colleagues
in your school, in online professional communities or discussion groups.
[Suggestions to level up]: Use various reflection practices with colleagues and receive their
feedback to improve your digital professional practice (e.g. co-teaching, video recording of
lessons, peer-debriefing sessions).

I use various reflection methods in order to Sharing reflections with colleagues and receiving their feedback is important to understand how you
improve and update my professional digital can improve your professional practice. Using various reflection methods and taking advantage of
practice (e.g. co-teaching, video recording of digital technologies to share feedback can enhance further your reflective learning. Technology is
lessons, peer-debriefing sessions). changing all the time so make sure to keep updated on new tools or improvements to ones you are
already using. Make sure that you use the insights gained to the benefit of your students and their
learning. Also share your expertise with colleagues and discuss with them how to jointly improve
learning across your school.
[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse and select digital technologies which can allow you to
gather feedback from your colleagues. Use their feedback and suggestions in your teaching
practice accordingly (e.g. analysing peers’ feedback, using mind mapping tools and other tools
that support annotations, audio commentaries, e-journals).

34 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I analyse the outcomes of my reflection to Being able to analyse and select the appropriate outcomes of your reflections can support
improve the use of digital technologies in the development of your teaching practices. Digital technologies can support further proper
my professional practice (e.g. analysing peer documentation and management of the feedback received and reflections on your teaching
feedback, using mind mapping tools and practice. It can also facilitate your ideas on how to incorporate this feedback in your teaching
other tools that support annotations, audio practice towards the benefit of your students’ learning. Such tools can also enhance the building
commentaries, online diaries). of a community of practice in your school for sharing teaching practices and giving and receiving
feedback. It is important to extend this opportunity to your colleagues so that all of the school
community can benefit of the exchange of constructive feedback and altogether to lead a reflective
learning organisation.
[Suggestions to level up]: Support and provide advice to colleagues about improving their
digital professional practice through critical reflection. Use digital technologies to give
and receive feedback and reflect on their teaching practice (e.g. consider joining peer support
online groups and communities of practice, participate in discussion forums and attend blogs).

I support and provide advice to colleagues Supporting other colleagues in their own reflection of their teaching practice using digital technologies
about improving the use of digital technologies will extend your own competence in this area. It also facilitates the engagement of the school
in their professional practice through critical community into collaborating and sharing practices that can lead your school to become a better
reflection (e.g. through discussion forums, learning organisation. You can facilitate your school as a whole to become aware of the potential
blogs, social networks, online professional to innovate teaching and learning with the use of digital technologies by initiating communities of
communities). practice, and using tools and environments to support reflections on your combined experiences of
teaching through digital technologies.
[Suggestions to level up]: Drive innovation and change across your school using digital
technologies to support teaching and learning (e.g. organise lesson studies and reflect on the
lesson implementation, initiate coaching and mentoring activities to newcomers).

I initiate and contribute to the development Contributing to the development of a reflective culture in your school using digital technologies, will
of a reflective learning culture that enhances allow the exploitation of your own and your organisation’s digital competence in this area. As new
the use of digital technologies in my school and technological solutions keep emerging, you need to be open to seize their potential for education.
beyond (e.g. lesson study, collaborative learning While it is important to continue working on your individual strengths and weaknesses and to learn
design, coaching, mentoring). from each other, it is equally important to discuss how the whole organisation can benefit from your
innovative teaching practices and to contribute to the development of your school as a learning
organisation.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Keep reflecting on yours and your colleagues’ teaching
practices using digital technologies and strategically employ innovative pedagogies.
Continue exploring new solutions.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

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1.6 Digital life I am aware that my digital activity may have More or less everyone has some kind of digital activity in their personal lives. It is important to be
implications for my own reputation and that aware that your digital activity leaves traces to a digital footprint that might have implications for
Contributing positively and
of my school (e.g. sharing private information, your reputation. For example, personal choices that you made on online tools and websites, photos
ethically in the digital world,
using inappropriate language). and opinions that you posted on social networks could be shared with others because you agreed
considering safe and responsible
on the user policy of the tool. Make sure that you acknowledge such risks and threats so as to avoid
digital practices.
your online data to be exposed without your wanting so. You can start identifying possible risks and
threats for your reputation by starting a web search on your name and see what “the web says”
about you.
[Suggestions to level up]: Recognise possible risks and threats for you and your school’s
reputation relating to your digital activity (e.g. personal data and content shared or published
without your consent).

I recognise possible risks and threats for my When able to recognise possible risks and threats for your reputation and your school’s related to
reputation and that of my school relating to your digital activity, you can mitigate such risks by following your digital footprint and maintaining
my digital activity (e.g. privacy, personal data, a positive digital profile. Make sure you are aware of data management policies of the digital
bullying, misinformation). technologies you are using and always manage the privacy settings to your own preferences (the
default ones may not suit your case). For example, you can define in privacy settings with whom to
share information, whether people can tag you or not in a photo, what kind of cookies to allow and
so on.
[Suggestions to level up]: Use mitigating measures to maintain a positive digital profile (e.g.
going through the provided terms of use, tracing your digital footprint often, managing your privacy
settings).

I use mitigating measures to maintain a To maintain a positive digital profile, it is important that you analyse the risks and use mitigating
positive digital profile (e.g. understanding measures to manage them. Sometimes, it is not easy to understand the policies underpinning data
the provided terms of use, tracing my digital management as more and more artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are supporting automated
footprint, managing my privacy settings). routines and you need to consult with other users when in doubt of a particular tool or network. It is
a good practice to follow your digital footprint often and try to eliminate information that you think
does not represent you. Note though that sometimes this process is not as obvious. Thus, try to
reflect on your digital activity in regard to the traces that you are leaving behind and redefine your
digital behaviour.
[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse and assess your digital footprint to redefine your digital
behaviour (e.g. tracing your digital footprint, managing your privacy settings, blocking suspicious
content and people).

36 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I analyse and assess my digital footprint to Being able to analyse and assess your digital footprint can help you to redefine your digital behaviour.
adjust my behaviour and to help curate my own For example you might want to avoid certain websites and vendors that use your personal data
reputation online and that of my school (e.g. for marketing purposes that can lead to a profile that does not represent you; or you might decide
tracing my digital footprint, managing privacy to set the preferences of your personal online accounts to a narrower group of people, so as your
settings, blocking suspicious content and people, personal information and content is not widely shared. It is important to extend this competence to
applying school guidelines on digital activities). your colleagues so that all of the school community can benefit from the exchange of good practice
and altogether to maintain positive digital profiles for themselves and your school.
[Suggestions to level up]: Support and provide advice to colleagues on creating and curating
ethical and responsible digital profiles (e.g. organise workshops on security procedures, initiate
discussion forums on good practices for privacy settings, give presentations on data management
transparency).

I support and provide advice to colleagues By supporting other colleagues to maintain a positive digital profile, extends your own competence
on creating and curating ethical and responsible while at the same time facilitates the engagement of the school community into a culture that
digital profiles (e.g. presentations, workshops, promotes leading a safe and legal digital life, while contributing positively, ethically and responsibly
supporting material, activities). in the digital world. You can contribute to the adoption of a vision for your school that inspires people
to lead a responsible and constructive digital behaviour that reflects a positive digital profile for the
whole school.
[Suggestions to level up]: Initiate and promote a vision for your school that enables the
contribution to positive and responsible participation in the digital world (e.g. provide
transparent data and content management procedures, develop an ethics code of conduct).

I initiate and promote school-level strategies Initiating and promoting a vision for your school for a positive digital profile can facilitate all
that encourage staff and students to contribute stakeholders to constructively contribute to positive and responsible participation in the digital
positively, responsibly and ethically in a digital world. Online activity is growing in our lives and the traces left behind represent data that third
world (e.g. provide transparent data and content bodies might exploit. You need to be aware of data management online and always informed about
management procedures, develop an ethics ways to monitor online activity and traces.
code of conduct).
[Suggestions for future actions]: Keep reflecting on your vision and strategies for a positive
and constructive digital activity. Continue exploring new solutions.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

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1.7 Professional learning I am aware that digital technologies can Being aware of digital technologies can make it easier for you to update your skills and knowledge
(through digital technologies) support and enhance my professional learning independent of location and time, especially if you do not have enough time to engage in more
(e.g. digital tools and resources, online learning formal continuous professional development. An option to get started with, could be to think of
Using digital technologies for
environments and courses). a topic that you know little about (e.g. a contemporary pedagogic theory like “flipped classroom”).
one’s own professional learning.
An internet search will supply you with a number of videos, discussions, blogs to look at which will
provide you with further threads and links to follow up. Following them you will learn a lot about
this concept and will realise where to dig deeper, in case you want to. Without realising it you have
“participated in online training opportunities”.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start exploring digital technologies for your professional learning
(e.g. search on the web for a teaching strategy you would like to learn more about, follow links to
visit online libraries and repositories).

I have tried using digital technologies for my Exploring digital technologies for your professional learning can enhance your teaching practice. You
professional learning (e.g. search for information have probably already used “online training opportunities” without realising it. Each time you search
online, join online courses, use online learning the internet for new methods and materials for your teaching, you also indirectly enhance your
apps, visit online libraries and repositories). teaching skills. Now the idea is to actively use digital technologies for your professional learning and
extending your teaching capabilities. Start using digital technologies such as online learning apps,
online repositories, or tutorials in order to keep updated in your teaching discipline and follow trends
and practices in your field.
[Suggestions to level up]: Use various digital technologies for your professional learning (e.g.
attend an online tutorial or a MOOC, participate in a discussion forum on a topic that you are
interested in).

I use various digital technologies for my Using various options for professional learning provides opportunities to select the ones most
professional learning (e.g. discussions in a beneficial, valuable and interesting for meeting your learning needs. You can consider why you use
forum, uploading material, giving and taking a specific format of training. What do you like about it? What did not convince you? If there is a
feedback, presenting). specific training provider or website that you liked, check out what else they offer and what other
users recommend. Settle on a topic that really interests you and widen the scope of your search,
including also communities devoted to the topic and asking others for recommendations. The most
important thing is for you to better understand what is available, and what mode of training is works
best for you. That way, whenever you have a concrete training need, you can easily identify an online
training opportunity that will work for you.
[Suggestions to level up]: Identify your learning needs and define your learning goals so as
to analyse and select the resources and activities that best suit them (e.g. reflect on your
learning needs and look for a webinar, an online community or a repository that can satisfy them).

38 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I analyse and select online learning resources Analysing and selecting online professional learning opportunities can enrich your professional
and activities that best suit my learning needs development. This knowledge will help you to identify quickly and effectively a suitable online
(e.g. webinars, online interactive courses, online training opportunity, whenever you have a concrete training need. If you keep up this consistent
learning communities). focus on ongoing self-led professional development, you can make sure to continuously advance
your teaching skills and enhance the quality of education you provide to your students. Use this
competence to support and provide advice to colleagues in your school and beyond.
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage in learning communities and exchange ideas and experiences
with other colleagues. Recommend digital tools and resources that you consider of value
to support your and their professional learning (e.g. online learning communities, specific
MOOCs, online repositories).

I support and provide advice to colleagues on While providing support and advice to other colleagues on using digital technologies for their
using digital technologies for their professional professional learning, you extend your own competence and at the same time facilitate the
learning (e.g. online learning communities, engagement of the school community into a culture of continuous professional development
online repositories, e-portfolios). supported by the digital technologies. Through their own use of digital technologies for learning,
teachers can transfer these skills into their teaching practice with their students. Learning through
digital technologies, that is using digital technologies as a medium for learning, entails a learning
outcome in addition to the content to conquer. You can facilitate your school to become aware of
the potential of using digital technologies for teachers’ professional learning. You can initiate a
strategy in your school that can support the provision of training through digital technologies to
better meet the learning needs identified.
[Suggestions to level up]: Drive innovation and change across your school by proposing
innovative digital technologies to be used for teachers’ professional learning (e.g. online
learning communities, online repositories with learning resources, MOOCs, digital badges).

I initiate and promote a plan to support my Professional learning and continuous professional development is an essential part in one’s career
colleagues’ digitally-enhanced professional and life. Being competent in initiating and promoting a digitally enhanced professional learning
learning (e.g. provide webinars, online training, strategy extends your own competence while at the same time builds on the collective knowledge
online communities, resources repository, digital of your organisation to respond to the learning needs of its people. New technological solutions
badges). are constantly emerging which can support new needs and pedagogical trends. It is important to
be open to new tools that can enhance your professional learning as well as searching for new
technologies that can satisfy your professional learning goals and needs.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Continue exploring new digital technologies that support and
enhance teachers’ professional learning.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

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1.8 Professional learning (about I am aware that engaging in professional Digital technologies can support and enhance teaching and learning as well as innovative pedagogical
digital technologies) learning activities on using digital technologies approaches for students’ active engagement in their learning. It is important to be aware that there
can develop my digital competence (e.g. are professional learning activities and resources that can contribute to the development of your
Engaging in professional learning webinars or workshops on the use of digital digital competence in the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning. Being aware is a first
activities for the development of technologies in teaching and learning). step for you to be informed about opportunities that digital technologies can bring to teaching and
teachers’ digital competence. learning. Start talking with colleagues to find out what kind of learning opportunities are available
for the use of digital technologies in education and how to get involved.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start trying professional learning opportunities on the use of digital
technologies in education to support your professional practice (e.g. micro-teachings, hands-
on workshops, online courses).

I have attended professional learning activities Exploring professional learning opportunities on the use of digital technologies in education can help
about using digital technologies in order to you identify the ones that you need in order to satisfy your learning needs and aims. You can now
develop my digital competence (e.g. micro- identify various learning opportunities that you can participate in as a first step of your professional
teaching, workshops on the use of digital learning on the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning.
technologies in teaching and learning).
[Suggestions to level up]: Try out various formal and informal professional learning activities
about using digital technologies in education to develop your digital competence (e.g.
hands-on training on innovative pedagogical approaches supported by digital technologies, online
learning approaches and distance learning, digital assessment).

I participate in various formal and informal Your participation in various formal and informal professional learning activities about using digital
professional learning activities about using technologies in teaching and learning allows you to consider what training format and methodology
digital technologies to develop my digital best suits your own learning needs and style. You can also decide on a topic that really interests you
competence (e.g. hands-on training on the and widen the scope of your learning, including communities devoted to the topic and asking others
pedagogical use of digital technologies, online for recommendations. Now, through your self-reflection on your digital competence as an educator,
learning approaches, digital assessment). you can identify your needs and set your goals for your learning path. This process will allow you to
analyse and select the professional learning opportunities that meet your learning goals.
[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse your needs, set your learning goals and plan your learning
path by analysing and selecting the learning activities and content that best respond to it
(e.g. follow an e-portfolio approach during which you record your learning process, reflections and
learning outcomes).

40 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I analyse and select professional learning Analysing and selecting the online professional learning opportunities on the use of digital
activities about using digital technologies based technologies in education, will facilitate the development of your overall competence as an
on my needs (e.g. use a self-reflection tool on educator. This process will allow you to better meet your learning needs by improving your weak
my digital competence, set learning goals, areas and further exploiting your strong ones. If you keep up this consistent focus on ongoing
design my learning, reflect on my learning). self-led professional development, you can make sure to continuously advance your competence
and confidence in using digital technologies to support pedagogies that enhance the quality of
education you provide to your students. Use this competence to support and provide advice to
colleagues in your school and beyond.
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage in learning communities and exchange with other colleagues
learning experiences on the use of digital technologies for teaching and learning that you
consider of value to support yours and their professional learning (e.g. training opportunities
on digitally-enhanced innovative pedagogies, organise informal sessions and microteaching with
colleagues on digital assessment).

I provide learning activities about using digital At this stage, you can offer learning activities and provide support to other colleagues on the use of
technologies and support colleagues on the digital technologies in teaching and learning. By doing so, you extend your own learning on the matter,
development of their digital competence (e.g. while at the same time facilitate the engagement of your colleagues in continuous professional
workshops, informal sessions with colleagues, development on digitally-supported practices. You can now support your school to become aware
microteaching on the use of digital technologies). of the potential of using digital technologies for students’ learning by initiating a comprehensive
training programme based on the school teacher needs identified. This can create a culture in the
school community of innovative teaching and learning supported by digital technologies.
[Suggestions to level up]: Drive innovation and change across your school by contributing
to the design of a professional learning programme on digitally enhanced teaching and
learning (e.g. project-based learning with the use of digital technologies, digitally-enhanced
learning design, exchange of good practices).

I contribute to the design of professional Professional learning and continuous professional development is an essential part in one’s career
learning programmes which aim at developing and life. Being competent in designing a professional learning programme on the use of digital
teachers’ digital competence (e.g. project-based technologies in teaching and learning extends your own competence while at the same time
learning with the use of digital technologies, contributes to the development of digitally-competent teachers that can facilitate their students’
digitally-enhanced learning design, exchange of learning and digital competence. Digital technologies are constantly emerging and they can support
good practices). new learning needs and pedagogical trends. It is important to follow these developments and trends
to incorporate if suitable into individual and collective teaching and learning practices.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Continue exploring new digital technologies that support and
enhance quality teaching and learning.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

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1.9 Computational thinking I am aware of computational thinking concepts Being aware of what computational thinking is and its related aspects can facilitate a better
and processes and how these relate to digital understanding of technological developments around you. Going through computational thinking
Engaging with computational competence (e.g. analysing a problem to find a processes will enable you to decompose a problem in order to understand it better.
thinking concepts and processes solution, recognising aspects of computational
as part of teacher digital [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying computational thinking practices (e.g. abstraction and
thinking around us).
competence. decomposition of a problem, solution through a definition of steps).

I have tried using computational thinking Being able to explore the different aspects for computational thinking will allow you to incorporate
processes to explore solutions to a problem it in your teaching practice and guide your students through computational thinking processes.
(e.g. decomposition of a problem, solution Computational thinking can facilitate your understanding of the world around you, as for example
through a definition of steps, analysing a set of to be able to spot where information processing is used in everyday life.
instructions applied to a solution).
[Suggestions to level up]: Use various digital tools to explore solutions to a problem (e.g. visual
programming tools, authoring tools and editors).

I use various digital tools to explore solutions When using various digital tools to explore solutions to a problem, such as a simple authoring tool or
to a problem following computational thinking programming language, facilitates at the same time an understanding of the tools and languages
processes (e.g. visual programming tools, and how digital systems work. Start analysing what underpins the response to a click of your mouse
authoring tools and editors). or the specific results of a web search.
[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse technological responses based on used algorithms (e.g. rank
of search results, advertisements, robots’ responses).

I analyse and select responses generated Being able to analyse technological responses allows you to select the right responses to your
by algorithms (e.g. rank of search results, needs as well as to avoid automated assigned actions that you might not agree with. For example,
advertisements, how a robot can respond). you will be able to understand why a web search can lead to you seeing related advertisements on
future websites. It is important to extend this competence to your colleagues and students as part
of their own digital competence.
[Suggestions to level up]: Lead computational thinking activities in your school to support
the development of your colleagues’ and students’ digital competence (e.g. organise
programming classes, competitions, and hackathons).

I lead computational thinking activities in By supporting other colleagues and students to develop computational thinking competence, will
my school to support the development of increase the school community capability to analyse the world around us, as well as finding digital
colleagues’ and students’ digital competence solutions to support various tasks.
(e.g. programming classes, competitions,
[Suggestions to level up]: Get involved in the design and development of digital educational
hackathons).
applications (e.g. games, mobile apps, assessment tools, online courses, customisation of virtual
environments).

42 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I contribute to the design and development Being able to contribute to the design and development of digital educational applications to
of educational digital applications (e.g. games, support your professional practice allows your active involvement in finding solutions that best suit
mobile apps, assessment tools, customisation your needs. you can for example collaborate with educational technology industries and have a
of virtual environments). more constructive input in the design process as you are now able to understand better how digital
solutions operate. As digital solutions are becoming more and more part of learning activities it
is important to be able to understand how they work in order to have better outcomes or even
contribute to their improvement.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Keep searching for new solutions and improvement of current
ones, by using your computational thinking competence to understand how the physical
and digital word around us function.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

Area 2 – Digital Resources


Teachers have potentially a wide range of digital resources available to them. It is important
for them to effectively identify resources that best fit their needs, their teaching style, and
their learners. They may also need to learn how to modify and adapt resources to meet
their exact requirements or create new ones. At the same time, they need to learn how to
share digital resources responsibly, protect sensitive data, and manage content ethically and
respect copyright rules.
The proficiency level statements are organised by increasing level of engagement with
digital resources.

ITEM NAME and PROFICIENCY LEVEL


INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT STATEMENTS FEEDBACK

2.1 Searching and selecting I am aware that I can search for resources Being aware that educational resources can be found online is an important preliminary step. It’s a
online (e.g. using a search engine, following a good starting point to understand that there are educational resources for almost every age, grade,
Using searching and selection link, visiting a resource repository). and subject. Using an internet search engine or consulting links provided by the education ministry
criteria to identify digital can help you in finding new digital education for designing your lesson. Consider to shift through the
resources for teaching and results to identify different type of resources e.g. illustrations, applications or extensions of the core
learning. contents, materials for group work, resources for formative or summative assessments.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start trying ways to search online for suitable digital resources for
your teaching. This could include using a number of different key terms relevant for the topic/s you
are going to introduce in your next teaching unit.

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I have tried searching online to find digital Exploring ways to search online for educational resources is essential for locating suitable materials
resources (e.g. by following a link, using and building up a portfolio of good resources. To expand your searching strategies, you can explore
keywords in a search engine, filtering resources online collections of educational resources and use digital libraries, comparing and selecting a wide
in online repositories). and diversified set of digital contents to integrate into your teaching or for your students to consult
to complement what they learn in class.
[Suggestions to level up]: Use various online tools and portals to search for a wide and
diversified set of digital resources. Consider involving yourself in networks and learning
communities which can help you locate resources which are engaging and appealing to your student
and that respond to educational needs.

I use various online tools and portals to Using various online tools and portals allows you to access a variety of diverse educational
search for a wide and diversified set of digital resources, thus being able to choose the best for any given purpose. Once you have a good inventory
resources that respond to educational needs of resources, concentrate on comparing options to find a resource that does not only fit but is in line
(e.g. annotated selection of resources, search with pedagogical values.
engines, resource repositories, digital libraries,
social networks, learning communities). [Suggestions to level up]: Analyse and select digital resources based on criteria that meet
specific teaching and learning aims and is also accurate, reliable, engaging and appealing to
students.

I analyse and select digital resources based Adopting criteria which reflect quality and pedagogical values for selecting and analysing digital
on criteria that meet specific teaching and resources is an important aspect of accessing digital contents that meet specific teaching and
learning aims (e.g. pedagogical value, relevance, learning aims. There is a huge amount of information and digital resources available and it is not
reliability, validity, quality, licensing). easy to be able to find the ones that best suit your teaching needs. Start bookmarking sites and
portals that meet your criteria so that you can visit them again when looking for similar resources.
[Suggestions to level up]: Reflect on your search outcomes and readjust your selection criteria.
Consider key factors that help determine which results are returned for your query, understanding
how outputs are produced and the impact of web-based tools (e.g. search algorithms) in influencing
search outcomes.

I reflect on my search results and readjust my There is value in knowing and understanding that digital technologies allow the generation and
selection criteria (e.g. taking into consideration use of digital testing reports, digital polls/surveys outcomes, recordings of learning activities, and
that my search results can be affected by my learning analytics. Consider how you can readjust your selection criteria to gain value from reflection
geographical location or previous searches and on, and redesign of, teaching and learning based on evidence captured through digital technologies.
preferences).
[Suggestions to level up]: Propose strategies and tools to help colleagues search for and
select digital resources in line with curriculum requirements and learning aims. Share your
knowledge and expertise on accessing digital resources with as many colleagues as possible to foster
innovation at the organisational level. You can start with something simple, like pools of keywords,
selection checklists or digital resources evaluation rubrics, which you share with all colleagues, via
e-mail or at staff meetings. You will soon be able to identify interested colleagues and together you
can make your knowledge valuable for improving teaching across the whole school.

44 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I propose strategies and tools to help Engaging and supporting colleagues in improving their strategies for searching and selecting
colleagues search for and select digital digital resources is essential to set-up a collection of quality digital contents in line with curriculum
resources from diverse sources in line with requirements and learning aims. Keep up with developments around criteria and tools for evaluating
curriculum requirements and learning aims (e.g. digital contents (e.g. assessing authorship, reliability and authenticity) and leading to readjustment
pools of keywords, selection checklists, digital of such practices.
resources evaluation rubrics, references to
resources portals). [Suggestions for future actions]: Innovate your searching practices to effectively and efficiently
identify quality digital resources.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

2.2 Creating I am aware that I can create resources in digital Being aware that digital technologies can be useful to create educational resources to enhance
form (e.g. digital text, images, photos, audio, teaching and learning is the first step in becoming an active creator of digital content. There are
Creating digital resources that video). many tools and applications allowing you to create engaging resources that may facilitate learning
support and enhance teaching for your students. You might even consider writing your notes about what tools and resources you’ve
and learning aims. explored and how they work.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start trying to use digital technologies to create educational
resources. You can start by using text, audio or visual editing tools to create a single digital resource
like a worksheet or online quiz that your students can use at any time.

I have tried using digital tools to create Exploring the use of digital technologies to create educational resources is essential for developing
resources (e.g. text editors, audio and visual effective practices. Ask your colleagues for apps or programmes that they use to identify the best
editing tools, multimedia authoring tools). one for you. You can start now to understand your students’ needs and then use digital tools to
create educational resources that allow to address them appropriately.
[Suggestions to level up]: Use various digital technologies, based on their affordance, so as to
create digital educational resources that meet learners’ need. This includes using interactive
and engaging formats such as multimedia presentations, games and online activities that can be
realised within the constraints of your educational setting.

I use various digital tools according to their Developing a range of options that use various, appropriate technologies for content creation
features to create digital resources to meet is important to develop quality materials that meet learning requirements and students’ needs.
learners’ needs (e.g. interactive text, multimedia This includes, for example, identifying students’ needs and preferences, providing appropriate
presentations, quizzes, games, online activities educational stimulus and feedback, using an appropriate mix of media for the learning objective (for
and lessons). example graphics, animation, photographs, video, sound) to engage the learner with the educational
purposes.
[Suggestions to level up]: Apply design principles and processes for creating digital resources
that meet teaching and learning aims. Consider asking colleagues for recommendations to
identify and apply the best tools and practices for your purposes, when creating digital resources
for your teaching needs. Try always to reflect on the use of your digital products and readjust them
as necessary.

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45
I apply design principles and processes to Applying design principles and processes when creating digital resources, ensuring not only to focus
create digital resources to meet teaching and on teaching and learning aims, but also on your students’ learning needs and preferences while
learning aims (e.g. identifying a need, design, adopting engaging and interactive solutions, is a characteristic of expert usage. Exchange and
develop, implement, assess, adjust, share). sharing with colleagues the digital resources you create, provide opportunities for deep learning and
can help you to reflect and readjust your digital contents accordingly.
[Suggestions to level up]: Work and share with colleagues the digital resources you create
to collect their feedback and readjust them accordingly. For example, you can consider
incorporating or expanding learner-centred pedagogical approaches taking advance of the
affordances of the digital technologies used.

I share the digital resources I create and I reflect Working and sharing the digital resources you create with colleagues allows you to reflect on and
and readjust them according to feedback that readjust your content to enhance the learner’s experience and effectively meet teaching and learning
I receive (e.g. incorporating learner-centered aims. You can now start collaborating with others to co-design and co-create digital resources that
pedagogical approaches enhanced by digital best suit your teaching needs, complementing your own skills with the skills of others’.
technologies affordances).
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage with local, national, and international stakeholders to co-
creating educational resources. Involve yourself in collaborations with educational technology
companies, educational organisations or educational content publishers to co-create high-quality
digital resources that can be used for teaching and learning.

I initiate and contribute to the co-creation Engaging with educational stakeholders to create digital resources, collaborating with educational
of digital educational resources with people technology companies, educational organisations or educational content publishers, is an excellent
and organisations beyond my school (e.g. way of deepening the learning culture of the school. Keep up with methodological and technological
researchers, educational content publishers, developments in content creation and encourage others also to do so.
educational technology companies).
[Suggestions for future actions]: Regularly innovate your practices to effectively create valuable
and relevant educational resources, keeping up with methodological and technological
developments in content creation and encourage others also to do so. Keep updated with
latest technological developments and follow the education industry and research community on
their achievements.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

46 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


2.3 Modifying I am aware that when modifying existing Being aware that, according to their licences of use, digital resources can be modified and adapted
digital resources I need to respect copyright to improve and support educational activities is an important starting point. There is a wealth of
Modifying existing digital and licencing rules (e.g. adding a picture to text, digital resources available that allow you to adapt them to your teaching needs. Try to locate
resources to support and enhance adding new content, editing or deleting parts, portals with open educational digital resources that have no copyright or limited restrictions and
teaching and learning aims, adding hyperlinks). allow their use and even modification (e.g. resources under Creative Common licences, or copyright
respecting copyright and licencing free).
rules.
[Suggestion to level up]: Start trying ways to modify and adapt existing digital resources to
keep the contents up to date or to improve and enhance them. Consider, for example, editing
a presentation, modifying an image, changing format of a video, editing quizzes, adapting general
settings.

I have tried ways to modify existing digital Exploring ways to modify existing digital resources provides you with a lot of possibilities to augment
resources, while respecting their copyright and the contents, combine them with other materials, and generally adapt them. The flexibility of digital
licence attributes (e.g. editing a presentation, resources allows you to think about your curriculum in new ways as well as address specific student
modifying an image, changing format of a video, needs through effective planning.
editing quizzes, adapting general settings).
[Suggestion to level up]: Find opportunities to use a variety of digital technologies based on
their affordances to modify and repurpose digital resources so as to meet teaching and
learning aims. For example, you can customise content for an online lesson, use e-book editors to
change pictures/readings mirroring students’ context and experience.

I use various digital tools based on their features Using various technologies systematically to modify and repurpose digital resources allows you
to modify and repurpose digital resources to to build from a base of high-quality digital resource and customise resources to increase their
meet educational needs (e.g. customise content relevance, tailor to individual learning levels, and offer greater choice for students. Knowing when you
of an online lesson, exploit features of a virtual can use a work without obtaining permission or paying a licence fee, or whether a relevant licensing
environment, use eBook editors). scheme applies is essential. This include contents under Creative Common Licence, contents free of
copyright, editable resources and the implications for their re-use.
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to select digital resources to modify and adapt so as to
meet teaching and learning aims by considering their copyright and distribution licences.
Consider any modifications you may need to make to the content to ensure it is appropriate for the
learning outcomes you defined, assessment approaches as well as your teaching style. For example,
you may wish to add, delete, re-order or re-mix the existing content.

I select existing digital resources, taking into Selecting existing digital resources by considering their particular copyright and licensing scheme
consideration copyright and distribution licences, makes it possible to modify and adapt them to better meet student needs before building them into
to modify and adapt them to meet teaching teaching and learning activity. Consider also adapting the resource in multiple ways to include local
and learning aims (e.g. open educational case studies and/or examples appropriate to students’ context.
resources, content under Creative Common
[Suggestions to level up]: Reflect on and redesign existing digital resources so as to integrate
Licence, content free of copyright, editable
them into interactive, learner-centred activities. Try to add digital technology features that can
resources).
support your teaching practice, such as modifying a paper quiz to an online assessment, providing
more choice for students in receiving immediate feedback or integrate existing resources in a virtual
learning space.

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47
I reflect on and redesign existing digital Redesigning existing digital resources can allow you to integrate them into interactive, learner-
resources to integrate them into interactive, centred activities, enriching your students’ learning process. You can continue exploiting existing
learner-centred activities (e.g. adapting digital digital resources and digitally enhanced tasks, enriching them and incorporating them into online
resources and digitally-enhanced tasks into learning environments or even into an online course. At the same time, you can start involving other
an online learning course, online assessment, colleagues in creating learning resources for your school community.
online collaborative project, a wiki, a blog, a
[Suggestions to level up]: Provide guidance and support to your colleagues and students on
virtual learning space).
modifying existing digital resources in line with teaching and learning aims (e.g. strategies to
revise, improve and repurpose school’s digital resources, copyright licences to be used, agreements
with external stakeholders and publishers).

I initiate and contribute to school-level It is a characteristic of leadership to contribute to defining school-level guidance to engage
guidance for teachers and students on modifying colleagues and students in modifying existing digital resources and align them with curriculum
existing digital resources in line with curriculum requirements and teaching and learning aims.
requirements and teaching and learning aims
[Suggestions for future actions]: Consider mechanisms and strategies to revise, improve and
(e.g. strategies to revise, improve and repurpose
repurpose school’s digital resources to meet teaching and learning needs, keeping up with
school’s digital resources, copyright licences to
copyright and licences schema, defining agreements with external stakeholders and publishers.
be used, agreements with external stakeholders
and publishers).

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

2.4 Managing, protecting I am aware that digital technologies can help Being aware that technologies can be used to facilitate the organisation of, storage and secure
me store, organise, and provide secure access access to digital contents is an important initial step towards defining practices to organize and
Organising digital content, to digital content (e.g. local and online storage protect your digital data and contents. You can now start to think about using local and online
enabling easy and secure spaces, password protection, classification of storage spaces to organise your teaching and learning materials, classifying your content and
access for students, parents content). making sure to use passwords to protect your personal and professional data.
and teachers, while protecting
sensitive and personal data. [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying ways to store, manage and access digital content
on and from local and/or online storage spaces. Choosing the right way to store your digital
education content can help you work more flexibly and quickly, also simplifying version control and
collaboration with others.

I have tried ways to store, manage and access Exploring ways to store, manage and access your digital education content on local and online
digital content on and from local and/or online spaces is an initial step for developing effective practices in managing your educational content. You
storage spaces (e.g. hard disks, external drives, can now start, for example, to tag and mark-up various mediums of digital content, such as word
cloud, online services). documents, slides and audio notes, and clustering them.
[Suggestions to level up]: Use various digital tools systematically to store, organise and
facilitate access to educational digital content. Choosing a logical and consistent way to
organise your digital content allows you and others to easily locate and use them.

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I use various techniques and tools to store, Using technology purposefully to organise, store and retrieve digital content is essential to facilitate
organise and facilitate access to digital content access to your digital content, adding context through tags and metadata so that you and others
(e.g. tree structures, use of metadata/tags). can understand it in the short, medium, and long-term. Consider collecting student’s personal data
and content you actually need for specified purposes and to delete any data that is not necessary
for educational purpose.
[Suggestions to level up]: Define and apply protection and security measures for the storage,
management and access of digital content. This includes, for example, protecting your devices
with strong passwords, assigning access limitation rights according to targeted users, having regular
backups, selecting storage and online services based on their data policy, terms of use, safety
and security. Consider also protecting students’ personal data such as exams, grades and reports,
systematically and effectively, in line with GDPR regulation.

I define and apply protection and security Defining and applying protection and security measures is an important aspect to store, manage and
measures for the storage, management and access digital content, protecting your devices with robust passwords, assigning access limitation
access of digital content (e.g. applying strong rights according to targeted users, having regular backups, selecting storage and online services
passwords to sensitive content, assigning based on their data policy, terms of use, safety and security.You can start developing procedures to
access limitation rights, use encryption access and use your storage space to contribute and enhance your practice.
protocols, have regular backups, select storage
[Suggestions to level up]: Design and develop a strategy to ensure easy, equitable and secure
and online services based on their data policy,
management of and access to digital content for your students and colleagues. This includes,
terms of use, safety and security).
for example, categorizing digital content, planning what, where and how to deliver them, presenting
data in a way that makes it easy for your students and colleagues to access them.

I design and develop a strategy to ensure Having a strategy ensures easy, equitable and secure management of and access to digital content,
easy, equitable and secure management of by categorizing digital content, presenting data in a way that makes it easy for your students and
and access to digital content for my students colleagues to access them. Engaging colleagues in building up a common digital space to facilitate
and colleagues (e.g. classification of content, the secure storage, management and access to digital content at school-level for students and
access limitation rights to different target users, teachers is essential to move to a culture of digital content.
encryption protocols, regular backups).
[Suggestions to level up]: Initiate and promote a common digital space at school-level that
facilitates the secure storage, management of and access to digital content for different
targeted users. Consider regularly reviewing the effectiveness of the measures taken and keep
updated on data protection rules.

I initiate and promote a common digital Engaging with colleagues in building up a common digital space to facilitate the storage,
space at school-level, that facilitates the management and access to digital content at school-level for students, teachers, parents and
secure storage, management of and access to school staff, is essential to create a culture of digital content and to support on and off-site learning
digital content for different users (e.g. students, while protecting students’ privacy and data security.
parents, teachers, other school staff).
[Suggestions for future actions]: Innovate your practices by keeping up with the latest
developments and trends in secure storage, management and access to digital content, in
line with European Union’s Data Protection Regulation GDPR on full transparent use of private data
and the right to be forgotten, which allows private data to be removed at any point in time.

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49
I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

2.5 Sharing I am aware that copyright rules apply to digital Being aware that copyright rules apply to digital contents used for educational purposes is an
resources I use for educational purposes (e.g. important initial step towards understanding the possibility of using copyright materials as part of
Sharing digital content with images, text, audio, video). your teaching and learning experience. You can for example, always cite the author’s name and link
respect to intellectual property to the original source of the digital content.
and copyright rules.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start trying ways to attribute the creator of resources used for
education purposes, understanding whether your use of a digital resource is permitted or whether
a relevant licensing scheme applies.

I have tried ways to attribute to the creator of Exploring ways to provide attribution to the creator of resources used for education purposes, by
the resources I use (e.g. citing author’s name, citing author’s name, or linking to the original source to inform on copyright is a good starting point
link to original source). to know copyright issues, understanding whether your use of a digital resource is permitted by an
exception, or whether a relevant licensing scheme applies. You can start, for example, using email
attachment for sharing private and limited use content or providing access through a link, in an
online repository, or through a social network for public use resources.
[Suggestions to level up]: Share digital resources choosing the most appropriate channels
for private, limited or public use. Consider main issues when using copyrighted material for
your teaching and learning activities, including how to determine whether a work is copyrighted,
whether you will need to ask permission for a particular use or understanding if fair use conditions
for education purposes apply.

I share digital resources attributing the original Sharing digital resources choosing the most appropriate channels for private, limited or public use,
creators and choosing the most appropriate by understanding main issues to consider when using copyrighted material for your teaching and
channels for private, limited or public use (e.g. learning activities or when fair use for educational purposes apply, is a characteristic of expert
using email attachment for private and limited usage. You can make it easier for others to re-use tools, data, or other content that you create by
use, through a link, in an online repository, a assigning different formats of Creative Commons (CC) license. This can include, for example, a ‘By-
social network, managing tags/metadata). Attribution, Non-Commercial’ Creative Commons license.
[Suggestions to level up]: Select and apply copyright licences when sharing digital resources
that you create, supporting open educational resources. That means anyone can use your
digital content in any way they like, so long as they attribute it to you and don’t use it for commercial
purposes. Other types of Creative Common licences allow for commercial use or do not require re-
user to attribute the creator.

50 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I select and apply copyright licences when Selecting and applying copyright licences when sharing digital resources that you create, make it
sharing digital resources I create, supporting easier for others to re-use tools, data, or other content that you create. Experiment with different
open educational resources (e.g. Creative formats of Creative Commons (CC) licence. This can include, for example, a ‘By-Attribution, Non-
Common licence). Commercial’ Creative Commons license that means anyone can use your digital content in any
way they like, so long as they attribute it to you and don’t use it for commercial purposes. Consider
sharing digital resources you create or collect under licences that do not prohibit their distribution
and use, while aligning them with the curriculum and teaching and learning needs. Such an effort,
can facilitate easy and equal access to resources for students and colleagues, as well as a collection
for resources that better meets the needs of your school.
[Suggestions to level up]: Design and develop a comprehensive strategy for sharing digital
resources, content curation and reusability of resources to facilitate easy and equal access
for students and colleagues. The strategy can include, for example, ways to select and organise
digital content by grouping the resources in helpful ways, adding value by providing annotations to
help your students’ understanding, giving context to the information.

I design and develop ways for my colleagues Designing and developing a comprehensive strategy for sharing digital resources with your students
and I to share, curate and re-use digital and colleagues, including grouping the resources in helpful ways, providing annotations to help your
resources to ensure easy and equal access students’ understanding and making them easily and readily accessible, is essential to create a
(e.g. developing an ontology to manage culture of content sharing.
resources, specifying ways to curate content,
[Suggestions to level up]: Initiate and promote an online space to share digital educational
contextualising curated content).
resources available to the school community. This can include, for example, setting up a free
open source learning platform, for sharing high quality digital resources and encouraging more
dynamic exchanging of digital content among teachers supporting accessibility of openly licensed
educational resources in school and at home to ensure equity.

I initiate and promote an online space to It is a characteristic of leadership in content sharing to initiate and promote the creation of an online
share digital educational resources with the space to share available digital educational resources to the school community. This will encourage
school community (e.g. applying keywords/tags/ more dynamic exchange of digital content among teachers and support ease access of openly
metadata, allowing others to comment, rate, licensed educational resources in school and at home, ensuring equity. Use technology features to
modify, or co-create). support your effort such as the use of metadata and tags, comments and feedback options among
the users.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Pursue ways of engaging with opportunities locally, nationally
and internationally in order to increase your capability and technical understanding of
strategies and solutions to share digital educational resources to the school community.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

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Area 3 – Teaching and Learning
Digital technologies can enhance and improve teaching and learning practice in a number of
ways. A key skill of teachers is to design learning with the use of digital technologies to help
students to engage actively in authentic learning experiences. Advanced practice involves a
shift from teacher-led to learner-centred activities.
The proficiency level statements are organised by increasing level of engagement with
digital technologies in teaching and learning with a focus on students’ active
involvement in using them for their learning.

ITEM NAME and PROFICIENCY LEVEL


INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT STATEMENTS FEEDBACK

3.1 Teaching I am aware that digital technologies can Being aware that digital technologies can be useful to support and enhance teaching and
support and enhance teaching and learning (e.g. learning is the first step in starting to design, develop and implement learning with the use of
Designing, developing and software programs and suites, mobile apps and digital technologies to enhance learning outcomes. You can now start exploring the use of different
support learning with the use of tools, on-line and cloud-based resources). technologies with your students to meet your teaching goals.
digital technologies to enhance
learning outcomes. [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying digital technologies to support or enhance your teaching
and your students’ learning such as apps on mobile phones. If your school allows classroom
use of mobile devices you can intersperse your teaching with practical tasks for students to do, e.g.
things to look up or to calculate, small polls and quizzes. The advantage of this is that you can more
actively involve students in class, which increases their learning. Furthermore, it allows you to collect
evidence on which aspects of your teaching are well understood by students, and which you may
have to revise again. Consider also asking your students to use digital tools to investigate a topic
and ask them to use digital devices if available for short activities in class or at home.
I have tried using digital technologies to Exploring the use of digital technologies to support and/or enhance your teaching is essential for
support and/or enhance my teaching practice developing effective practices. The next step is to involve your students in digital activities in class,
(e.g. software programs and suites, mobile apps thus amplifying your repertoire of teaching practices and giving them opportunity to learn through
and tools, online and cloud-based resources, technology.
interactive whiteboards).
[Suggestions to level up]: Extend your teaching and involve your students in more digital
activity based on software programs and suites, mobile apps and tools, online and cloud-
based resources, and / or if possible, use instructional and interactive technologies such
as whiteboards. A good starting point is to think about using the tools you are currently using in
different ways and whether you can integrate other digital tools, for example mobile phones or other
personal devices, into your teaching and their learning.

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I use various digital technologies that can Now that your students are used to basic uses of digital technology, you can start to broaden
support innovative pedagogical approaches, the range you use to support innovative pedagogical approaches, enhancing your students’ active
enhancing my students’ active involvement involvement in their learning.
in their learning (e.g. inquiry-based learning,
[Suggestions to level up]: Focus on enhancing your digital pedagogy. Select and employ digital
project-based learning, game-based learning,
technologies in your learning designs based on their affordances, so as to meet teaching
peer and self-assessment, e-portfolios, student
and learning aims. Whatever the task at hand, encourage students to be more active in their
coaches).
learning - perhaps via inquiry-based learning, project based learning, game based learning, peer
and self-assessment, e-portfolios, and using student coaches - and use technology to facilitate and
support this. Consider the benefits for design, develop and implement learning with the use of digital
technologies to enhance learning outcomes that can result from simulations, digital games, online
interactive tools, collaborative environments.

I select and use digital technologies in my Developing learning designs which reflect the methodical selection and employment of digital
learning designs, so as to meet teaching technologies, based on their affordances, so as to meet teaching and learning aims, is an important
and learning aims (e.g. simulations, digital aspect of building a digital pedagogy. Reflect on how your teaching practices and your students’
games, online interactive tools, collaborative learning activities can be enhanced by including simulations, digital games, online interactive tools,
environments). and activity in collaborative environments.
[Suggestions to level up]: Readjust your teaching and learning design in order to foster
students’ involvement in reflecting and adjusting the use of digital technologies to enhance
your teaching practices and their learning approaches. Consider building technology into
activities involving students as coaches, the use of emerging technologies, modelling and advice,
lesson-study.

Together with my students, I reflect on and Consider how you can work with your students to readjust your teaching and learning design in order
(re)design the use of digital technologies to to foster students’ involvement in enhancing your teaching practices and their learning approaches.
enhance teaching practices and innovative Consider building the agreed use of technology into activities such as involving students as coaches,
learning approaches (e.g. students as coaches, the use of emerging technologies, modelling and advice, lesson-study. Reflection is key to this. Your
use of emerging technologies, modelling and students should gain confidence in their ability to help select and adapt technology suited to the
advice, lesson-study). learning requirements at hand.
[Suggestions to level up]: Share and take the lead in initiating and promoting the design and
sharing of innovative teaching and learning practices with digital technologies in your
school and its wider community. Consider opportunities such as online workshops, supporting
colleagues learning design with the use of digital technologies, micro-teaching and co-teaching,
reflective discussions on the effectiveness of the use of digital technologies. Engage in technology
supported networks with other schools and educational stakeholders, locally, nationally and
internationally.

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I initiate and promote the design and sharing Engaging colleagues in exchanging learning experiences, activities and pursuing technology-
of innovative teaching and learning practices supported projects within school and among broader groups of educational stakeholders (nationally
with digital technologies in my school and and internationally) is essential to create a culture of successful digital pedagogy. Reflect on
its wider community (e.g. online workshops, your practices and seek to continuously innovate them, while keeping up with the latest trends
learning design with the use of digital in the digital technologies that can best support you in leadership and innovation in the design,
technologies, micro-teaching and co-teaching, development and implementation of learning that uses digital technologies to enhance learning
reflective discussions on the effectiveness of outcomes and meet learners’ other needs.
the use of digital technologies).
[Suggestions for future actions]: Innovate your practices by keeping up with the latest trends
on designing, developing, and implementing learning with the use of digital technologies to
enhance learner outcomes. Involve yourself in technology supported networks with other schools
and educational stakeholders, locally, nationally and internationally and encourage others also to
do so.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

3.2 Guidance I am aware that digital technologies can Being aware that digital technologies can be used to provide and receive feedback and opportunities
support and enhance teaching and learning (e.g. to reflect on teaching and learning practices is an important first step towards using such technologies
Using digital technologies in software programs and suites, mobile apps and as part of your guidance and feedback activity as a teacher. You can start exploring different digital
order to provide feedback and tools, on-line and cloud-based resources). tools that will allow you and your students to get some immediate feedback, as for example an
opportunities for reflection, online quiz or an online poll. These tools will capture the current learning (e.g if your students
leading to readjustment of understood the new concepts you were explain) and provide you with insights on how to proceed
teaching and learning practices with your teaching.
for both teachers and learners.
[Suggestions to level up]: Consider exploring how digital technologies can be used to provide
guidance and support to students on their learning activities and achievements in simple
but meaningful ways. This can include for instance automated/immediate feedback to their work,
links to online Q&A, online tutorials, using digital chat.

I have tried using digital technologies to Exploring digital technologies to provide guidance and support to students will help you find ways
provide feedback and support to students (e.g. that work for you and your students, so that they become aware of the value of you reviewing their
online tutorials, chat, automated/immediate work and provide help when needed. This can include the use of technologies that offer automated
feedback, links to online Q&A). or immediate feedback to their work, links to online Q&A, online tutorials, chat. Try to be flexible
and adapt your choice of feedback and guidance channels channel to your students’ requirements.
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to provide students with feedback and opportunities for
reflection on their learning, in real-time and/or asynchronously. A non-intrusive presence will
allow you to learn about your students and their individual challenges and problems and to tailor
guidance and feedback accordingly.

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I use various digital technologies to provide Using various technologies systematically to provide opportunities for feedback and guidance
students with feedback and opportunities for allows you to teach more strategically by choosing and combining various digital technologies to
reflection on their learning, in real-time and / provide students with feedback and opportunities for reflection on their learning, in real-time and
or asynchronously (e.g. chat, discussion forums, /or asynchronously. This can include in-class polls/ voting, chat apps, discussion forums, or video
video responses, in-class polls/ voting). responses. You can now also start exploring digital tools that engage students in a reflection and
assessment process.
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to select and employ digital technologies that provide
opportunities for students to engage in self- and peer-assessment and in the design of
their learning. This can include opportunities for scaffolded reflection, analysis of recordings of
learning, activities, and shared online documents.

I select and use digital technologies to provide Developing feedback and guidance approaches which reflect the methodical selection and
opportunities for students to engage in self- employment of digital technologies, to provide opportunities for students to engage in self- and
assessment and peer-assessment and the peer-assessment and the design of their learning, is an important aspect of building trust and
design of their learning (e.g. online shared developmental learning. Reflect on how your practices can be enhanced by providing opportunities
documents, recordings of learning activities, for students to engage in self- and peer-assessment and the design of their learning.
scaffolded reflection).
[Suggestions to level up]: Readjust your approach and practice to allow reflection on and
redesign of teaching and learning, based on evidence captured through digital technologies.
Consider building learning technology into activities that allow the use of digital testing reports,
digital polls/surveys outcomes, recordings of learning activities, and learning analytics.

Together with my students, I reflect on and Consider how you can work with your students to gain value from reflection on, and redesign of,
(re)design teaching and learning, based on teaching and learning based on evidence captured through digital technologies. There is value in
evidence captured through digital technologies activities that allow the generation and use of digital testing reports, digital polls/surveys outcomes,
(e.g. digital polls/surveys outcomes, recordings recordings of learning activities, and learning analytics. Offer your students opportunities to co-
of learning activities, learning analytics). design feedback related activity and to gain experience in how they can benefit from this whether
individualised or group focused and whether teacher or peer led.
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage in technology supported networks with other schools and
educational stakeholders, locally, nationally and internationally that offer opportunities to
initiate and promote the use of digital technologies to facilitate interaction around feedback
and guidance for learning within my school and its wider community. Find opportunities
to use digital technologies to facilitate interaction within your school and its wider community,
providing opportunities for feedback and reflection on teaching and learning. For instance, leverage
the possibilities of discussion forums, chat apps, shared documents, including frequently asked Q&A
on school websites.

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I initiate and promote ways in which digital Engaging colleagues in exchanging experiences and pursuing technology-supported action within
technologies can be used to support feedback school and among broader groups of educational stakeholders (nationally and internationally) is
and reflection for teachers and students in my essential to create a culture of reflective learning. Consider your practices and seek to continuously
school and beyond (e.g. discussion forums, chat, innovate these, while keeping up with the latest trends in the digital technologies that can provide
shared documents, Frequently Asked Questions). opportunities for students and for you yourself to reflect on, in, and for learning.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Innovate your practices by keeping up with developments
around digital technologies that can provide feedback and opportunities for reflection,
leading to readjustment of teaching and learning practices to enhance learner outcomes.
Involve yourself in technology supported networks with other schools and educational stakeholders,
locally, nationally and internationally that innovate around feedback and guidance and encourage
others also to do so.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

3.3 Collaborative learning I am aware that digital technologies can be Digital technologies offer value to learners when used as part of well-planned lessons that involve
used to foster and enhance learner collaboration learner collaboration such as group work. Nowadays, work and research are increasingly based on
Using digital technologies to towards individual and collective learning collaborative processes centred around technology, so it is important and valuable that students
foster and enhance learner (e.g. on-line collaboration, sharing learning get to practise such skills.
collaboration for individual and resources).
collective learning. [Suggestions to level up]: Explore student learning contexts that make use of digital
technologies to support and enhance collaborative activities. This can include sharing and
co-authoring documents and class presentations, contributing to forums, wikis. Such activity can
support learning through materials exchange, online collaboration and co-presenting.

I have tried using digital technologies to Collaborative learning activities should be designed or adapted to meet the students’ learning
support and enhance collaborative activities of requirements in a meaningful way. Explore students learning contexts that make use of digital
students (e.g. shared documents, contributing to technologies to support and enhance collaborative activities such as sharing and co-authoring
forums, wikis). documents and class presentations, contributing to forums, wikis. Be aware that exploring
straightforward activities adapted to meet diversity and inclusion requirements is usually better
than attempting to orchestrate more complex tasks at this initial stage of using digital technologies
to support and enhance collaborative activities.
[Suggestions to level up]: Explore the possibilities of using various digital technologies to
support and enhance your students’ collaborative learning in face to face and/ or online
settings. For instance, co-authoring on a team-based task where individuals take on complementary
roles and responsibilities. Tasks focused on researching and investigating set topics that involve
collaboration to document, present, and otherwise share findings can work well.

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I use various digital technologies to support There are considerable possibilities for using various digital technologies to support and enhance
and enhance students’ collaborative learning, in your students’ collaborative learning in face to face and/ or online settings. For instance, co-authoring
face-to- face and/ or online settings (e.g. shared on a team-based task where individuals take on complementary roles and responsibilities can offer
documents, forums, wikis, blogs, co-authoring). both challenges and learning opportunities beyond the technical. By considering the obstacles and
challenges students will face in the activity, meaningful collaboration can be structured.
[Suggestions to level up]: Investigate the possibilities offered by learning designs that
incorporate digital technology. By selecting digital technologies designs based on their
affordances and using these to enhance and support your students’ collaborative learning, in face
to face and/or online settings, you will find value for both your teaching and their learning. Valuable
ways to enhance and support your students’ collaborative learning, in face to face and/ or online
settings, include: tasks that call for co-design and/or co-creation, having them do peer assessment
and group reflection, project building, sharing of learning outcomes to tasks.

I select and use digital technologies in my Consider what particular technologies make possible in terms of teaching and learning before
learning designs based on their features, to building them into teaching and learning activity. Let the pedagogy lead rather than the technology.
enhance and support my students’ collaborative
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage with the possibilities of allowing your students to reflect
learning, in face-to-face and/or online settings
on and adjust their use of digital technologies for personal and/or collaborative learning.
(e.g. co-design, co-creation, peer assessment
Consider allowing them to take more of a lead in editing and developing content, co-creating project
and group reflection, project building, sharing).
artefact, structuring and participating in collaborative projects, taking part in virtual exchanges,
using digital tools for task and time management, communication and sharing with team activities.

Together with my students, I reflect on and Allow and encourage your students to reflect on and adjust their use of digital technologies for personal
(re)design their use of digital technologies for and/or collaborative learning. Encourage them to take more of a lead in editing and developing
individual and/or collaborative learning (e.g. edit content, co-creating project artefacts, structuring and participating in collaborative projects, taking
and develop content, co-create an artefact, part in virtual exchanges, using digital tools for task and time management, communication and
participate in collaborative projects, virtual sharing with team activities. This will help build strong digital confidence and capability across a
exchanges, use of digital tools for task and time range of learning activities. Incorporate as much as possible actions to make sure the same learning
management, communication and sharing). opportunities are available to all. If some of your students are disadvantaged, take action to allow
them to include them (e.g. by making available equipment or assistive technologies).
[Suggestions to level up]: Seek out ways to initiate and promote the use of digital technologies
within your school and its wider community, providing opportunities for collaboration
towards individual and collective learning and development, beyond the classroom and
the school. Consider the opportunities that can be found in using synchronous and asynchronous
online environments and tools, taking part in joint projects, organising online learning events in
collaboration with students and/ or colleagues, co-designing and co-creating collaboration-centred
learning material.

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I initiate and promote the use of digital Initiate and promote the use of digital technologies within your school and its wider community
technologies within my school and its to share and learn about how to foster collaboration for individual and collective learning. Find
wider community, providing opportunities opportunities to engage in collaboration towards individual and collective learning and development
for collaboration to support individual and – for your students and your colleagues. Avail of opportunities to use synchronous and asynchronous
collective learning, in and beyond the school online environments and tools, take part in teach-meets, join or start joint projects, organise online
(e.g. using synchronous and asynchronous learning events in collaboration with your students and/ or colleagues, co-design and co-create
online environments and tools, teach meets, learning material that support collaboration-centred learning or professional development.
joint projects, co-organising online learning
[Suggestions for future actions]: Pursue ways of engaging with opportunities locally, nationally
events, co-designing and co-creating learning
and internationally in order to increase your capability and technical understanding of
material).
using digital technologies to provide opportunities for collaboration towards individual and
collective learning, both in and beyond the classroom and the school. Watch for trends and
developments that relate to how digital technologies are used for this end and purpose.
I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

3.4 Self-regulated learning I am aware that digital technologies can be Being aware that digital technologies can be used to enhance students’ self-regulated learning
used to foster active and autonomous learning processes and so fostering active and autonomous learning will help you think about learning
Using digital technologies (e.g. planning, goal setting, recording progress). activities that support this type of learning. This can help strengthen their capacity and willingness
to enhance students’ self- to keep on learning throughout their lives, which, for life in the 21st century, is of crucial importance.
regulated learning processes, Consider in particular how increased independence allows a learner to plan their learning more
fostering active and autonomous effectively, including personal goal setting and recording progress – and how digital technologies
learning making students can help them in this.
more responsible for their own
learning, thereby shifting the [Suggestions to level up]: Explore the possibilities of encouraging your students to plan
focus from teaching to learning. their own learning using digital tools that support planning work, scheduling using digital
calendars, goal setting and recording progress using digital journals. Investigate how they
can use digital tools that support planning and scheduling learning using digital calendars, and
how they can start building capability for personal goal setting and recording progress using digital
journals. For example, ask them to identify how a particular learning goal can be reached and to
design a plan to reach it, thinking about how technology can assist in the process.

58 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I have tried using digital technologies to Exploring learning activities that encourage your students to plan for their own learning and record
support students in planning their own learning their progress towards specific learning goals is an important aspect of using digital technologies
(e.g. planning and scheduling using digital to enhance students’ self-regulated learning processes, fostering active and autonomous learning.
calendars, goal setting using digital journals,
[Suggestions to level up]: Test-out with your students the use of a variety of digital
recording progress).
technologies that foster self-regulated and autonomous learning. For instance, encourage
them to try planning and recording learning in online learning environments, making use of
collaborative tools and spaces, and using learning journals or e-portfolios to document progress
towards their learning goals. Challenge your students to identify learning goals for a specific aspect
of their programme and then plan how to reach these, thinking about how technology can assist in
the process and also record their progress. Switch between individualised and team-based activities
to ensure that all students are offered different types of opportunities for developing self-regulated
and autonomous learning.

I use various digital technologies to support Use with your students a variety of digital technologies that foster self-regulated and autonomous
students plan and regulate their own learning learning. Focus on self-directed learning and how digital technologies can facilitate and make this
(e.g. online learning environments, online easier for the student. For instance, encourage them to try planning and recording learning in online
resources repositories, collaborative tools and learning environments, making use of collaborative tools and spaces, and using learning journals or
spaces, learning journals, e-portfolios). e-portfolios to document progress towards their learning goals. Brainstorming and activity planning
software that can initiate this process is widely and freely available.
[Suggestions to level up]: Develop learning designs which engage your students in seeking
out different technological solutions to develop self-regulating learning skills, and their
own learner autonomy. Encourage and support them to be creative and active in their learning to
think about how they use digital technologies to initiate, support and record their learning activity
and outcomes. Find ways to encourage your students to take the initiative in their learning, to be
creative in how they respond to new learning situations, to engage in self-reflection so as to plan
and guide them through. Think about the types of information and data they will produce and how
this might be used – particularly any data automatically generated in a structured way that give
you and your students a more detailed understanding of their learning pathway and achievements.
Consider how this might be used to realign their learning activity.

I select and use digital technologies in my Develop learning designs which engage your students in developing self-regulating learning skills,
learning designs based on their features, so as and their own learner autonomy, and in using different technological solutions to assist in this.
to facilitate my students’ self-regulated learning Encourage and support them to be creative and active in their learning and in how they think about
skills and learner autonomy (e.g. take initiatives and use digital technologies to initiate, support and record their learning activity and outcomes.
regarding their own learning, be creative and
[Suggestions to level up]: Consider how you might – together with your students – reflect on
responsive to new learning situations, engage
and redesign their learning in ways that encourage more active, creative and autonomous
in self-reflections so as to plan and guide their
activities on their part in order to promote their self-regulated learning and learner
progress).
autonomy through digital technologies. For example, engage them in activities that show them
how to identify their learning needs, set their learning goals, describe their strategy for achieving
these goals, implement their learning tasks, gather evidence of their learning, reflect on it and share
their learning outcomes – and how digital technologies can assist in this.

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Together with my students, I reflect on and Consider how you can – together with your students – reflect on and redesign their learning in ways
support them to (re)design their learning, that encourage more active, creative and autonomous activities on their part in order to promote
through and on using digital technologies, their self-regulated learning and learner autonomy; and how digital technologies can support this.
promoting their self-regulated learning and Digital technology can be useful in helping them see the focus that further learning activity can
learner autonomy (e.g. identify their needs, set take on the basis of feedback generated, along with encouraging ownership of the learning process.
their learning goals, describe their strategy for
[Suggestions to level up]: Consider how you might initiate and promote strategies and
achieving these goals, implement their learning
practices within your school and its wider community that support colleagues and students
tasks, gather evidence of their learning, reflect
in their use of digital technologies to enhance self-regulated learning processes and foster
on it and share their learning outcomes).
active and autonomous learning. Focus on and lead the opportunities, that hands-on activities
in makerspaces (or other learning spaces incorporating digital technologies), and that innovative
activity such as student-led workshops, can provide.

I initiate and promote strategies and practices Initiate and promote the strategic use of digital technologies within your school and its wider
on how digital technologies can support self- community. This will support colleagues and students to make more and better use of digital
regulated learning in my school and in the wider technologies to enhance self-regulated learning processes and so encourage active and autonomous
community (e.g. makerspaces, learning spaces learning.
with digital technologies to accommodate
[Suggestions for future actions]: Pursue ways of engaging with opportunities locally, nationally
hands-on activities, student coaching).
and internationally in order to increase your capability and technical understanding
of digital technologies that can be used to enhance students’ self-regulated learning
processes, fostering active and autonomous learning. Watch for trends and developments
that relate to this area. Search out opportunities to engage in individual and collective learning and
development – for your students, your colleagues, and yourself – concerning self-regulated learning
processes that foster active and autonomous learning. Take advantage of opportunities to innovate
and lead that organising hands-on activity in makerspaces or other learning spaces incorporating
digital technologies, and that innovative activity such as student-led workshops and other student-
led learning events, can provide.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.
3.5 Emerging technologies I am aware of emerging technologies that Being aware that technologies constantly emerge which can be used for education is an important
are being used in educational settings (e.g. first step towards identifying and using such technologies as part of providing novel learning
Using emerging technologies in simulations, robotics, virtual reality, Artificial experiences and content.
ethical ways to explore novel Intelligence (AI)).
learning experiences and content. [Suggestions to level up]: Consider exploring how emerging technologies such as virtual and
augmented reality or AI can be used to provide students with novel learning experiences
and new kinds of learning to foster the development of useful transversal skills, as well as
a strong sense of the ethical aspects of accessing and using such technologies.

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I have tried emerging technologies to see their Exploring the possibilities offered for teaching and learning by emerging technologies can be a
relevance for my teaching and my students (e.g. good way to identify which can provide students with novel learning experiences and new kinds of
virtual and augmented reality, robots, AI). learning to foster the development of digital and transversal skills, as well as a strong sense of the
ethical aspects of accessing and using such technologies.
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to select and employ emerging technologies in your learning
designs to engage my students in novel learning opportunities, while taking into account
any relevant ethical implications. This can include the use of emerging technologies to assist in
simulating /modelling, gaming, computational thinking, creative and innovative thinking, data-driven
decision making. Try to adapt your choice of technology to your students’ requirements. Always
focus on the pedagogical value of the technology not its novelty and work from this perspective.

I use various emerging technologies to provide Developing approaches to using emerging technologies that centre on engaging your students in
my students with novel learning experiences novel learning opportunities, while always asking them to consider any relevant ethical implications.
and new kinds of learning, fostering the This provides important opportunities to build trust and developmental learning involving emerging
development of transversal skills (learning technologies.
experiences involving e.g. simulating/modelling,
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to select and employ the use within your teaching of emerging
gaming, computational thinking, creative
technologies to support the activities specified in your learning designs. This can include
and innovative thinking, data-driven decision
providing opportunities for your students to engage in learning activities that make use of virtual
making).
and augmented reality, that examine the possibilities of humanoid robots, and that engage with the
positives as well as the potential downsides of artificial intelligence (AI). This type of usage offers
a powerful way to engage students in novel learning opportunities that make good use of such
technologies and provide meaningful teaching and learning experiences.

I select and use emerging technologies in my Using various emerging technologies to support the activities specified in your learning designs is
learning designs to engage my students in novel a powerful way to engage students in novel learning opportunities that make good use of such
learning opportunities, while taking into account technologies and provide meaningful teaching and learning experiences. By choosing technologies
ethical implications (e.g. immersive learning, that offer particular learning affordances, the students can be provided with meaningful opportunities
computational thinking, addressing learner to explore immersive learning, computational thinking, and to develop understandings of the
agency when interacting with AI). importance of learner agency when interacting with AI and other technologies using analytics or
algorithms. This can include activities that advance understanding data-driven decision making,
creative responses to subtle tactics to encourage innovative thinking in regards to technology as
well as using technology.
[Suggestions to level up]: Work with your students to select and employ emerging technologies
that provide opportunities for them to engage in co-design and co-creation of their learning
using emerging technologies in ways that address ethical implications as well as practical
applications. This can include activities that involve using augmented reality or 3-D expeditions,
programming humanoid robots, customising search algorithms, addressing datafication and AI
agency in decision making. Offer your students opportunities to exploit emerging technologies as
they explore novel learning experiences and content, taking into consideration ethical implications.

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Together with my students, I reflect on and (re) Consider how you can work with your students to gain value from reflection on, and redesign, teaching
design teaching and learning, engaging them in and learning opportunities using emerging technologies in ways that address ethical implications
co-design and co-creation of applications using as well as practical applications. Engage in strategies and practices within your school and its
emerging technologies and addressing ethical wider community that can support colleagues and students in their use of emerging technologies
implications (e.g. designing augmented reality to provide novel teaching and learning experiences and content, while also addressing ethical
scenarios and 3D expeditions, programming implications.
humanoid robots, addressing datafication and
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to initiate and promote strategies and practices within your
AI agency in decision making).
school and its wider community to support colleagues and students in their use of emerging
technologies. This will provide novel teaching and learning experiences and content, which can be
considered while addressing ethical implications. Search out opportunities to engage in individual
and collective learning and development involving emerging technologies – for your students, your
colleagues, and yourself. These can involve programming humanoid robots, customising virtual
worlds for learning activities, foster human agency in data-driven decision making, and explore
synergies with the technology industry.

I initiate and promote strategies and practices Engaging colleagues in exchanging experiences and pursuing action to explore and utilise
within my school and its wider community emerging technologies within your school and among broader groups of educational Stakeholders
that can support colleagues and students in (nationally and internationally) is a good way of ensuring that the pedagogical affordances of
their use of emerging technologies to provide such technologies are identified and leveraged. Consider your strategies and practices and seek
novel teaching and learning experiences and to continuously innovate, while keeping up with the trends in the emerging technologies that can
content, while addressing ethical implications provide opportunities for students and you yourself to reflect on, in, and for learning.
(e.g. customise virtual worlds for learning
[Suggestions for future actions]: Find ways of engaging with opportunities locally, nationally
activities, foster human agency in data-driven
and internationally in order to increase your capability and technical understanding of
decision making, collaboration with technology
emerging digital technologies to explore novel learning experiences and content, taking
companies).
into consideration ethical implications. Involve yourself in networks with other schools and
educational stakeholders, locally, nationally and internationally, that innovate for teaching and
learning around emerging technologies, and encourage others also to do so.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

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Area 4 – Assessment
Digital technologies can enhance existing assessment practices and facilitate new and
innovative ones. Teachers can use digital technologies to collect data to better support and
assess learners, while enabling them to reflect and adapt their teaching practice.
The proficiency level statements are organised by increasing level of engagement with
digital assessment and learners’ involvement in the assessment practices.

ITEM NAME and PROFICIENCY LEVEL


INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT STATEMENTS FEEDBACK

4.1 Assessment strategies I am aware that digital technologies can Being aware that digital technologies can be used to support formative and summative assessment
support both formative and summative is the first step in rethinking how to better understand what your students have learned and what
Using digital technologies assessment (e.g. digital quizzes, online polls). they have not yet understood well, and how digital technologies can help in this.
to support formative and
summative assessment of [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying using digital technologies to enable and enhance your
learning. assessment of your students’ learning. Consider, for example, how digital technologies can be
used to support assessment, either formative or summative or both. This could involve exploring the
value of online quizzes, games, digital forms, mobile apps, assessment platforms as well as asking
your students to use such tools to self-assess their learning, in class or at home.

I have tried using digital technologies to Exploring the use of digital technologies to enable and/or enhance insights into your students’
support formative and summative assessment learning is essential for developing effective assessment and feedback practices.
(e.g. online quizzes, games, forms, mobile apps).
[Suggestions to level up]: Find opportunities to use a variety of digital technologies to support
your formative and summative assessment activities. This can include creating or using quizzes
or digital tests that provide immediate feedback on learning, using sites and assessment platforms
that offer automated feedback to students, and making arrangements for peer-generated tasks /
activities that broaden the range of assessment strategies used in your teaching settings.

I use various digital technologies to support Developing a range of options that use various, appropriate technologies within formative and
formative and summative assessment (e.g. summative assessment activities to provide teacher-led and/or automated feedback broadens the
create a digital test, use assessment platforms range of learning-centred assessment strategies used in teaching contexts.
that offer timely feedback to students).
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to select and use digital technologies to support specific
aspects in your assessment “of”, “for”, and “as” learning and to capture in a communicable
way the nature of that learning. For instance, investigate the use of self-reflection rubrics,
automated assignments that offer timely feedback to students, the generation through learning-
tasks of shared documents that support peer reviewing/feedback.

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63
I select digital technologies to support specific Using various digital technologies to support specific aspects in your assessment “of”, “for” and “as”
aspects in assessment “of”, “for” and “as” learning regarding your students’ activities and that capture well the nature of the learning outcome
learning and capture best the nature of the to be assessed, is a characteristic of expert usage.
learning outcome to be assessed (e.g. self-
[Suggestions to level up]: Work with your students to select and employ digitally supported
reflection rubrics, assignments that offer timely
assessment activities that provide feedback on their progress and provide opportunities
feedback to students, shared documents that
for deep learning. To increase the variety and adequacy of feedback, experiment with different
support peer reviewing/feedback).
formats of assessment and modes of feedback. This can include encouraging them to contribute
ideas on assessment criteria and modality, the co-creation of rubrics, contributing to the design the
format of self and peer assessment, and exploiting various formative or summative assessment
tools.

I reflect on and involve my students in the Working with students to select and employ digitally supported assessment activities is a valuable
design of digitally-supported assessments, way of assisting their understanding of feedback and how it can be used to shape their progress and
selecting digital technologies that best support provide opportunities for deep learning.
the assessment purpose and content (e.g.
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage in strategies and practices within your school and its wider
deciding assessment criteria and modality, co-
community that can aid development in how digital technologies are used to support
creation of rubrics, design the format of self
the formative and summative assessment of learning. This can include action on aspects
and peer assessment, formative or summative
of assessment such as self and peer assessment, promotion of transversal skills, work-based
assessment scaffolding tools).
assessment, e-portfolios and other learner logs.

I propose and promote strategies and digital Engaging in strategies and practices within your school and its wider community that can aid
technologies within my school and its wider development in how digital technologies are used to support the formative and summative
community to support assessment “of”, “for” assessment of learning is an excellent way of deepening the assessment for learning culture of the
and “as” learning (e.g. self and peer assessment, school, and sharing the value of this with your wider community.
promotion of transversal skills, work-based
[Suggestions for future actions]: Engage with local, national, and international opportunities
assessment, e-portfolios).
to increase your capability and technical understanding of digitally enabled assessment
strategies and practices. Involve yourself in networks that innovate for teaching and learning
around emerging assessment technologies and related practices and encourage others also to do so.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

4.2 Analysing evidence I am aware that digital technologies can Knowing that digital technologies can collect data on students’ learning processes and the
capture students’ learning processes and outcomes of those processes is an important first step towards using such technologies as part of
Using digital technologies to outcomes (e.g. digital quizzes, online polls, your assessment practices.
collect and analyse evidence on forms, assessment platforms).
students´ learning processes and [Suggestions to level up]: Explore how technologies can be used to gather evidence on your
outcomes. students’ individual and/or group learning activities. This can include using digital quizzes,
online polls, learning surveys, and various types of learning analytics as integral elements of the
assessment process. The focus of this should be to gather and analyse evidence of learning and to
identify any learning difficulties.

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I have tried using digital technologies to Exploring the possibilities offered for assessment by digital technologies is a good way to approach
capture evidence about my students’ individual gathering evidence of your students learning and identifying any difficulties they may be having.
and/or group learning activity (e.g. digital
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to identify and build into your assessment activity various
quizzes, online polls, surveys).
digital technologies that can help you to collect and analyse evidence on students’
individual and/or group learning outcomes and learning processes. This should include
selecting technologies appropriate to the type of assessment you are designing; for instance, online
polls, forms, surveys, learning analytics, spreadsheets can all be used as part of either formative or
summative assessment activity.

I use various digital technologies to collect Developing approaches to assessment that centre on collecting and analysing evidence of your
and analyse evidence of students’ individual students’ individual and/or group learning outcomes and learning processes is a hallmark of good
and/or group learning outcomes and learning practice.
processes (e.g. online polls, forms, surveys,
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to select and use within your assessment activity digital
learning analytics, spreadsheets).
technologies that facilitate the presentation and analysis of learning data. Strive to develop
ways that support reflections on your teaching practices and the identification of alternative ways
of presenting materials for learning. This can include recording/ representing data visually using
automatically generated graphs and mind mapping tools and developing digital dashboards to
track student learning.

I select digital technologies that facilitate Using various assessment technologies and results dashboards to support your reflection on student
presentation and analysis of learning data to learning and on your teaching helps to identify alternative ways of presenting materials for learning.
support my reflections on my teaching practice
and on my students’ learning (e.g. record [Suggestions to level up]: Work with your students to select and use assessment technologies
and visually represent data, automatically that capture and present analyses of their learning data, based on which to plan their
generated graphs, mind mapping tools, digital future learning. Examples of such technologies include online reflective learning logs, using
dashboards). personal goal setting software, and personal dashboards.

I reflect on and involve my students in Working with your students to select and use assessment technologies to capture and present
capturing and analysing their learning data, analyses of their learning data, allows you to identify a sound base on which to plan their future
which can be used to plan their future learning learning.
(e.g. reflective learning logs, personal goal
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage in strategies and practices within your school and its wider
setting software).
community on the use of learners’ data, addressing the value for learning and the validity
of different data sources, in order to support evidence-based decisions for targeted
interventions. This can better inform pedagogical decisions, administrative decisions such as
students’ attendance, and the interpretation of data on students’ learning such as grades.

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I initiate and promote strategies and It is a characteristic of leadership in assessment practices to engage colleagues in exchanging
practices to help my school and its wider experiences in the use of learners’ data, addressing the value for learning and the validity of different
community use digital technologies to evidence data sources, in order to support evidence-based decisions for targeted learning interventions.
learning, and use assessment data to support
[Suggestions for future actions]: Pursue ways of engaging with opportunities locally, nationally
decision-making for targeted interventions (e.g.
and internationally in order to increase your capability and technical understanding of
pedagogical decisions, administrative decisions
the usage of digital technologies to collect and analyse evidence on students´ learning
such as students’ attendance, and data on
processes and outcomes. Where possible, participate in networks with other schools and educational
students’ learning such as grades).
stakeholders, locally, nationally and internationally, that innovate using technologies to collect and
analyse learner data and outcomes for teaching and learning improvement.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

4.3 Feedback and planning I am aware that digital technologies can be Being aware that technologies can be used to provide feedback for learners (including automated
used to provide feedback to learners including feedback) is an important first step towards building into your practice ways to provide such feedback
Using digital technologies to automated feedback (e.g. blogs, online polls, to your students in ways that can aid planning of future learning.
provide feedback to learners, online forms, applications using Artificial
facilitating planning of further [Suggestions to level up]: Consider exploring how digital technologies can be used to support
Intelligence (AI)).
action. the integration of feedback and reflection on students’ learning into their practice. This
could involve using blogs, wikis, video-based feedback or other digital annotation on assignments in
order to help students see how they can improve.

I have tried using digital technologies that Exploring the possibilities offered for teaching and learning by taking advantage of digital
support the integration of feedback and technologies to support the integration of feedback and students’ reflection into their practice. Work
reflection on students’ learning (e.g. blogs, wikis, to adapt your choice of technology to your students’ feedback requirements.
video-based feedback, digital annotation on
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to select and employ assessment technologies in your
assignments).
learning designs to provide timely feedback for learners, including the use of automated
feedback. Ways of doing this include using multiple choice questions in computer-mediated
learning environments, and other automated scoring and feedback technologies.

I use various digital technologies to provide It is a sign of confident usage to develop approaches to assessment technologies that centre on
timely feedback for learners, including selecting and including such technologies in your learning designs in order to provide timely feedback
automated feedback (e.g. software applications for learners, including through the use of automated feedback.
with automated feedback, online tests with
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to select and embed in your learning designs appropriate
automated scoring, online polls with automated
assessment technologies to aid giving, receiving, and analysing feedback. Aim to do so
visual representations of results).
in ways that continuously inform your teaching and their learning. For example use online polls
and surveys, dashboards for managing grades and feedback, and e-portfolios, to provide context-
specific feedback.

66 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


I select digital technologies that can help in Using various assessment technologies to support the activities specified in your learning designs
providing, receiving and analysing feedback in is a powerful way to engage students in benefitting from receiving, giving, and analysing feedback.
order to inform teaching and enhance the design
[Suggestions to level up]: Work with your students to select and use digital technologies to
of learning on a continuous basis (e.g. online
collect and analyse feedback so that it contributes to planning further learning activity.
polls and surveys, dashboards for managing
This can include making use of shared documents, blogs, mind mapping tools, reflective learning
grades and feedback, e-portfolios, context-
logs, learning journals, e-portfolios to assemble evidence of learning and plan future options based
dependent feedback).
on future needs.

I reflect on and involve my students in using Working with your students to gain value from reflection on feedback and then redesigning teaching
digital technologies for collection and analysis and learning opportunities is a good way to use digital technologies to position feedback as a
of feedback for planning further action (e.g. central element in the planning of further learning action.
shared documents, blogs, mind mapping tools,
reflective learning logs, learning journals, [Suggestions to level up]: Engage in strategies and practices within your school that support
e-portfolios). colleagues and students in the use of digital technologies that facilitate giving, receiving
and analysing feedback, to support planning for further action. Consider the benefits of
developing feedback practices and conventions at the whole-school level that involve technologies
which promote reflection on and for learning such as e-portfolios, context dependent feedback –
whether teacher-led or automated – and the use of personalised learning dashboards by students.

I initiate and promote a strategy within my Engaging colleagues in exchanging experiences and pursuing action to explore and utilise assessment
school and its wider community on the use technologies for their feedback, within your school and among broader groups of educational
of digital technologies that facilitate giving, stakeholders (nationally and internationally), is a good way of ensuring that the pedagogical
receiving and analysing feedback, to support affordances of such technologies are identified and leveraged. This encourages meaningful use of
planning for further action (e.g. e-portfolios, digital technologies to facilitate giving, receiving and analysing feedback, to support planning for
context dependent feedback, digital storytelling). further action, across the range of school activities.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Consider your strategies and practices around feedback for
and on learning and seek to continuously innovate, while keeping up with the trends and
developments in technologies that can provide feedback for students and for you yourself to
reflect on, in, and for learning. Seek opportunities to engage locally, nationally and internationally
in order to increase your capability and technical understanding in this area of teaching and learning.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

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67
Area 5 – Empowering Learners
Using digital technologies can help teachers to create innovative learning experiences,
resulting in learners becoming more actively engaged. Digital technologies can be used by
teachers to personalise learning and tailor it according to individual learners’ levels, interests
and needs. However, it is important to avoid amplifying inequality, for example in terms of
learner access to technology or lack of skills. Accessibility for all learners is crucial, including
those with special educational needs.
The proficiency level statements are organised by increasing focus on students’ individual
learning needs.

ITEM NAME and PROFICIENCY LEVEL


INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT STATEMENTS FEEDBACK

5.1 Accessibility and inclusion I am aware of potential limitations and Digital technologies pose challenges to students. On the other hand, exploring the advantages and
barriers that students may encounter in relation disadvantages of the available tools as well as their affordances could direct them to overcome
Ensuring access to digital to digital technologies (e.g. limited access to the difficulties posed by technology itself and lead them to choose the appropriate ones to address
resources and learning activities digital devices and/or to Internet connection, their needs. In such a context, you could help students to explore ways to overcome technology
for all students, taking into learning difficulties). limitations as well as adjust the task to enable them to participate in digital assignments.
consideration any contextual,
physical or cognitive constraints [Suggestions to level up]: Explore students’ digital context and start using available resources
to their use. and tools. Aim to assign tasks that best reflect their reality providing examples of available digital
technologies.

I have tried digital technologies that can be All kinds of resources, both digital and analogue, should always be adapted to students’ context and
adapted to students’ context and needs (e.g. needs. With reference to digital resources, you should always bear in mind that even highly digital
students’ devices, access to infrastructure, competent students sometimes struggle with technical or operational issues. Actually, the more
family context, students’ special needs). complex the tasks you set and more varied the environments you use, the more likely they are to
face advanced technical problems, e.g. how to change settings. Therefore, it is important to discuss
these issues beforehand or when they occur and to provide advice on how to solve them while using
digital resources.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start using digital tools and resources that can support your
teaching goals and activities. Discuss practical or technical difficulties with students when
using digital resources and explore possible solutions. This could include the examination of the
affordances of each solution in order to choose the most appropriate one for a given situation.

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I use various digital technologies to promote When using digital resources it is important to discuss with your students the context in which each
equitable and inclusive education for all one of them could be used. In this way you’ll guide them to make the right choices and use the
my students (e.g. adaptive and assistive resources to the full. The next step for you would be to encourage them to explore with you various
technologies like screen readers, alternative tools to let them have a first hand experience and evaluate the obstacles they face. Maybe they
types of keyboards, build-in accessibility tools). face less severe problems than you were expecting, and you can use a greater variety of digital
formats than you thought. Try out a more advanced digital task. Ask your students about their
experiences and adapt the task if needed.
[Suggestions to level up]: Discuss practical difficulties with your students, and combine
various tools to overcome them. This could start with the analysis of the features of the tools
that best support inclusion.

I select and employ digital technologies in my What is important is to be able to design activities for students according to their abilities. With
learning design, to develop inclusive learning this in mind you could define beforehand the characteristics of each one of the available tools,
activities and accessible resources according apps, platforms etc. and use those that better combine students’ abilities with digital Affordances.
to my students’ needs and capabilities (e.g. Moreover, consider to what extent the solutions employed provide the desired outcomes. Discuss
integrating different tools, using accessible further solutions with your students and explore how you can combine their Affordances to allow
layout, structure and language). diversity without leaving anyone behind.
[Suggestions to level up]: Combine solutions and expand digital strategies that support
inclusiveness. Engage and support colleagues and parents to develop inclusive practices
(e.g. encourage the participation of all students, engage parents to respond to student diversity).

I reflect on and redesign teaching and You involve members of the school community (e.g. colleagues, parents) in developing an overall
learning with the use of digital technologies digital learning approach that will leave nobody behind. At the same time, you encourage the
to ensure accessible and inclusive approaches development in your school of an environment that supports the digital transformation and allow
that meet the needs and abilities of all my students to benefit from a greater range of digital activities the school community may offer. You
students, including those with special learning now need to watch out that all students are given the same learning opportunities. If some of them
needs(e.g. providing multimodal presentations are disadvantaged, take action to allow them to benefit from the same learning opportunities (e.g.
of information, adjusting accessibility features by making available equipment or assistive technologies).
like font size and layout, developing students’
[Suggestions to level up]: Examine thoroughly what each digital means has to offer and
digital skills).
support disadvantaged students. Contribute to develop a strategy for equal access and
inclusive digital education in your school.

I initiate and promote strategies for equal This step is of crucial importance since you upscale the digital transformation to your school level
access and inclusion to education through involving more stakeholders in the school’s wider community. This approach will allow both you and
digital technologies in my school and its wider school management to take strategic decisions related to the direction all of you wish to follow. You
community (e.g. afternoon digital technology can elaborate on all the aspects of how to ensure equal access and inclusive digital education as well
labs for students and parents, collaborations as how digital technologies can contribute to guarantee equal access to all your students.
with industry for available infrastructure).
[Suggestions for future actions]: Stay informed about new technological developments as well
as ethical and other considerations that these may entail. Be aware of the digital context of the
school community and discuss with the school stakeholders practices that can support access for all.

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69
I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

5.2 Differentiation and I am aware digital technologies can be used Although all students are required to do the same activities, you should consider who needs
personalisation to differentiate and personalise learning (e.g. additional support and who needs to be more challenged. Treating them equally does not mean
adapt instruction to meet the needs of different offering them the same treatment, but offering them the treatment they need to reach the required
Using digital technologies to groups of learners, providing individual support learning objective and expand their potential. Combining different digital technologies during
address diverse learning needs to students). teaching-learning processes and implementing a variety of different learning activities can result in
and capabilities, by allowing effective learning for all students.
learners to advance at different
levels and speeds, and follow [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying different digital learning activities for students who
individual learning pathways and need additional support (e.g. adapting the levels of difficulty in assessment activities, analyse
objectives. with students activities not solved correctly).

I have tried digital technologies that enable You are now aware and have tried available means (e.g. tools, apps, platforms) in order to find out
differentiation and personalisation of learning which ones better suits the needs of your students. In this respect you know which kind of resources
(e.g. online quizzes with personalised feedback, are more accessible or appealing to your students. A next step would be to apply this knowledge
educational games with levels of difficulty, to your own teaching, and to address different learning needs and preferences in the way that you
online learning environments with adaptive present information or encourage differentiated use of in-class activities.
material).
[Suggestions to level up]: Explore the affordances of different digital technologies to better
address different learning needs and preferences when teaching. Get involved in professional
communities and exchange ideas on how to better address the needs of your students with the use
of digital technologies.

I use various digital technologies in teaching You can identify what kind of support each student needs and what kind of activities can help
and learning to accommodate individual them. A next step for you would be to apply this principle throughout the teaching-learning process
learning needs (e.g. creating playlists for self- to design and tailor classroom activities to your students’ learning needs and preferences (e.g. by
guided learning activities, differentiated practice bringing students together in group work activities to learn from each other). In this way, you allow
activities, automated individual feedback). all students to overcome their weaknesses and to build upon their strengths. Moreover, you may
vary the format of activities used to address students’ different experiences.
[Suggestions to level up]: Design and implement activities that rely upon different teaching
and learning approaches and embed differentiated and personalised activities in your
teaching. (e.g. peer teaching, coaching, use of critical friends).

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I select and employ digital technologies in You can design and develop different learning activities that address different students’ needs.
my learning designs based on their features, You value your students’ experiences and relate your teaching to their different learning styles (e.g.
to develop personalised learning environments by illustrating concepts with examples and metaphors that are meaningful to them).You can now
(e.g. peer teaching, dynamically tracking and consider students’ experiences and link them with curricular content to make learning more relevant
managing the learning needs of all students). to them. Try to facilitate students’ involvement in identifying their own weaknesses and strengths,
guiding them to adapt learning activities to their individual needs. The ultimate aim is to facilitate
each student to reach his/her full potential.
[Suggestions to level up]: Address students’ experiences and interests and support them to
design their own learning path.

I reflect on and (re)design my teaching to Personalised learning is important for addressing your students’ learning needs. Moreover, they
involve my students in designing their own should also realise how content resources would relate to their experiences and respond to their
learning pathways using digital technologies learning needs and preferences. On the other hand, they should also be supported to design their own
best suited to their learning needs (e.g. learners learning materials in a format and style they appreciate. It is therefore important to counterbalance
use online tools to set their learning goals, and reconcile the two aspects of personalised instruction: respecting, addressing and allowing for
monitor their progress, and reflect on learning differences when teaching and supporting students in individualised ways to attain a set learning
and summative assessments demonstrating objective.
their mastery level).
[Suggestions to level up]: Initiate and promote new ways of using digital technologies to
differentiate and personalise students’ learning in your school.

I initiate and promote the use of digital Introducing new ways in the school to capture different learning needs, can facilitate all students to
technologies in ways that allow differentiating reach their individual maximum potential. The involvement of the wider school community can support
and personalising students’ learning experiences the school practices towards the fulfilment of this goal.
in my school and its wider community (e.g.
[Suggestions for future actions]: Be informed of new technological developments and how
interest group for teachers to share good
they can support pedagogies to address differentiated and personalised learning for your
practices, online platform with resources and
students.
live lessons).

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

5.3 Actively engaging learners I am aware that I can use digital technologies You are now aware of some digital tools that can be used to engage your students in active learning.
to engage students in active learning (e.g. You can start involving your students to, for example, search the internet for information or ask them
Using digital technologies to games, interactive activities, virtual worlds, to take photos or videos exemplifying the subject of study. Later on, they may share the information
foster learners’ active and simulations). they found and discuss in small groups. In this way, you will find that there is more room for
creative engagement in their creativity than you thought.
learning.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start exploring digital technologies that engage your students and
get them to explore their learning pathway. You can ask them for example which digital tools
they use, how they search for information, how they evaluate the accuracy of what is brought to
them, how they index the available information and finally how they present it.

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I have tried using digital technologies to You have tried some digital technologies that allow you to enrich your current practices towards
engage students in active learning (e.g. use the active engagement of your students in their learning process. You may also consider a flipped
of blogs and wikis, e-portfolios, virtual and classroom approach, where students review learning material online, and then come to the classroom
augmented reality). ready to discuss what they have learned.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start using digital solutions to enhance your strategies. You could ask
your colleagues which tools and techniques they use and in which context and start experimenting.
In this way you’ll be able to create your own variety of teaching strategies and digital means and
combine them to reach a desired outcome.

I use various digital technologies to engage You are now in the position to use various digital technologies that can support your students’
students in active learning (e.g. students engagement in their learning. It is important that you can now align learning activities with the
exploring virtual objects, peer-review, jigsaw use of digital technologies with specific learning objectives. For example, you may encourage your
discussions, online debates). students to investigate a topic combining internet research with taking photos or documenting their
findings in form of a video or presentation. Make sure that you are there to guide them in this work,
without undermining their ownership of the process. Carefully consider for each topic at hand which
digital tools and which social settings and interaction modes are most appropriate.
[Suggestions to level up]: Design your lessons with the use of digital technologies in a way
that can support active learning strategies both at individual and group level. You can for
example use wikis to engage your students in collaborative writing, use games and simulations, and
virtual and augmented reality applications.

I select and employ digital technologies in You can design your lessons and activities using digital technologies to support your students’
my learning designs to foster students’ active active engagement in their learning. A next step is to further increase students’ autonomy and
engagement in individual and collaborative leadership for their own learning. One way of doing this could be a “flipped classroom”: Instead
learning (e.g. collaborative writing, games and of you setting up games for them, ask them to create digital quizzes for each other. Let students
simulations, virtual and augmented reality, assume responsibility and correct each other’s mistakes when answering the quizzes, encourage
structured team-based learning). them to reflect upon and improve them and eventually share them with classmates, teachers or an
online audience. Alternatively, you may encourage students to choose a topic of their interest and
explore it using digital means to showcase their work.
[Suggestions to level up]: Coach students and provide them with scaffolding as they use
digital means for learning. You can have students involved in coaching their peers, in creating
artefacts that reflect their interests and maintain an e-portfolio for reflecting as well as sharing their
learning outcomes.

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I (re)design learning activities based on It is important that you support students’ learning processes and you involve them in activities that
students’ feedback, co-creating new ways expand their full potential. In order to keep improving your strategies, you can continuously reflect
for them to interact and actively engage with on the suitability of your strategies, the balance between student autonomy and guidance and the
digital technologies (e.g. involving learners mechanisms you implement to allow them to follow their own learning rhythm. Moreover, consider
in hands-on activities, experiential learning, how you can help all students to develop their strengths and work on their weaknesses, for example
online discussions, peer coaching and teaching, how they can learn from each other and from their mistakes and how their collaborative effort can
constructing their learning and creating be turned into a joint product.
artefacts, e-portfolios).
[Suggestions to level up]: Create an online collaborative space for you and your colleagues,
where students can get involved in experiential learning activities, such as coaching
their peers, teachers and parents in digitally enhanced activities. You could start for example a
makerspace in your school where students can design and create learning activities with the use of
robotics or AI programmes.

I initiate and promote digitally-enhanced It is important to encourage collaborative work through digital technologies. Bringing opportunities to
learning spaces within my school and its students where they are actively involved in learning and collaboratively design learning activities can
wider community, where students are actively enable the development of essential skills as well as constructing new knowledge.
engaged in learning activities (e.g. makerspace,
[Suggestions for future actions]: Always be informed of new technological and pedagogical
robotics, programming, AI applications).
trends and try to involve all Stakeholders of the wider school community in the learning
activities that you initiate.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

5.4 Blended learning I am aware that digital technologies can Digital technologies can support and enhance teaching and learning.. Being aware that there are
be used to combine on-site and remote, various digital tools and environments that can support on-site and distance learning allows you to
Using digital resources and tools, synchronous and asynchronous learning (e.g. choose the most appropriate tools for instruction and plan learning activities for your students to
online learning environments and digital resources, online meetings, groups in follow irrespective of space and time.
platforms to ensure students’ social networks).
learning within and beyond the [Suggestions to level up]: Start exploring available technologies for distance teaching and
classroom. learning.

I have tried using digital technologies that Once you have started using digital technologies for teaching and learning, you will start to see the
facilitate learning within and beyond the benefits and possible drawbacks. Try out different tools and options for online learning and think how
classroom (e.g. web meeting tools, online they could be adapted to different settings to meet your students’ learning needs and/or blended
learning environments, discussion forums, learning situations.
chats, virtual worlds).
[Suggestions to level up]: Start using blended learning approaches and maintain regular contacts
with individual students and learning groups (e.g. video lessons, social media applications, learning
resources).

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I use various digital tools and platforms Having used various tools and technologies for teaching and learning, you now know that blended
to support distance and blended learning learning can take many forms to meet students’ learning needs. Should you wish to explore further,
approaches, enhancing students’ learning you may join an online community to get inspired, exchange ideas, share lesson plans and materials
processes and outcomes (e.g. video lessons, with colleagues.
social media applications, learning resources).
[Suggestions to level up]: Start analysing the characteristics of the available technologies
and adapt them to different situations. You can start applying one at a time, keep notes with
your experiences and share them with colleagues in a digital diary.

I analyse digital technologies based on their You can now analyse the pros and cons of each one of the digital tools you have used. The next step
features and employ them in my learning should be to reflect which ones best assist you to meet the needs of your students. Another option
designs to support distance and blended could to create a list of these tools as well as their Affordances to make it easier to compare and
learning (e.g. online collaborative tools, chats, select the most appropriate for a given situation.
forums, blogs, social networks).
[Suggestions to level up]: Design and implement a blended learning environment taking into
consideration the characteristics of the available tools.

I reflect on and redesign teaching and With the design of an online environment you can implement learning activities in a blended
learning for distance and blended learning learning approach, both in and away from the classroom. Reflect on whether the available solutions
contexts to ensure my students’ active for blended learning assist you to make the most of this approach and expand their potential by
involvement in the learning process within and designing and implementing meaningful learning environments. The next step for blended learning
beyond the classroom (e.g. online learning, would be to apply the solutions available according to the individual and differentiated profile of
hybrid learning, virtual labs, online collaborative your students.
tools, synchronous and asynchronous activities,
[Suggestions to level up]: Initiate the development of a blended learning approach across
individual and team work).
the whole school. Empower teachers’ collaboration and decision-making for the optimum use of
online learning.

I contribute to the design of a distance It is important that a school can use digital technologies to ensure continuation of learning for all
and blended learning strategy for my school students at all times. At the same time it is important to empower both students and colleagues
and support its implementation to facilitate to take advantage of digital technologies both on-site and remotely, adopting blended learning
innovative and inclusive learning approaches approaches. Let them describe and define their needs and assist them to make the optimum use
within and beyond the school (e.g. ensuring of the available digital technologies and tools. Encourage them to come up with their own plans
access to infrastructure and devices, support indicating the points to which they should pay particular attention.
for parents’ and students, regular information
[Suggestions for future actions]: Try to follow technological and pedagogical developments
exchange, code of conduct for online behaviour
and trends related to distance learning (e.g. online learning, blended learning, hybrid
and norms, personal data management and
learning, remote learning) and involve teachers and parents in the application of blended
safety, communication practices).
learning practices.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

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Area 6 – Facilitating Learners’ Digital Competence
Teachers’ digital competence is important to support and facilitate the development of their
learners’ digital competence.
The proficiency level statements are organised by increasing level of students’ engagement
and complexity of digital competence in the learning activities.

ITEM NAME and PROFICIENCY LEVEL


INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT STATEMENTS FEEDBACK

6.1 Information and data I am aware of learning activities and resources Being aware of learning activities and resources that can enhance students’ search, evaluation
literacy that can enhance students’ information and data and management of information in digital environments is important for the development of their
literacy (e.g. searching for digital information, information and data literacy. To meaningfully address information and data literacy into your
Incorporating learning activities, evaluating information found, reading graphs, lessons, you can explore different activities to help students learn how to find, analyse, interpret and
which require learners to reading and understanding data). evaluate online information and data.
use digital technologies to
search, evaluate and manage [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying learning activities that encourage students to search,
information and data in digital evaluate and manage information and data in digital environments. You could try presenting
environments. students with a website or audio-visual content taken from the internet on a topic they have just
studied and ask them to identify inaccuracies, missing information or bias.

I have tried learning activities that encourage When exploring learning activities that encourage students to search, evaluate and manage
students to search, evaluate and manage information and data in digital environments, start including reflection on the reliability of information
information and data in digital environments retrieved online in an assignment task, for example in a revision activity.
(e.g. setting search criteria, comparing different
[Suggestions to level up]: Implement learning activities requiring students to compare
sources, interpreting data).
the accuracy of sources. You can, for example, present your students with a website or audio-
visual content taken from the internet on a topic they have just studied and ask them to identify
inaccuracies, missing information or bias by cross-checking it with other sources.

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I implement various learning activities that Implementing different learning activities to enable your students to judge the quality of information
require students to critically search, evaluate and data found online, independent of its source, will help them understand e.g. how to discern
and manage information and data from reliable and unreliable sources. You can, for example, present your students with a website or audio-
different digital environments, according to their visual content taken from the internet on a topic they have just studied and ask them to identify
learning needs (e.g. setting selection criteria, inaccuracies, missing information or bias by cross-checking it with other sources. This way you can,
identifying inaccuracies, missing information or step-by-step, build up their capacity to assess information and opinion, to make informed choices
bias, cross-checking different sources to judge and to value evidence and sound arguments.
credibility, managing misinformation, racism,
[Suggestions to level up]: Develop learning designs which support students to critically search,
and xenophobia).
evaluate and manage information and data, through context analysis. This could include
analysing the choice of the information medium, the source, purpose, transparency of algorithms
used to decide what kind of information and data is returned.

I design learning to support students to Developing learning designs which support students to critically search, evaluate and manage
critically search, evaluate and manage information and data through context analysis helps them understand how information and data
information and data (e.g. analysing the choice is generated and can be distorted or manipulated. This could be reinforced by discussing with your
of the information medium, the source, purpose, students how to draw valid conclusions based on contradicting sources.
transparency of algorithms used to decide what
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage your students in project-based initiatives requiring searching,
kind of information and data is returned).
evaluating and managing information and data critically. This could include editing a school
newsletter or newspaper, organising information and data access using taxonomies and categories.

I lead project-based initiatives where students, Leading project-based initiatives where students, both as receivers and creators, go through the
as both recipients and creators of content, go process of critically searching, evaluating and managing information and data is the first step to
through the process of critically searching, create an information and data literacy culture in your school. After discussing with students on how
evaluating and managing information and data to draw valid conclusions from different sources, encourage them to use them effectively in, for
(e.g. editing the school newsletter, organising example, arguments and debates.
information and data access using taxonomies
[Suggestions to level up]: Contribute to create an information and data literacy culture in
and categories).
your school and its wider community. This could include organising a debate where groups
of students represent opposing schools of thought or simply contrasting opinions, or organising
workshops to explore and learn how to spot fake news.

My students and I contribute to the creation Creating an information and data literacy culture in your school and its wider community with the
of strategies that promote ways to use help of your students is a way of empowering and equipping them to be critical citizens. Reflect on
digital technologies to improve information your practices and seek to continuously innovate them.
and data literacy across my school and its
[Suggestions for future actions]: Innovate your practices by keeping up to date with the latest
wider community (e.g. workshops, debates,
developments and trends in information and data literacy.
experiential activities).

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

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6.2 Communication and I am aware of learning activities that can Being aware that digital technologies can be useful to enhance students’ digital communication and
collaboration enhance students’ digital communication collaboration is the first step to start exploring learning activities with that purpose. To encourage
and collaboration (e.g. using email, instant students to communicate with you and among each other, you can start by creating a community or
Implementing learning activities messaging, social networks, etc. to communicate group in an online collaborative environment.
that require learners to with teachers and peers).
communicate and collaborate [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying learning activities that encourage students to
using digital technologies. communicate and collaborate with you and each other. This could include using a discussion
forum and setting students a concrete collaborative task to solve using this environment.

I have tried learning activities that encourage Exploring learning activities that encourage students to communicate and collaborate with you and
students to communicate and collaborate each other is essential for developing effective practices for communication and collaboration. The
with teachers and each other using digital next step is to encourage students to communicate and collaborate more often. A good starting
technologies (e.g. using online meetings, point is to think of students’ learning needs and set up an online space that can best support these.
discussion forums).
[Suggestions to level up]: Implement learning activities that require students to communicate
and collaborate in digital contexts according to their learning needs. This may include choosing
tools that best support students’ communication, then assigning them a concrete collaborative task
they can work on. This way they get accustomed to the main principles of online collaboration in a
closed and familiar social setting.

I implement various learning activities Now that your students are used to using shared online spaces to communicate and collaborate,
that require students to communicate and you can start encouraging them to discover and develop together effective rules for communication
collaborate in digital contexts according to and collaboration.
their learning needs (e.g. use of appropriate
[Suggestions to level up]: Develop learning designs which support students to communicate
medium for students’ digital communication,
and collaborate respecting behavioural and communication norms. This may include
use of digital tools that best support students’
encouraging students to document their communication and collaboration rules and to reinforce
collaboration, managing an online shared space,
them among themselves; and even challenging their rules by integrating tasks or variations that
editing online shared documents).
require different collaboration strategies or norms for communication.

I design learning to support students to use Developing learning designs which require different collaboration strategies or norms for
digital technologies for communication and communication is important for expanding students’ skills. Reflect on the suitability of your teaching
collaboration respecting behavioural and practices and readjust them in view of further advancing students’ digital communication and
communication norms (e.g. respecting others’ collaboration.
ideas and diversity while contributing to team
[Suggestions to level up]: Readjust your teaching practices in view of fostering students’
work, sharing messages across multicultural
digital communication and collaboration. This could include implementing activities which
networks, creating positive connections and
require students to communicate and collaborate with external audiences. Students should realise,
building contacts).
through their involvement in increasingly complex communication contexts, that oral and written
communication follow different rules, and that communication between friends and with people
they do not know requires different communication skills.

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I reflect on the suitability of my teaching What is important for you now is to empower your students to autonomously apply and develop
practices in view of fostering students’ digital their communication and collaboration skills. Engage them in networks with other schools and
communication and collaboration, and readjust educational stakeholders, nationally and internationally. They must be able to state their point
them accordingly (e.g. exchange good practices clearly, have an opinion and argue for it, while being able to communicate in a professional manner,
with other colleagues, discuss with students be polite and respectful, towards others and their opinions.
communication and collaboration needs,
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage your students in networks with other schools and
exploring new digital tools).
educational stakeholders, nationally and internationally. This could include the participation
in or co-creation of educational initiatives in which, through practice, your students realise that oral
and written communication follow different rules, even if these rulesets tend to converge in the era
of social media.

My students and I initiate and promote Engaging students in exchanging learning experiences, activities and pursuing common projects with
digital communication and collaboration schools and educational stakeholders (nationally and internationally) is essential to create digital
networks with other schools and educational communication and collaboration networks. Reflect on your practices and seek to continuously
stakeholders (nationally and internationally) to innovate them.
exchange learning experiences, activities and
[Suggestions for future actions]: Innovate your practices by keeping up to date with the
pursue common projects (e.g. participation in
latest trends on the digital technologies that can best support your and your students’
and/or co-creation of educational initiatives,
communication and collaboration needs.
competitions).

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

6.3 Content creation I am aware of learning activities that encourage Being aware that students can use digital technologies to express themselves is the first step to
students to express themselves through digital start exploring learning activities with that purpose. This way you motivate your students for your
Incorporating learning activities means (e.g. in the form of text, photos, images, subject, increase their active involvement in the learning process - and also foster their skills in
that require learners to express presentations). creating digital content.
themselves by creating digital
artefacts. [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying learning activities that encourage students to create
and modify digital content. This could include thinking of a study unit in which students could
create content, e.g. conduct an interview and film it, take photos of examples for study, write a text
and post it online or design a digital artefact with a software you use.

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I have tried learning activities that encourage Exploring learning activities that encourage students to create and modify digital content may boost
students to create and modify digital content their interest in and understanding of the topic at hand. Many students have access to a mobile
(e.g. text, presentations, audios, videos). phone or a camera at home. If they don’t, you may be able to equip them with a school device or ask
them to work in teams. Taking photos is an activity which all, even younger students are capable of
and which can be linked to any subject (e.g. geometric shapes, number patterns in mathematics or
correct or incorrect movements in sports). Just try it out. Ask your students about their opinion and
the problems they faced and take these into account for your next experiment.
[Suggestions to level up]: Ask your students to express and convey their ideas creatively
by using digital tools. This may include using digital tools and devices to create visualisations,
simulations or digital stories.
I implement various learning activities that Implementing various learning activities that require students to express and convey their
require my students to express and convey their ideas creatively using digital tools, may enhance their competence to communicate the subject
ideas creatively, by using appropriate digital knowledge, to connect their findings or weigh arguments, and to comprehensively demonstrate their
tools (e.g. visualisations, simulations, digital understanding.
stories).
[Suggestions to level up]: Develop learning designs which engage students in creative design
processes, while respecting copyright rules and licences. This may include implementing
activities which enable students to use different digital means - visual, audio, video, text-based
... - and combine them effectively. At the same time, guide students to understand copyright rules,
attribute licenses and how to give credits.

I design learning to engage students in creative Now that your learning designs engage students in content creative design processes, reflect on and
design processes in order to (re)create quality readjust them in view of further expanding your students’ competences. Encourage them to try out
digital content, while respecting copyright new methods and digital formats, to introduce effects that surprise their audience or make them
rules and licences (e.g. scaffolding students laugh, to use mistakes, misunderstandings, conflicts or different opinions as an incentive for study.
to go through a design process for content
[Suggestions to level up]: Encourage your students to share their (re)creations. This may
development, facilitating students to select
include using digital stories or e-portfolios for students to showcase their (re)creations.
appropriate digital tools, guiding students to
understand copyright, attribute licences and
give credits).

I reflect on and (re)design learning activities Reflecting on and redesigning learning activities for fostering students’ digital expression and
for fostering students’ digital expression and content (re)creation, may enable you to expand students’ digital expression and creation beyond
content (re)creation, while encouraging sharing the classroom. Engage your students in initiatives within the school and its wider community for
practices (e.g. digital stories, e-portfolios). designing, developing and publishing their digital creations, while sharing them in creative ways.
[Suggestions to level up]: Expand students’ digital expression and creation beyond the
classroom. This may include challenging students to create and share audio or video broadcasts or
to promote a makerspace that can be used by different school/community members.

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My students and I initiate and promote Engaging students in designing, developing and publishing their digital creations, while sharing them
strategies across the school and its wider in creative ways is essential to empower them to become critical digital content producers. Reflect
community that allow students to engage on your practices and seek to continuously innovate them.
in designing, developing and publishing their
[Suggestions for future actions]: Innovate your practices by keeping apace with the latest
digital (re)creations, while sharing them in novel
developments and trends in digital technologies that can best support your and your
ways (e.g. co-creating mobile apps, maintaining
students’ creation needs.
makerspaces, promoting audio and video
broadcasts).
I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

6.4 Safety and wellbeing I am aware of learning activities that encourage Being aware that digital technologies can positively and negatively affect students’ safety and
students to use digital technologies safely (e.g. wellbeing will help you explore learning activities that empower students to use digital technologies
Empowering learners to use how to protect data privacy, read terms of use, safely.
digital technologies safely, avoid social exclusion, prevent violence in digital
while mitigating risks to ensure [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying learning activities that foster students’ awareness of
environments).
physical, psychological and social the benefits and drawbacks of using digital technologies. This could include asking students
well-being. to identify online behaviour (of their own or of others) that makes them happy or sad, or discussing
existing data protection rules to ensure they are aware of them.

I have tried learning activities that allow Exploring learning activities which focus on the benefits and drawbacks of using digital technologies
students to consider the safety and wellbeing will foster students’ awareness of how such use may affect their physical, psychological and social
implications of using digital technologies (e.g. well-being. One option could be to discuss together with them which personal data they make
identifying inappropriate behaviour, discussing available through the tools and apps they use, and to whom. Let them manage the privacy settings
overuse/addiction issues). of their social media in a way they feel comfortable with how they present themselves to the world
and with the information they share online.
[Suggestions to level up]: Let students explore ways to protect themselves from risks and
threats to their physical, psychological and social well-being. This may include setting strong
passwords or learning how to block or report individuals who make them feel uncomfortable.

I implement various learning activities to Now that you implement various learning activities that require your students to explore ways to
prompt students to act in responsible and protect themselves from risks and threats to their physical, psychological and social well-being,
ethical ways when creating and consuming engage them in developing strategies to prevent and respond to digital behaviour that negatively
digital information (e.g. adjusting the settings affects them or their peers.
of their social media, protecting personal data
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage students in developing strategies to prevent and respond to
and privacy, setting strong passwords, block
digital behaviour that negatively affects them or their peers. This may include discussing with
and report individuals who make them feel
them how they can balance online and offline activities or discuss a concrete situation in which they
uncomfortable).
are prompted to recognise and respond to negative behaviour such as racism, cyberbullying, etc.

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I design learning to help students develop The next step is for you to reflect on and redesign your learning designs based on continuous
strategies of responsible and ethical use of developments in online risks and threats. This will enable students to follow and adopt positive
technologies, to safeguard their reputation, practices towards their and their peers’ physical, psychological and social well-being.
and promote social well-being (e.g. balancing
[Suggestions to level up]: Reflect on and readjust your learning designs based on current
online & offline activities, recognising and facing
developments in online risks and threats. This could include discussing how companies collect
cyberbullying/sexting/racism, etc. in digital
and use personal data, how to identify fraud and phishing attempts or how social media may affect
environments).
emotional and social relationships.

I reflect on and (re)design learning activities What is important now is for you to empower your students to assume a positive attitude towards
based on continuous developments on online digital technologies, being aware of risks and limits, but also being confident that they can manage
risks and threats, so as to enable students to these in order to reap the benefits. Encourage your students to engage in online safety and digital
follow and adopt positive practices towards well-being initiatives within the school and school community.
their and their peers’ physical, psychological
[Suggestions to level up]: Contribute to creating a culture of online safety and digital well-
and social well-being (e.g. how companies
being in your school and school community. This could include organising debates or workshops,
collect and use data about individuals, how
in which the negative and positive uses of digital technologies are openly discussed and ways of
social media affect emotional and social
avoiding risks and threats to the physical, psychological and social well-being are promoted.
relationships).

My students and I contribute to create a Creating an online safety and digital well-being culture in your school and its wider community with
culture in our school and its wider community, in the help of your students is a way of empowering and equipping them to use digital technologies
which the negative and positive uses of digital safely in the future. Reflect on your practices and seek to continuously innovate them.
technologies are openly discussed and ways
[Suggestions for future actions]: Innovate your practices by keeping up to date with the latest
of avoiding risks and threats (e.g. online safety
trends and developments in online risks and threats.
experiential workshops, digital well-being
coaching for peers, teachers and parents).

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

6.5 Responsible use I am aware of learning activities to empower Even if you do not foresee any learning activities that require your students to use digital technologies,
students to understand the legal and ethical it is important to be aware that they can be empowered to use them responsibly and ethically. Try
Empowering learners to use implications of using digital technologies exploring learning activities in which they are required to develop their understanding of legal and
digital technologies responsibly (e.g. sharing personal and others’ sensitive ethical implications when using digital technologies.
and ethically, managing their information, managing private settings on
digital identity digital footprint [Suggestions to level up]: Start trying learning activities that foster students’ understanding
online apps).
and digital reputation. of legal and ethical implications when using digital technologies. This could include planning
activities in which they are required to understand the traces they leave when they are online/
their digital footprint, how to protect their digital identity and how to avoid disclosing personal
information.

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I have tried learning activities that foster Exploring learning activities that require the use of digital technologies can be an important way
students’ understanding of legal and ethical to foster students’ understanding of legal and ethical implications when using digital technologies.
implications when using digital technologies Students should be aware of the pitfalls and risks of being a digital consumer and creator, such
(e.g. sharing of copyrighted digital content, as spamming, phishing, stalking, and know how to manage their digital footprint and protect their
accepting permissions when installing apps). digital data by complying with data protection regulations and copyright law. They should also
consider the social and cultural norms for communication in the environments they use and the
online activities they engage in.
[Suggestions to level up]: Implement learning activities that require students to act in
a responsible and ethical way (e.g. being critical towards online information, reacting to
misinformation spread, behaving positively online, complying with data protection regulations and
copyright law, respecting diversity and multiple opinions).

I implement various digital learning activities Implementing various learning activities that require students to act in a responsible and ethical
that require students to act in a responsible way, will contribute for their growth both as consumers and creators of digital information and
and ethical way both as consumers and content. The next step for you will be to empower students with strategies to use digital technologies
creators of digital information and content (e.g. responsibly and ethically.
critically assessing online information, reacting
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage students in developing strategies to use digital technologies
to misinformation, behaving positively online,
responsibly and ethically, while safeguarding their digital reputation. This could include
complying with data protection and copyright
letting students trace their digital footprint and managing their digital identity. You can let them be
rules, respecting diversity and multiple opinions).
aware of the terms of use of different media and applications or discuss with them which personal
data they make available through the programmes and apps they use, and to whom, so they can
reflect upon and safeguard their digital reputation.

I reflect on and (re)design my learning What is important now is for you to empower your students to protect their digital identity and
activities to allow students to consider the ethics manage their digital footprint. Encourage them to explore the responsible and ethical use of digital
and potential impact of their digital behaviours technologies in your school and its wider community.
in authentic situations (e.g. considering how
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage students in initiatives that explore the responsible and
something they post online might be hurtful,
ethical use of digital technologies within the school and its wider community. This could
respectfully sharing a difference of opinion in a
include preparing workshops or coaching their peers on the responsible use of digital technologies.
comment, online activism).

My students and I initiate and promote Initiating and promoting initiatives that explore the responsible and ethical use of digital technologies
strategies across the school and its wider in your school and its wider community with the help of your students is a way of empowering and
community that promote ethical and responsible equipping them for the future and safeguarding their digital reputation. Reflect on your practices
use of digital technologies by staff, students and seek to continuously innovate them.
and parents (e.g. workshops, coaching peers,
[Suggestions for future actions]: Innovate your practices by keeping apace with the latest
teachers and parents).
trends on the responsible and ethical uses of digital technologies.

I am not aware of this competence. Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

82 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


6.6 Problem solving I am aware of learning activities that Being aware that digital technologies can help students to understand and solve problems will help
encourage students to use digital technologies you explore learning activities with that purpose. It is important to enable students to formulate
Incorporating learning activities, to understand and solve problems (e.g. using a their problems in planning their learning, communicating their ideas or understanding course
where learners use digital search engine, help features, apps to record and content, to identify the concrete barriers encountered, and to encourage them to think about ways
technologies to understand and organise information for analysis). of overcoming them. For you this means you must be open to the different ways in which students
solve problems. overcome obstacles and come up with solutions. Even if you may find them inefficient, arbitrary,
scientifically dubious or in other respects unorthodox. You can, and should, encourage students to
work on the flaws of their appropriation strategies, while appreciating that they took the first step to
overcome an important obstacle to their learning.
[Suggestions to level up]: Start trying learning activities that encourage students to use digital
technologies to employ strategies for understanding and solving problems (e.g. brainstorming,
mapping, visualisation tools, etc. to analyse a problem and develop a possible solution).

I have tried learning activities that encourage Exploring learning activities that encourage students to use digital technologies for understanding
students to use digital technologies to and solving problems may boost their interest in the subject/topic - and in many cases also their
understand and solve problems (e.g. understanding of it. Anticipate potential challenges and even actively trigger challenging learning
brainstorming, mapping, using visualisation situations. Watch out for situations where students voice that there is something impossible to be
tools, etc. to analyse a problem and develop a known or asserted, or something too difficult to achieve - something desirable that they believe goes
possible solution). beyond their capacities or possibilities. Convert it into a challenge to be overcome - collectively by
all students, or by a small group of students, or by individual students. Ask them to identify how this
desirable goal could be obtained and design a plan to reach it, thinking about how technology can
assist in the process. You will see that there are many opportunities for integrating digital problem-
solving into your teaching than you thought.
[Suggestions to level up]: Implement learning activities that require students to solve problems, by
applying problem solving processes using digital technologies. This could include asking students
to find and organise information, analyse, infer, predict outcomes, make analogies and formulate ideas).

I implement various learning activities that Implementing various learning activities that require students to solve problems, by applying
allow students to apply problem solving problem solving processes using digital technologies is a way of encouraging students to overcome
processes supported by digital technologies (e.g. challenges and, in many cases, by designing a solution that they can experience as innovative. The
finding and organizing information, analysing, next step for you would be to actively trigger such situations. Think about how you can embed a
inferring, predicting outcomes, making analogies challenge into your subject teaching. Watch out for situations where students voice that there is
and formulating ideas). something impossible to be known or asserted, or something too difficult to achieve - something
desirable that they believe goes beyond their capacities or possibilities. Convert it into a challenge to
be overcome - collectively by all students, or by a small group of students, or by individual students.
Ask them to identify how this desirable goal could be obtained and design a plan to reach it, thinking
about how technology can assist in the process. You will see that there are many opportunities for
integrating digital problem-solving into your teaching and will increasingly know where to offer
this approach and to which [student] groups. This way you can ensure that all students are offered
opportunities for developing their digital problem-solving skills in your lessons.
[Suggestions to level up]: Develop learning designs which engage students in seeking out
different, innovative and creative technological solutions. This could include letting students
generate/test new ideas and solutions or simulations, modelling).

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


83
I design learning to allow students to look for Developing learning designs which engage students in seeking out different innovative and creative
different innovative and creative solutions to technological solutions to be applied in new situations and contexts may be an opportunity for
be applied in new situations and contexts (e.g. students to understand and apply key components of computational thinking. Reflect and (re)design
generating/testing new ideas and solutions, your teaching and learning strategies in a way that enables students, individually and collectively, to
simulation, modelling). explore and find digitally-supported solutions. You may need to work on various projects in parallel,
allowing each student or group of students to work on what they can experience as a challenge. This
way you can ensure that all students are offered opportunities for developing their digital problem
solving skills in your subject.
[Suggestions to level up]: Enable students to understand and apply key components of
computational thinking while exploring and finding digitally-supported solutions. This may
include enabling students to engage in representation of abstract models, debugging, decomposing
problems in small parts.

I reflect on my teaching and (re)design What is important now is for you to empower your students to overcome challenges creatively
teaching and learning activities to enable using digital technologies. The next step will be to engage your students in exploring and finding
the co-creation of problem solving processes innovative and creative solutions to real world challenges within and beyond your school.
with my students and finding solutions which
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage your students in exploring and finding innovative and creative
involve digital technologies (e.g. representation
solutions to real world challenges. This could include engaging them in social, environmental or
of abstract models, debugging, decomposing
technological challenges.
problems in small parts).

Exploring and finding innovative and creative solutions to real world challenges within and beyond
My students and I contribute to exploring and our school is a universally required skill. Reflect on your practices and seek to continuously innovate
developing innovative and creative solutions them. The goal is to empower students to experience themselves as being capable of achieving the
to real world challenges within and beyond our unthinkable.
school (e.g. social, environmental, technological
challenges). [Suggestions for future actions]: Innovate your practices by keeping up to date with the latest
trends on digitally supported solutions for real world problems.
Using digital technologies in your professional practice can offer new opportunities and enhance
your work. A first step to develop your digital competence is awareness. You can initiate discussions
I am not aware of this competence.
with your colleagues or other people that have some expertise on this competence and search for
more information about it and what it means to you as a teacher.

84 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


5. Conclusions
The aim of this study was to design and develop a valid and reliable tool based on SELFIEforTEACHERS supports teachers to learn more about what it means to be a
the DigCompEdu framework to support primary and secondary teachers self-assess digitally competent educator and to identify their own individual strengths and gaps.
their digital competence through a self-reflection process. It also aims to support them to design their professional learning paths to further
develop their digital competence by providing them with personalised feedback
The pilot study confirmed the scientific soundness of the tool as a valid and reliable
and suggestions on how to level up. The feature allowing teachers to share their
tool for primary and secondary teachers to self-assess their digital competence.
anonymised data within a group can help in planning professional development for
Factor analysis confirmed a good fit for the suggested six-factor model of teachers’ a group, based on their specific needs.
digital competence. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) did not suggest any changes
The tool design and development process, including iterative consultations with
to the dimensionality (factor structure) of this construct. Analysis confirmed that
experts and member states education representatives, increased inclusiveness
all items have good - or at least satisfactory - factor loadings, and that there is no
and collective work. The co-construction process created a sense of ownership as
evidence to support an argument for removing, adding or replacing items for any
a number of countries have already announced the use of the tool in their digital
factor. We ran CFA with two different models. Comparison of model fit between the
education strategies.
original six-factor model and alternative one-factor, two-factor and seven-factor
models showed the best fit for the original six-factor model. Correlation analysis did The tool can be adopted by education stakeholders while at the same time it allows
not reveal significant overlap between any two items in the self-reflection tool. None flexibility to be adapted and updated to meet needs in institutional and contextual
of the item pairs correlated so highly with each other as to suggest removal of one. requirements in different countries (e.g. in countries outside the European context)
and to different education sectors (e.g. Early childhood education and care). Moreover,
Analysis of quantitative feedback confirmed that a big majority of participants were
it can provide a starting point for regional education authorities to adapt or modify
satisfied with the self-reflection experience, the user-experience of the online tool,
the tool according to specific needs, as for example hosting the tool content on their
the items, the help texts and the feedback reports.
own platform to connect it to other tools providing resources for each competence
Analysis of qualitative feedback showed that teachers from primary and secondary area in the feedback report.
schools found the tool relevant to their job and professional development and
In addition, from a policy perspective, the tool allows education authorities to
expressed their satisfaction with the clarity of the help text and the usability of the
use anonymised aggregated data to support teachers’ professional development.
tool. In some cases, they found the tool too long and reported difficulties with the
Moreover, it provides a professional development context for teachers, which can
clarity of items and dissatisfaction with usability.
be further enriched by training programmes, tools, resources and other measures
introduced by education stakeholders.

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85
The aggregated data collected by the use of the tool results from individual teachers’
self-reflection. The tool aims to help each individual teacher see where they stand
in relation to their digital competence and the feedback report is personal to them.
As such, it is expected that teachers respond honestly to the self-reflection items
to obtain useful results to help them develop further. Thus, the aggregated data
resulting from this process remains subjective, entailing risks in how it is interpreted
and used by others. Thus, the aggregated data from the tool must be used taking
into consideration that it is self-reflection data (as distinguished from survey or
test data), meaning that it can be used as an indication to support planning (e.g.
professional development, resources) but should be considered along with other
data.

SELFIEforTEACHERS supports teachers in their professional learning to further


develop their digital competence and provides a tool for personal, institutional and
system-level action. It aims to contribute to the digital transformation of education
so as students can reach their greatest learning potential in digitally-enhanced
learning environments.

Future steps include exploring the various SELFIEforTEACHERS ‘use cases’ and
implementations in different contexts. A qualitative approach analysing a number
of case studies could provide scientific measurement of the tool in use, while a
quantitative approach such as a randomised control trial could provide scientific
measurement of the tool’s possible impact on the development of teachers’ digital
competence.

86 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


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88 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


List of abbreviations
CEFR Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
CFA Confirmatory Factor Analysis
DEAP Digital Education Action Plan
DELTA WG DG EAC Education and Training Working Group on Digital
Education: Learning, Teaching and Assessment
DG EAC Directorate General for Education and Culture
DigComp European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens
DigCompEdu European Framework for the Digital Competence of
Educators
DigCompOrg European Framework for Digitally Competent Educational
Organisations
EC European Commission
ET 2020 Education and Training 2020
EU European Union
ICT Information and Communication Technologies
IRT Item Response Theory
JRC Joint Research Centre
SELFIE Self-reflection tool for schools’ digital capacity
SELFIEforTEACHERS Self-refection tool for teachers’ digital
competence
SELFIE WBL Self-reflection tool forWork Based Learning

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89
List of figures List of tables
Figure 1. SELFIEforTEACHERS scope.................................................................................................7 Table 1. SELFIEforTEACHERS overview.............................................................................................9

Figure 2. SELFIEforTEACHERS areas and items.........................................................................8 Table 2. SELFIEforTEACHERS first proposal for new items
in relation to DigCompEdu competence areas............................................................................20
Figure 3. SELFIEforTEACHERS proficiency levels.......................................................................11
Table 3. Set of action-verbs used in describing the
Figure 4. SELFIEforTEACHERS personal results (an example)...........................................11 proficiency level statements................................................................................................................22
Figure 5. SELFIEforTEACHERS personalised feedback Table 4. SELFIEforTEACHERS items in relation to DigCompEdu
with suggestions on how to level up (an example)..................................................................12 competence areas and competences..............................................................................................23
Figure 6. SELFIEforTEACHERS professional learning process.............................................13 Table 5. Distribution of respondents by gender and country..............................................24
Figure 7. Overview of the SELFIEforTEACHERS design and Table 6. Distribution of participants in the follow-up
development methodology...................................................................................................................15 qualitative study by country.................................................................................................................24
Figure 8. The European Framework for the Digital Competence Table 7. Distribution of respondents by gender and country..............................................25
of Educators (DigCompEdu).................................................................................................................16
Table 8. Distribution of participants in the follow-up
Figure 9. European Framework for the Digital Competence qualitative study by country.................................................................................................................25
of Educators (DigCompEdu), Progression Model........................................................................16

Figure 10. SELFIEforTEACHERS design and development path........................................17

Figure 11. Defining the items............................................................................................................19

Figure 12. SELFIEforTEACHERS structure of proficiency


statements (an example).......................................................................................................................21

90 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


Annexes

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91
Annex 1. SELFIEforTEACHERS scoring scheme
SELFIEforTEACHERS follows the DigCompEdu progression model, with six proficiency levels. Based on this model, each self-reflection item provides six proficiency statements and
a seventh option ‘I am not aware of this competence’. Teachers receive their results based on a score for each one of the items, ranging from 0 to 6 points.

Each response statement gets a score in increments of 1 point as follows:


‣ Option 1: 1 point
‣ Option 2: 2 points
‣ Option 3: 3 points
‣ Option 4: 4 points
‣ Option 5: 5 points
‣ Option 6: 6 points
‣ Option 7 (not aware of): 0 points

Results are grouped in the 6 proficiency levels for teachers’ competence as follows:
‣ A1: up to 32/192 points, up to 17%
‣ A2: 33-64/192 points, 18-33%
‣ B1: 65-96/192 points, 34-50%
‣ B2: 97-128/192 points, 51-67%
‣ C1: 129-160/192 points, 68-83%
‣ C2: 161-192/192 points, 84-100%

92 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


Annex 2. Results and feedback report
(a demo example)
Individual results

Overall results

SELFIEforTEACHERS

Request a PDF version of your report

Teacher's name: Anastasia Economou

Education sector: School Education (Primary and Secondary)

Group: not applicable

Self-reflection started: 03/03/2022

Self-reflection completed: 12/03/2022

Dear colleague,

Thank you for using SELFIEforTEACHERS!

This report gives you the results of your self-reflection with feedback and suggestions to
further develop your digital competence. Based on this feedback you can plan your learning
pathways towards the use of digital technologies in your professional practice. We wish you a
constructive journey!

Individual results 1 / 28 SELFIEforTEACHERS Self-Reflection Report Results by area 2 / 28 SELFIEforTEACHERS Self-Reflection Report

SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


93
Results by area Results by item

Results by item 3 / 28 SELFIEforTEACHERS Self-Reflection Report Feedback per item 4 / 28 SELFIEforTEACHERS Self-Reflection Report

94 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


Feedback per item 1.2 Online learning environments. Managing online learning environments taking data management and ethics
into account.

Area 1 – Professional Engagement Your response: I administer online learning environments in line with ethical considerations
and data management strategy (e.g. administration features, managing content and student
data).

You should now be able to administer online learning environments in line with ethical
considerations and data management strategy in compliance with the main principles of the
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You might want to consult other colleagues and
follow existing practices or even consult the Data Protection Officer in your organisation. Start

1.1 Organisational communication. Using digital technologies to enhance communication with colleagues and/or analysing the specificities of your own professional context and any particular implications that

learners and/or parents. you might need to consider. For example, some online tools and environments have age
restrictions while some others might require the user to accept sharing contact details with third
parties. This process will ensure that you choose an online learning environment that best
Your response: I analyse and select digital technologies based on their features and
responds to the ethical considerations and data management strategy of your working context.
suitability for my organisational communication needs (e.g. effective, efficient and personal
communication).
[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse the features of online environments and tools in
reference to your ethical considerations and data management strategy (e.g. security,
users and data management, access policy, hosting of data).

Being able to analyse digital technologies based on their affordances and limitations facilitate
the selection of the most appropriate communication tools for the communication goals and 1.3 Professional collaboration. Using digital technologies to engage in collaboration and interactions with

needs. You may also want to work with colleagues and support them on developing common colleagues and/or other education stakeholders.

digital communication practices to use for the whole school and its wider community.
Your response: I use various digital technologies to collaborate and interact with colleagues

[Suggestions to level up]: Think about the communication needs and skills of your and/or other stakeholders, according to collaboration needs (e.g. sharing content, practices, and

colleagues and provide support and advice to reach effective, efficient, safe, /or ideas).

responsible, inclusive communication at school level and beyond.

Reaching the point where you use various digital technologies to collaborate and interact with
colleagues in your school and beyond will allow you to enrich your teaching practices with new
ideas and a collective approach for professional development. Reflect on how the digital
collaborative tools you are using are facilitating and supporting your collaborations. Reflect on
how you can best benefit from these interactions. Are you learning from your peers and are you
bringing in your expertise so that they can learn from you?

[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse and select digital technologies for effective
collaboration and interaction based on their affordances and limitations (e.g. use online
collaborative spaces to engage with peers in the joint production of teaching resources that each
of you can refine for their purposes and thus learn from each other, or implement a joint project
where your students interact with students from different contexts).

5 / 28 SELFIEforTEACHERS Self-Reflection Report 6 / 28 SELFIEforTEACHERS Self-Reflection Report

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1.4 Digital technologies and school level infrastructure. Using digital technologies (devices, platforms and 1.6 Digital life. Contributing positively and ethically in the digital world, considering safe and responsible digital
software) and infrastructure (internet access, local network) available in my school to enhance education. practices.

Your response: I analyse and select digital technologies available in my school based on Your response: I use mitigating measures to maintain a positive digital profile (e.g.
their features and suitability to enhance my professional practice (e.g. online learning understanding the provided terms of use, tracing my digital footprint, managing my privacy
environments, immersive technologies). settings).

Being able to analyse and select the most appropriate digital tools based on their affordances To maintain a positive digital profile, it is important that you analyse the risks and use
and suitability, can support and enhance your professional practice. It can facilitate your ideas mitigating measures to manage them. Sometimes, it is not easy to understand the policies
on how to incorporate digital technologies in your teaching practice for the benefit of your underpinning data management as more and more artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are
students’ learning. Digital tools can also enhance the building of a community of practice in your supporting automated routines and you need to consult with other users when in doubt of a
school for sharing good practices and resources. You can share your experience and competence particular tool or network. It is a good practice to follow your digital footprint often and try to
with your colleagues to support their own needs as well as to benefit from their ideas and eliminate information that you think does not represent you. Note though that sometimes this
pedagogical approaches. process is not as obvious. Thus, try to reflect on your digital activity in regard to the traces that
you are leaving behind and redefine your digital behaviour.
[Suggestions to level up]: Support and provide advice to colleagues to use available digital
technologies for their professional practice (e.g. give presentations, organise workshops on how [Suggestions to level up]: Analyse and assess your digital footprint to redefine your
to use a particular digital tool). digital behaviour (e.g. tracing your digital footprint, managing your privacy settings, blocking
suspicious content and people).
1.5 Reflective practice. Reflecting on my own and collective professional practice with the use of digital
technologies. 1.7 Professional learning (through digital technologies). Using digital technologies for one's own professional
learning.
Your response: I use various reflection methods in order to improve and update my
professional digital practice (e.g. co-teaching, video recording of lessons, peer-debriefing Your response: I analyse and select online learning resources and activities that best suit
sessions). my learning needs (e.g. webinars, online interactive courses, online learning communities).

Sharing reflections with colleagues and receiving their feedback is important to understand how
you can improve your professional practice. Using various reflection methods and taking Analysing and selecting online professional learning opportunities can enrich your professional
advantage of digital technologies to share feedback can enhance further your reflective development. This knowledge will help you to identify quickly and effectively a suitable online
learning. Technology is changing all the time so make sure to keep updated on new tools or training opportunity, whenever you have a concrete training need. If you keep up this consistent
improvements to ones you are already using. Make sure that you use the insights gained to the focus on ongoing self-led professional development, you can make sure to continuously advance
benefit of your students and their learning. Also share your expertise with colleagues and your teaching skills and enhance the quality of education you provide to your students. Use this
discuss with them how to jointly improve learning across your school. competence to support and provide advice to colleagues in your school and beyond.

[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse and select digital technologies which can allow you to [Suggestions to level up]: Engage in learning communities and exchange ideas and
gather feedback from your colleagues. Use their feedback and suggestions in your experiences with other colleagues. Recommend digital tools and resources that you
teaching practice accordingly (e.g. analysing peers’ feedback, using mind mapping tools and consider of value to support your and their professional learning (e.g. online learning
other tools that support annotations, audio commentaries, e-journals). communities, specific MOOCs, online repositories).

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1.8 Professional learning (about digital technologies). Engaging in professional learning activities for the Area 2 – Digital Resources
development of teachers’ digital competence.

Your response: I provide learning activities about using digital technologies and support
colleagues on the development of their digital competence (e.g. workshops, informal sessions
with colleagues, microteaching on the use of digital technologies).

At this stage, you can offer learning activities and provide support to other colleagues on the
use of digital technologies in teaching and learning. By doing so, you extend your own learning
2.1 Searching and selecting. Using searching and selection criteria to identify digital resources for teaching and
on the matter, while at the same time facilitate the engagement of your colleagues in
learning.
continuous professional development on digitally-supported practices. You can now support your
school to become aware of the potential of using digital technologies for students’ learning by
Your response: I analyse and select digital resources based on criteria that meet specific
initiating a comprehensive training programme based on the school teacher needs identified.
teaching and learning aims (e.g. pedagogical value, relevance, reliability, validity, quality,
This can create a culture in the school community of innovative teaching and learning supported
licensing).
by digital technologies.

[Suggestions to level up]: Drive innovation and change across your school by contributing
to the design of a professional learning programme on digitally enhanced teaching
Adopting criteria which reflect quality and pedagogical values for selecting and analysing digital
and learning (e.g. project-based learning with the use of digital technologies, digitally-
resources is an important aspect of accessing digital contents that meet specific teaching and
enhanced learning design, exchange of good practices).
learning aims. There is a huge amount of information and digital resources available and it is
not easy to be able to find the ones that best suit your teaching needs. Start bookmarking sites
1.9 Computational thinking. Engaging with computational thinking concepts and processes as part of teacher
and portals that meet your criteria so that you can visit them again when looking for similar
digital competence.
resources.

Your response: I use various digital tools to explore solutions to a problem following [Suggestions to level up]: Reflect on your search outcomes and readjust your selection
computational thinking processes (e.g. visual programming tools, authoring tools and editors). criteria. Consider key factors that help determine which results are returned for your query,
understanding how outputs are produced and the impact of web-based tools (e.g. search
algorithms) in influencing search outcomes.

When using various digital tools to explore solutions to a problem, such as a simple authoring
tool or programming language, facilitates at the same time an understanding of the tools and
languages and how digital systems work. Start analysing what underpins the response to a click
of your mouse or the specific results of a web search.

[Suggestions to level up]: Analyse technological responses based on used algorithms (e.g.
rank of search results, advertisements, robots’ responses).

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2.2 Creating. Creating digital resources that support and enhance teaching and learning aims. 2.4 Managing, protecting. Organising digital content, enabling easy and secure access for students, parents and
teachers, while protecting sensitive and personal data.
Your response: I use various digital tools according to their features to create digital
resources to meet learners’ needs (e.g. interactive text, multimedia presentations, quizzes, Your response: I use various techniques and tools to store, organise and facilitate access to
games, online activities and lessons). digital content (e.g. tree structures, use of metadata/tags).

Developing a range of options that use various, appropriate technologies for content creation is
important to develop quality materials that meet learning requirements and students’ needs. Using technology purposefully to organise, store and retrieve digital content is essential to
This includes, for example, identifying students’ needs and preferences, providing appropriate facilitate access to your digital content, adding context through tags and metadata so that you
educational stimulus and feedback, using an appropriate mix of media for the learning objective and others can understand it in the short, medium, and long-term. Consider collecting student’s
(for example graphics, animation, photographs, video, sound) to engage the learner with the personal data and content you actually need for specified purposes and to delete any data that
educational purposes. is not necessary for educational purpose.

[Suggestions to level up]: Apply design principles and processes for creating digital [Suggestions to level up]: Define and apply protection and security measures for the
resources that meet teaching and learning aims. Consider asking colleagues for storage, management and access of digital content. This includes, for example, protecting
recommendations to identify and apply the best tools and practices for your purposes, when your devices with strong passwords, assigning access limitation rights according to targeted
creating digital resources for your teaching needs. Try always to reflect on the use of your users, having regular backups, selecting storage and online services based on their data policy,
digital products and readjust them as necessary. terms of use, safety and security. Consider also protecting students’ personal data such as
exams, grades and reports, systematically and effectively, in line with GDPR regulation.
2.3 Modifying. Modifying existing digital resources to support and enhance teaching and learning aims,
respecting copyright and licencing rules.

Your response: I use various digital tools based on their features to modify and repurpose
digital resources to meet educational needs (e.g. customise content of an online lesson, exploit
features of a virtual environment, use eBook editors).

Using various technologies systematically to modify and repurpose digital resources allows you
to build from a base of high-quality digital resource and customise resources to increase their
relevance, tailor to individual learning levels, and offer greater choice for students. Knowing
when you can use a work without obtaining permission or paying a licence fee, or whether a
relevant licensing scheme applies is essential. This include contents under Creative Common
Licences, contents free of copyright, editable resources and the implications for their re-use.

[Suggestions to level up]: Work to select digital resources to modify and adapt so as to
meet teaching and learning aims by considering their copyright and distribution
licences. Consider any modifications you may need to make to the content to ensure it is
appropriate for the learning outcomes you defined, assessment approaches as well as your
teaching style. For example, you may wish to add, delete, re-order or re-mix the existing content.

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2.5 Sharing. Sharing digital content with respect to intellectual property and copyright rules. Area 3 – Teaching and learning

Your response: I select and apply copyright licences when sharing digital resources I create,
supporting open educational resources (e.g. Creative Common licence).

Selecting and applying copyright licences when sharing digital resources that you create, make it
easier for others to re-use tools, data, or other content that you create. Experiment with
different formats of Creative Commons (CC) licence. This can include, for example, a ‘By-
3.1 Teaching. Designing, developing and support learning with the use of digital technologies to enhance learning
Attribution, Non-Commercial’ Creative Commons license that means anyone can use your digital
outcomes.
content in any way they like, so long as they attribute it to you and don’t use it for commercial
purposes. Consider sharing digital resources you create or collect under licences that do not
Your response: I select and use digital technologies in my learning designs, so as to meet
prohibit their distribution and use, while aligning them with the curriculum and teaching and
teaching and learning aims (e.g. simulations, digital games, online interactive tools,
learning needs. Such an effort, can facilitate easy and equal access to resources for students
collaborative environments).
and colleagues, as well as a collection for resources that better meets the needs of your school.

[Suggestions to level up]: Design and develop a comprehensive strategy for sharing
digital resources, content curation and reusability of resources to facilitate easy and
Developing learning designs which reflect the methodical selection and employment of digital
equal access for students and colleagues. The strategy can include, for example, ways to
technologies, based on their affordances, so as to meet teaching and learning aims, is an
select and organise digital content by grouping the resources in helpful ways, adding value by
important aspect of building a digital pedagogy. Reflect on how your teaching practices and your
providing annotations to help your students' understanding, giving context to the information.
students' learning activities can be enhanced by including simulations, digital games, online
interactive tools, and activity in collaborative environments.

[Suggestions to level up]: Readjust your teaching and learning design in order to foster
students’ involvement in reflecting and adjusting the use of digital technologies to
enhance your teaching practices and their learning approaches. Consider building
technology into activities involving students as coaches, the use of emerging technologies,
modelling and advice, lesson-study.

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3.2 Guidance. Using digital technologies in order to provide feedback and opportunities for reflection, leading to 3.4 Self-regulated learning. Using digital technologies to enhance students' self-regulated learning processes,
readjustment of teaching and learning practices for both teeachers and learners. fostering active and autonomous learning making students more responsible for their own learning, thereby
shifting the focus from teaching to learning.
Your response: I have tried using digital technologies to provide feedback and support to
students (e.g. , online tutorials, chat, automated/immediate feedback, links to online Q&A). Your response: Together with my students, I reflect on and support them to (re)design
their learning, through and on using digital technologies, promoting their self-regulated
learning and learner autonomy (e.g. identify their needs, set their learning goals, describe their
strategy for achieving these goals, implement their learning tasks, gather evidence of their
learning, reflect on it and share their learning outcomes).
Exploring digital technologies to provide guidance and support to students will help you find
ways that work for you and your students, so that they become aware of the value of you Consider how you can – together with your students – reflect on and redesign their learning in
reviewing their work and provide help when needed. This can include the use of technologies ways that encourage more active, creative and autonomous activities on their part in order to
that offer automated or immediate feedback to their work, links to online Q&A, online tutorials, promote their self-regulated learning and learner autonomy; and how digital technologies can
chat. Try to be flexible and adapt your choice of feedback and guidance channels channel to support this. Digital technology can be useful in helping them see the focus that further learning
your students’ requirements. activity can take on the basis of feedback generated, along with encouraging ownership of the
learning process.
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to provide students with feedback and opportunities for
reflection on their learning, in real-time and/or asynchronously. A non-intrusive presence [Suggestions to level up]: Consider how you might initiate and promote strategies and
will allow you to learn about your students and their individual challenges and problems and to practices within your school and its wider community that support colleagues and
tailor guidance and feedback accordingly. students in their use of digital technologies to enhance self-regulated learning
processes and foster active and autonomous learning . Focus on and lead the
3.3 Collaborative Learning. Using digital technologies to foster and enhance learner collaboration for individual opportunities, that hands-on activities in makerspaces (or other learning spaces incorporating
and collective learning digital technologies), and that innovative activity such as student-led workshops, can provide.

Your response: I select and use digital technologies in my learning designs based on their
features, to enhance and support my students' collaborative learning, in faceto-face and/or
online settings (e.g. co-design, co-creation, peer assessment and group reflection, project
building, sharing).

Consider what particular technologies make possible in terms of teaching and learning before
building them into teaching and learning activity. Let the pedagogy lead rather than the
technology.

[Suggestions to level up]: Engage with the possibilities of allowing your students to
reflect on and adjust their use of digital technologies for personal and/or
collaborative learning. Consider allowing them to take more of a lead in editing and
developing content, co-creating project artefact, structuring and participating in collaborative
projects, taking part in virtual exchanges, using digital tools for task and time management,
communication and sharing with team activities.

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3.5 Emerging technologies. Using emerging technologies in ethical ways to explore novel learning experiences Area 4 – Assessment
and content.

Your response: I use various emerging technologies to provide my students with novel
learning experiences and new kinds of learning, fostering the development of transversal
skills (learning experiences involving e.g. simulating/modelling, gaming, computational thinking
, creative and innovative thinking, data-driven decision making).

Developing approaches to using emerging technologies that centre on engaging your students in
novel learning opportunities, while always asking them to consider any relevant ethical
4.1 Assessment strategies. Using digital technologies to support formative and summative assessment of
implications. This provides important opportunities to build trust and developmental learning
learning.
involving emerging technologies.

Your response: I select digital technologies to support specific aspects in assessment “of”,
[Suggestions to level up]: Work to select and employ the use within your teaching of
“for” and “as” learning and capture best the nature of the learning outcome to be assessed (e.
emerging technologies to support the activities specified in your learning designs. This
g. self-reflection rubrics, assignments that offer timely feedback to students, shared
can include providing opportunities for your students to engage in learning activities that make
documents that support peer reviewing/feedback).
use of virtual and augmented reality, that examine the possibilities of humanoid robots, and
that engage with the positives as well as the potential downsides of artificial intelligence (AI).
This type of usage offers a powerful way to engage students in novel learning opportunities that
Using various digital technologies to support specific aspects in your assessment “of”, “for” and
make good use of such technologies and provide meaningful teaching and learning experiences.
“as” learning regarding your students’ activities and that capture well the nature of the learning
outcome to be assessed, is a characteristic of expert usage.

[Suggestions to level up]: Work with your students to select and employ digitally
supported assessment activities that provide feedback on their progress and provide
opportunities for deep learning. To increase the variety and adequacy of feedback,
experiment with different formats of assessment and modes of feedback. This can include
encouraging them to contribute ideas on assessment criteria and modality, the co-creation of
rubrics, contributing to the design the format of self and peer assessment, and exploiting
various formative or summative assessment tools.

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4.2 Analysing evidence. Using digital technologies to collect and analyse evidence on students´ learning Area 5 – Empowering learners
processes and outcomes.

Your response: I reflect on and involve my students in capturing and analysing their
learning data, which can be used to plan their future learning (e.g. reflective learning logs,
personal goal setting software).

Working with your students to select and use assessment technologies to capture and present
analyses of their learning data, allows you to identify a sound base on which to plan their future
5.1 Accessibility and inclusion. Ensuring access to digital resources and learning activities for all students, taking
learning.
into consideration any contextual, physical or cognitive constraints to their use.

[Suggestions to level up]: Engage in strategies and practices within your school and its
Your response: I select and employ digital technologies in my learning design, to develop
wider community on the use of learners’ data, addressing the value for learning and
inclusive learning activities and accessible resources according to my students’ needs and
the validity of different data sources, in order to support evidence-based decisions
capabilities (e.g. integrating different tools, using accessible layout, structure and language).
for targeted interventions. This can better inform pedagogical decisions, administrative
decisions such as students' attendance, and the interpretation of data on students' learning such
as grades.

What is important is to be able to design activities for students according to their abilities. With
4.3 Feedback and planning. Using digital technologies to provide feedback to learners, facilitating planning of
this in mind you could define beforehand the characteristics of each one of the available tools,
further action.
apps, platforms etc. and use those that better combine students’ abilities with digital Affordances
. Moreover, consider to what extent the solutions employed provide the desired outcomes.
Your response: I reflect on and involve my students in using digital technologies for Discuss further solutions with your students and explore how you can combine their Affordances
collection and analysis of feedback for planning further action (e.g. shared documents, blogs, to allow diversity without leaving anyone behind.
mind mapping tools, reflective learning logs, learning journals, e-portfolios).

[Suggestions to level up]: Combine solutions and expand digital strategies that support
inclusiveness. Engage and support colleagues and parents to develop inclusive
practices (e.g. encourage the participation of all students, engage parents to respond to student
Working with your students to gain value from reflection on feedback and then redesigning diversity).
teaching and learning opportunities is a good way to use digital technologies to position
feedback as a central element in the planning of further learning action.

[Suggestions to level up]: Engage in strategies and practices within your school that
support colleagues and students in the use of digital technologies that facilitate
giving, receiving and analysing feedback, to support planning for further action.
Consider the benefits of developing feedback practices and conventions at the whole-school
level that involve technologies which promote reflection on and for learning such as e-portfolios,
context dependent feedback – whether teacher-led or automated – and the use of personalised
learning dashboards by students.

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5.2 Differentiation and personalisation. Using digital technologies to address diverse learning needs and 5.4 Blended learning. Using digital resources and tools, online learning environments and platforms to ensure
capabilities, by allowing learners to advance at different levels and speeds, and follow individual learning students' learning within and beyond the classroom.
pathways and objectives.
Your response: I reflect on and redesign teaching and learning for distance and blended
Your response: I select and employ digital technologies in my learning designs based on learning contexts to ensure my students’ active involvement in the learning process within and
their features, to develop personalised learning environments (e.g. peer teaching, dynamically beyond the classroom (e.g. online learning, hybrid learning, virtual labs, online collaborative
tracking and managing the learning needs of all students). tools, synchronous and asynchronous activities, individual and team work).

With the design of an online environment you can implement learning activities in a blended
You can design and develop different learning activities that address different students’ needs. learning approach, both in and away from the classroom. Reflect on whether the available
You value your students’ experiences and relate your teaching to their different learning styles (e. solutions for blended learning assist you to make the most of this approach and expand their
g. by illustrating concepts with examples and metaphors that are meaningful to them).You can potential by designing and implementing meaningful learning environments. The next step for
now consider students' experiences and link them with curricular content to make learning more blended learning would be to apply the solutions available according to the individual and
relevant to them. Try to facilitate students’ involvement in identifying their own weaknesses and differentiated profile of your students.
strengths, guiding them to adapt learning activities to their individual needs. The ultimate aim is
to facilitate each student to reach his/her full potential. [Suggestions to level up]: Initiate the development of a blended learning approach across
the whole school. Empower teachers’ collaboration and decision-making for the optimum use
[Suggestions to level up]: Address students' experiences and interests and support them of online learning.
to design their own learning path.

5.3 Actively engaging learners. Using digital technologies to foster learners’ active and creative engagement in
their learning.

Your response: I (re)design learning activities based on students’ feedback, co-creating new
ways for them to interact and actively engage with digital technologies (e.g. involving learners
in hands-on activities, experiential learning, online discussions, peer coaching and teaching,
constructing their learning and creating artefacts, e-portfolios).

It is important that you support students’ learning processes and you involve them in activities
that expand their full potential. In order to keep improving your strategies, you can continuously
reflect on the suitability of your strategies, the balance between student autonomy and
guidance and the mechanisms you implement to allow them to follow their own learning
rhythm. Moreover, consider how you can help all students to develop their strengths and work on
their weaknesses, for example how they can learn from each other and from their mistakes and
how their collaborative effort can be turned into a joint product.

[Suggestions to level up]: Create an online collaborative space for you and your
colleagues, where students can get involved in experiential learning activities, such as
coaching their peers, teachers and parents in digitally enhanced activities. You could start for
example a makerspace in your school where students can design and create learning activities
with the use of robotics or AI programmes.

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Area 6 – Facilitating learners’ digital competence 6.2 Communication and collaboration. Implementing learning activities that require learners to communicate and
collaborate using digital technologies.

Your response: I reflect on the suitability of my teaching practices in view of fostering


students’ digital communication and collaboration, and readjust them accordingly (e.g.
exchange good practices with other colleagues, discuss with students communication and
collaboration needs, exploring new digital tools).

What is important for you now is to empower your students to autonomously apply and develop
their communication and collaboration skills. Engage them in networks with other schools and
6.1 Information and data literacy. Incorporating learning activities, which require learners to use digital
educational stakeholders, nationally and internationally. They must be able to state their point
technologies to search, evaluate and manage information and data in digital environments
clearly, have an opinion and argue for it, while being able to communicate in a professional
manner, be polite and respectful, towards others and their opinions.
Your response: I design learning to support students to critically search, evaluate and
manage information and data (e.g. analysing the choice of the information medium, the
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage your students in networks with other schools and
source, purpose, transparency of algorithms used to decide what kind of information and data
educational stakeholders, nationally and internationally. This could include the
is returned).
participation in or co-creation of educational initiatives in which, through practice, your students
realise that oral and written communication follow different rules, even if these rulesets tend to
converge in the era of social media.
Developing learning designs which support students to critically search, evaluate and manage
information and data through context analysis helps them understand how information and data
6.3 Content creation. Incorporating learning activities that require learners to express themselves by creating
is generated and can be distorted or manipulated. This could be reinforced by discussing with
digital artefacts.
your students how to draw valid conclusions based on contradicting sources.

Your response: I reflect on and (re)design learning activities for fostering students’ digital
[Suggestions to level up]: Engage your students in project-based initiatives requiring
expression and content (re)creation, while encouraging sharing practices (e.g. digital stories, e-
searching, evaluating and managing information and data critically. This could include
portfolios).
editing a school newsletter or newspaper, organising information and data access using
taxonomies and categories.

Reflecting on and redesigning learning activities for fostering students’ digital expression and
content (re)creation, may enable you to expand students’ digital expression and creation beyond
the classroom. Engage your students in initiatives within the school and its wider community for
designing, developing and publishing their digital creations, while sharing them in creative ways.

[Suggestions to level up]: Expand students’ digital expression and creation beyond the
classroom. This may include challenging students to create and share audio or video
broadcasts or to promote a makerspace that can be used by different school/community
members.

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6.4 Safety and wellbeing. Empowering learners to use digital technologies safely, while mitigating risks to 6.6 Problem solving. Incorporating learning activities, where learners use digital technologies to understand and
ensure physical, psychological and social well-being. solve problems.

Your response: I reflect on and (re)design learning activities based on continuous Your response: I implement various learning activities that allow students to apply problem
developments on online risks and threats, so as to enable students to follow and adopt solving processes supported by digital technologies (e.g. finding and organizing information,
positive practices towards their and their peers’ physical, psychological and social well-being analysing, inferring, predicting outcomes, making analogies and formulating ideas).
(e.g. how companies collect and use data about individuals, how social media affect emotional
and social relationships).

What is important now is for you to empower your students to assume a positive attitude Implementing various learning activities that require students to solve problems, by applying
towards digital technologies, being aware of risks and limits, but also being confident that they problem solving processes using digital technologies is a way of encouraging students to
can manage these in order to reap the benefits. Encourage your students to engage in online overcome challenges and, in many cases, by designing a solution that they can experience as
safety and digital well-being initiatives within the school and school community. innovative. The next step for you would be to actively trigger such situations. Think about how
you can embed a challenge into your subject teaching. Watch out for situations where students
[Suggestions to level up]: Contribute to creating a culture of online safety and digital voice that there is something impossible to be known or asserted, or something too difficult to
well-being in your school and school community. This could include organising debates or achieve - something desirable that they believe goes beyond their capacities or possibilities.
workshops, in which the negative and positive uses of digital technologies are openly discussed Convert it into a challenge to be overcome - collectively by all students, or by a small group of
and ways of avoiding risks and threats to the physical, psychological and social well-being are students, or by individual students. Ask them to identify how this desirable goal could be
promoted. obtained and design a plan to reach it, thinking about how technology can assist in the process.
You will see that there are many opportunities for integrating digital problem-solving into your

6.5 Responsible use. Empowering learners to use digital technologies responsibly and ethically, managing their teaching and will increasingly know where to offer this approach and to which [student] groups.

digital identity digital footprint and digital reputation This way you can ensure that all students are offered opportunities for developing their digital
problem-solving skills in your lessons.

Your response: I reflect on and (re)design my learning activities to allow students to


consider the ethics and potential impact of their digital behaviours in authentic situations (e.g. [Suggestions to level up]: Develop learning designs which engage students in seeking out

considering how something they post online might be hurtful, respectfully sharing a difference different, innovative and creative technological solutions. This could include letting

of opinion in a comment, online activism). students generate/test new ideas and solutions or simulations, modelling).

What is important now is for you to empower your students to protect their digital identity and
manage their digital footprint. Encourage them to explore the responsible and ethical use of
digital technologies in your school and its wider community.

[Suggestions to level up]: Engage students in initiatives that explore the responsible and
ethical use of digital technologies within the school and its wider community. This
could include preparing workshops or coaching their peers on the responsible use of digital
technologies.

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Proficiency levels explained Leader (C1)

You have a consistent and comprehensive approach to using digital technologies to enhance pedagogic
To better understand your personal competence profile, you should look at your performance by area. It and professional practices. You rely on a broad repertoire of digital strategies from which you know how
should give you a first idea that can help you determine your relative weaknesses and strengths, while to choose the most appropriate for any given situation. You continuously reflect on and further develop
providing you with suggestions and ideas to further develop your digital practices. your practices. Exchanging with peers, you keep updated on new developments and ideas and help other
teachers seize the potential of digital technologies for enhancing teaching and learning. If you are ready
• A1: up to 32/192 points, up to 17% to experiment a bit more, engaging students in expanding the potential of digital technologies at school
• A2: 33-64/192 points, 18-33% level and beyond, you’ll be able to reach an ultimate stage of competence, as a Pioneer.
• B1: 65-96/192 points, 34-50%
• B2: 97-128/192 points, 51-67% Pioneer (C2)
• C1: 129-160/192 points, 68-83%
You critically reflect on the adequacy of contemporary digital and pedagogical practices, in which you are
• C2: 161-192/192 points, 84-100%
a Leader. You are concerned about the constraints or drawbacks of these practices and driven by the
impulse to innovate education even further. You experiment with highly innovative and complex digital
Newcomer (A1)
technologies and/or develop novel pedagogical approaches. You lead innovation in your school and are a
You are aware of how digital technologies can support and enhance your professional practice. The role model for other teachers. You expand your practices beyond the school community and engage
feedback you get from this self-reflection has identified a number of actions you can try. Select one or stakeholders for further developments. Continue to be open to new ideas and keep up with the
two to plan your next learning pathway, focusing on meaningfully enhancing your teaching strategies. As continuous technological and pedagogical advances to enhance your creative and innovative solutions.
you do so, you’ll find yourself moving to the next step of digital competence, the Explorer level.

Explorer (A2)

You have started exploring the potential of digital technologies and are interested in using them in order
to enhance pedagogical and professional practice. You have tried using digital technologies in some
areas and will benefit from more consistent use. You can increase your competence by using digital
technologies in various contexts and for a range of purposes, integrating them into many of your
practices. This will move you to the next step of digital competence, the Integrator level.

Integrator (B1)

You experiment with digital technologies in a variety of contexts and for a range of purposes, integrating
them into your practices. You creatively use them to enhance diverse aspects of your professional
engagement. You are eager to expand your repertoire of practices. You will benefit by increasing your
understanding about which tools work best in which situations and on fitting digital technologies to
pedagogic strategies and methods. Try to give yourself some more time for reflection and adaptation,
complemented by collaborative encouragement and knowledge exchange, to reach the next step, Expert.

Expert (B2)

You use a range of digital technologies confidently, creatively and critically to enhance your professional
activities. You purposefully select digital technologies for particular situations, and try to understand the
benefits and drawbacks of different digital strategies. You are curious and open to new ideas, knowing
that there are many things you have not tried out yet. You use experimentation and reflection as a
means of redesigning, expanding, structuring and consolidating your repertoire of strategies. Share your
expertise with other teachers and continue critically developing your digital strategies to reach the
Leader level.

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Annex 3. SELFIEforTEACHERS Glossary
Term Help text

The engagement of students in their learning process through An international licensing framework that authors can use to
student-centred methods that place a greater degree of define copyrights of their creations, giving explicit permission to
Active learning Creative Common
responsibility on the learner, and with an expectation of others to use their work under certain conditions (e.g. by sharing
Licences
interaction between learners, their peers and the teacher. the work as it is without any change, by always attributing the
author).
The properties that each type of software or hardware has, and
Affordances that therefore prompts users to interact with them in different In a way that produces or uses original, imaginative and unusual
Creatively
way. ideas/processes.
Algorithms A set of instructions designed to perform a specific task. The ability to read, interpret, understand, create and communicate
Data literacy data (e.g. graphs, charts, images, statistics) as information,
Information provided in a manner that is not simultaneous
according to context and purpose.
Asynchronously or concurrent in time, but instead which is left for recipient to
access when they choose to access it. The process of detecting and removing existing and potential
Debugging errors (also called as ‘bugs’) in a software code that can cause it
Software applications that enable users to create digital content,
Authoring tools to behave unexpectedly or crash.
incorporating text, media and interactions.
Instruction that is tailored to the learning preferences of different
The responsibility that students take for their own learning, so
Autonomous learning learners. Learning goals are the same for all students, but the
shifting the focus from teaching to learning. Differentiation
method or approach of instruction varies according to the
Design and facilitating of learning in and beyond the classroom, preferences of each student.
Blended learning
including distance learning, online learning and hybrid learning.
Validated indicators of learning (accomplishment or skill) that
Digital badges
The ability to share information so efficiently that the ideas can be displayed, accessed, and verified online.
Collective learning of individuals can be stored within the collective memory of
communities and can accumulate through generations. A virtual place that provides access to teaching and learning by
Digital environments
bringing together digital technologies and devices.
A problem-solving process that provides a distinct means of
Computational thinking analysing and developing solutions to problems that can be The record or trail left by any activity an individual does online
Digital footprint
solved computationally. (e.g. search history, text messages, photos videos).

The act of finding, organizing, annotating, and sharing the most The identity each individual creates when registering or using
Digital identity
relevant and highest quality digital content on a specific topic, digital environments.
Content curation
carried out by an individual or a team of people for their target Defined by the behaviours and the content you post about
audience. Digital reputation
yourself and others in digital environments.
Legal rules that define the rights of authors and publishers, and Materials that have been conceived and created digitally or by
Copyright Digital resources
the conditions in which the work can be reproduced or distributed. converting analogue materials to a digital format.

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Comprises the following areas: digital devices, digital resources Intellectual property and The legal protections of authors’ ideas and knowledge that
Digital technologies
(=digital files + software + online services), and data. copyright rules protect the creators’ copyright.
Distance and blended Comprises the following areas: digital devices, digital resources The measurement, collection, analysis and reporting of
learning (=digital files + software + online services), and data. Learning analytics data about learners and their contexts, for the purposes of
understanding and optimising learning.
Recent (or yet to be invented) technological developments (e.g.
Artificial Intelligence, Virtual and Augmented and Mixed Reality, The development of learning experiences and environments to
Emerging technologies
wearable technology, Internet of Things) that could be used to Learning design promote the acquisition of specific learning aims for a target
support teachers in their professional practice. group (both the process and the outcome).
Collections of individuals’ work that allows them to share their Allow the usage of copyrighted resources in a specified way and
Licences
learning experience and outcomes, and advance their learning for a limited period of time.
ePortfolios
by providing a way to organise, display and reflect on their
Any generic space that promotes active participation, knowledge
learning journey.
Makerspaces sharing, and collaboration among individuals through open
Considering equity and diversity, surveillance and consent, exploration and creative use of tools and technology.
Ethical considerations
identity and confidentiality.
Software that allows teachers and students to create and share
Collecting, collating and displaying data gathered in a number Mind mapping tools visual representations of ideas and things and how they connect
Evidence and interact to each other.
of different ways.
Information provided to a learner to reduce the gap between Online libraries and
Feedback Online collections of digital resources.
current performance and the desired goal. repositories

Assessment conducted throughout the learning process with a Digital spaces designed to engage students in the learning
Formative assessment Online learning process, thus encompassing online learning resources and
view to enhance student learning.
environments technology, means of teaching and modes of learning.
Is the European Union’s new regulation designed to strengthen
GDPR cyber-security and data protection for everyone, including Organisational The interactions that take place in the school and between the
students and their families. communication school and other outside organisations and communities.

Competitive events in which people work in groups on software Students taking responsibility for evaluating the work of other
Hackathons or hardware projects, with the goal of creating a functioning Peer-assessment students against set assessment criteria and guiding them on
product by the end of the event (e.g. an app, a game). this through feedback.

Highly interactive, visual and engaging technologies that Instruction that is paced to the learning needs, preferences,
Immersive technologies connect the real world with a digital one (e.g. augmented reality) and specific interests of different individual learners/groups
or create an entirely new one (e.g. virtual reality). Personalisation of learners. In an environment that is fully personalised, the
learning objectives and content as well as the method and pace
Addressing and responding to the diversity of needs of all may all vary.
Inclusive education learners by increasing participation in learning and reducing
exclusion from education.

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An online software platform where the learning objectives Stakeholders are individuals, groups, or formal organisations
Personalised learning and content as well as the method and pace can vary Stakeholders that have an interest in and/or responsibility towards improving
environments (so personalisation encompasses differentiation and school education.
individualisation).
Actionable information and encouragement that helps a student
Support
The set of thinking processes or actions involved in the solving to progress.
Problem solving
of a problem.
Various ‘Different’ and a ‘variety of’.
Activities for improving and broadening teachers’ knowledge
and skills and developing the personal qualities required in their Comprises parents, regional authorities, external stakeholders
Professional learning Wider community
professional lives (usually supported by Continuous Professional and in some cases the education industry.
Development Programmes).
Considering and seeking to understand the challenges and
Reflective practice benefits of using digital technologies on teachers’ professional
practice.
Situations in which the student and the teacher (or information
Remote source) are not physically present in a traditional classroom
environment.
The evaluation of oneself or one’s actions, attitudes or
Self-assessment performance against set assessment criteria in order to learn
from this activity and progress.
A process of taking control and evaluating one’s own learning
Self-regulated learning and behaviour (e.g. plan a task, monitor the performance and
then reflect on the outcome).
Assessment carried out at the end of a defined instructional
Summative assessment period (e.g. a project, unit, course, programme, school year),
usually in order to record student learning.
A set of data that, together, can identify a person, such as
Sensitive and
information about their ethnic origin, political opinions, religious
personal data
beliefs, genetic, biometric or health related data.
The sending or receiving of sexually-explicit messages, words,
Sexting images or videos via digital devices (e.g. smartphones, laptops,
tablets).
Learning needs of individuals who require special support and
adaptive pedagogical methods in order to reach their learning
Special learning needs
potential (addressing both gifted students and students with
cognitive impairments or disabilities).

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Annex 4. SELFIEforTEACHERS use cases How to
1. Go to SELFIEforTEACHERS at https://educators-go-digital.jrc.ec.europa.eu and
I am a teacher who wants to use SELFIEforTEACHERS to further log in.
develop my digital competence ‣ start a self-reflection on my own 2. Start your self-reflection as described in Part B, point 3.4.1.1 of this toolkit.
and plan my learning path. 3. Explore your full comprehensive report on your completed self-reflection as
described in point 3.4.2.7.
Who 4. You are ready to proceed on your learning journey.

Any primary and secondary teacher Follow-up


Context You can use SELFIEforTEACHERS on a regular basis to monitor your progress and see
where you stand in relation to other SELFIEforTEACHERS users.
Digital technologies can provide new opportunities for teaching and learning. At the
same time, they involve many challenges. As a teacher, I want to learn more about
what digital competence means for educators and how I can use digital technologies I am a teacher who received an invitation to use SELFIEforTEACHERS
effectively in my professional practice. as part of a group ‣ start a self-reflection as part of a group.
I would like to learn more about my digital competence, identify my gaps and
strengths, using this to plan my professional learning. Who
Action Any primary and secondary teacher

Follow the SELFIEforTEACHERS self-reflection process. By using the tool, you can learn Context
more about educators’ digital competence as described in the European Framework
for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu) and self-assess your digital I have received an invitation (e.g. from a colleague, a teacher or professional group
competence benchmarked against the six competence areas of the framework. You can leader, my school head, a training institution or an education authority in my region)
then design your professional learning path based on your results and the personalised to use SELFIEforTEACHERS as a participant in a group. I want to use the self-
suggestions provided by the tool on how to reach the next proficiency level. You might reflection process to help me further develop my digital competence. Furthermore, I
get the opportunity to work with colleagues and co-design your professional learning want to contribute to identifying the learning needs of the group to support planning
actions together, such as, for example, attending an online course like a MOOC on for professional development programmes, activities and resources.
the area that you need to develop further, becoming a member of a community or
Action
following a guide to use an application. You can then implement your new competence
in your professional practice, such as, for example, in class with your students or in Follow the SELFIEforTEACHERS self-reflection process as part of a group. By using
developing teaching material. You can collect your learning outcomes in an ePortfolio, the tool, you can learn more about educators’ digital competence as described in
ask for feedback and reflect on this. Lastly, you can use the SELFIEforTEACHERS tool a the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu)
few months or a year later and compare your results to see your progress. You can also and self-assess your digital competence benchmarked against the six competence
compare your results with group averages to see where you stand. areas of the framework.

110 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


You will follow the same process when completing your self-reflection, as if you had We are a group of teachers who want to know more about our learning
started the self-reflection on your own. You need to agree to sharing your anonymised needs and plan our professional learning together ‣ create a group
data if you want to contribute to the aggregated data for the group. You can also and invite group participants to start a self-reflection within the group.
participate in discussions on the planning of group’s professional development
activities based on the group’s identified needs. The group creator might also want
to involve group participants in analysing the group’s aggregated data.
Who
You can always design your own professional learning path based on your results
Any SELFIEforTEACHERS user
and the personalised suggestions provided by the tool on how to reach the next
proficiency level. Together with peers, you can co-design your professional learning Context
actions, such as, for example, attending a MOOC on the area that you need to
develop further, becoming a member of a community or following a guide to use We are a group of teachers (such as, for example, maths or language teachers,
an application. You can then implement your new competence in your professional team members of a project, teachers from a region or teachers at a school) who
practice, such as, for example, in class with your students or in developing some want to identify our learning needs and plan our professional learning together. We
teaching material. You can collect your learning outcomes in an ePortfolio, ask for want our group to use a self-reflection process to help us further develop our digital
feedback and reflect on this. Lastly, you can use the SELFIEforTEACHERS tool once competence. Furthermore, we want all of the group participants to contribute to the
again and compare your results to see your progress. You can also compare your identification of the group’s learning needs.
results with the averages of other groups of teachers to determine your position. In addition, we want to be able to have access to the anonymised aggregated data
for our group so as to analyse it and identify its learning needs. We also want
How to to communicate our learning needs – for example, to our institution or regional
1. You will receive an email with an invitation link to the group. authority – to support planning for professional development programmes, activities
2. Go to SELFIEforTEACHERS at https://educators-go-digital.jrc.ec.europa.eu and and resources that respond to our group’s learning needs.
log in.
3. Paste the invitation link in the URL section of your browser. Action
4. Start your self-reflection as described in Part B, point 3.4.1.2 of this toolkit. Create a group on SELFIEforTEACHERS and invite your group members to follow the self-
5. Explore your full comprehensive report on your completed self-reflection as reflection process as part of the group. By using the tool, your group members can learn
described in point 3.4.2.7. more about educators’ digital competence as described in the European Framework
6. You now know more about your strengths and gaps in your digital competence. for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu) and self-assess their digital
Your anonymised data can support the planning of professional learning competence benchmarked against the six competence areas of the framework.
activities for the group based on the group’s learning needs.
Appoint a member of your group as the SELFIEforTEACHERS group creator. The
Follow-up group creator will create the group and send an invitation link to the group members
(usually by email). Group members will follow the same process when completing
You can use SELFIEforTEACHERS on a regular basis to monitor your progress and their self-reflection, as if they had started the self-reflection on their own. They
determine your position in relation to the SELFIEforTEACHERS users and the groups need to agree to sharing their anonymised data if they want to contribute to the
that you are invited to. aggregated data for the group.

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111
You can organise group discussions to plan group professional development activities I am a school leader and I want to plan training for teachers at my
based on the group’s identified needs. You can start by analysing and discussing the school based on their current needs ‣ create a group and invite
anonymised aggregated results with the group members. Lastly, you can organise teachers at your school to start a self-reflection as part of the group.
peer activities for the group members to discuss their individual learning paths and
co-design their professional learning activities, which they can implement together.
In the end, you might decide as a group to use the SELFIEforTEACHERS tool once
Who
again and compare the results to see the group’s progress. You can also compare
your group results with the averages of other groups of teachers. Any SELFIEforTEACHERS user

How to Context
First, you need to appoint a member of your group as the SELFIEforTEACHERS group I am a school leader and among other areas in my school’s digital action plan I
creator. want to address the teachers’ professional development in relation to their digital
competence. I want to develop training activities and resources based on their needs.
The group creator will:
I want teachers at my school to contribute to the identification of the professional
1. go to SELFIEforTEACHERS at https://educators-go-digital.jrc.ec.europa.eu and
learning needs in our school, while being actively involved in their professional
log in;
learning process, within a reflective and collective learning culture.
2. create a group as described in Part B, point 3.5.1 of this toolkit;
3. share/send emails with/to the group participants via the invitation link; In addition, I want to be able to have access to the anonymised aggregated data
4. manage completion progress as described in Part B, point 3.5.2; collected, to analyse it and identify the learning needs of the teachers at my
5. view and download the anonymised aggregated results for the group to discuss school. I also want to share the learning needs of the teachers in my school – for
with the members. example, with our regional authority or training institution – to support planning for
professional development programmes, activities and resources that respond to my
The group members will:
school’s learning needs.
1. initiate their self-reflection as described in Part B, point 3.4.1.2 of this toolkit;
2. explore their full comprehensive report on their completed self-reflection as Action
described in point 3.4.2.7;
3. contribute to discussions about the learning needs of the group and help to Create a group on SELFIEforTEACHERS for your school and invite your school’s
plan for group professional learning activities. teachers to the group to follow the self-reflection process as part of the group.
By using the tool, teachers at your school can learn more about educators’ digital
Follow-up competence as described in the European Framework for the Digital Competence
of Educators (DigCompEdu) and self-assess their digital competence benchmarked
You can use SELFIEforTEACHERS as many times as you wish for the same group to
against the six competence areas of the framework.
monitor the group’s progress over time and determine the group’s position in relation
to other SELFIEforTEACHERS groups. You can appoint a teacher (or perhaps the ICT coordinator or the school’s pedagogical
advisor) as the SELFIEforTEACHERS group creator. The group creator will create
the group and send an invitation link to the group members (usually by email).
Teachers will follow the same process when completing their self-reflection, as if

112 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence


they had started the self-reflection on their own. They need to agree to sharing their Follow-up
anonymised data if they want to contribute to the aggregated data for the school.
You can use SELFIEforTEACHERS as many times as you wish at your school to
In your school, you can organise discussions on the planning of school professional monitor the group’s progress over time and determine the group’s position in relation
development activities based on the school’s identified needs. You can start by to other SELFIEforTEACHERS groups.
analysing and discussing the school’s anonymised aggregated results with teachers
at your school. Lastly, you can also organise peer activities for teachers to discuss 4.5 (i) I am a teacher educator or a teacher trainer who wants to use
their individual learning paths and co-design their professional learning activities, SELFIEforTEACHERS to support teachers in designing their professional
which they can implement together. In the end, you might decide to use the learning paths to further develop their digital competence
SELFIEforTEACHERS tool once again and compare the results to see your school’s
4.5 (ii) I am a regional authority or a researcher who wants to use
progress. You can also compare your school results with the averages of other
SELFIEforTEACHERS to support teachers in designing their professional
groups of teachers.
learning paths to further develop their digital competence
How to ‣ create a group and invite teachers to go through a self-reflection.
First you need to appoint a SELFIEforTEACHERS group creator.
The group creator will: Who
1. go to SELFIEforTEACHERS at https://educators-go-digital.jrc.ec.europa.eu and Any SELFIEforTEACHERS user
log in;
2. create a group as described in Part B, point 3.5.1 of this toolkit; Context
3. share/send emails with/to the group participants (teachers at your school) using From my post, I want to encourage teachers to actively engage in their professional
the group invitation link; learning and support them in designing their own learning paths to further develop
4. manage the group’s completion progress as described in Part B, point 3.5.2; their digital competence, based on their identified needs. I want to create the
5. view and download the anonymised aggregated results for the group to discuss circumstances and context that can allow teachers to participate in reflective and
with the group members; collaborative learning, enabling them to implement their professional learning.
6. enable teachers to analyse and discuss their self-reflection reports with their
peers or a teacher coach, as well as implement their actions collaboratively. Action
The school teachers will: Encourage teachers to use SELFIEforTEACHERS, either on their own or within a group.
1. initiate their self-reflection as described in Part B, point 3.4.1.2 of this toolkit; By using the tool, teachers can learn more about educators’ digital competence
2. explore their full comprehensive report on their completed self-reflection as as described in the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators
described in point 3.4.2.7; (DigCompEdu) and self-assess their digital competence benchmarked against the
3. contribute to discussions about the school’s learning needs and help plan six competence areas of the framework.
professional learning activities at the school. At the same time, they can benefit
You can organise peer activities for teachers to discuss their individual learning paths,
from the Results and Feedback report for their own self-reflection and plan their
set their learning goals and co-design their professional learning activities, which they
personal professional learning paths.
can implement together. They can then apply their new competence in their teaching
and receive feedback on it. They could keep an ePortfolio, which they can discuss with

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113
a coach or a mentor and reflect throughout the whole process. Lastly, they could share 4.6 (i) I am a teacher educator or a teacher trainer who wants to use
their learning stories with others and create a repository of good practices. SELFIEforTEACHERS to support planning for teachers’ education and
In the end, you might ask teachers to use the SELFIEforTEACHERS tool once again training programmes and resources
and compare the results to see their progress. They can also compare their results 4.6 (ii) I am a regional authority or a researcher who wants to use
with the averages of other groups of teachers. SELFIEforTEACHERS to support planning for teachers’ education and
training programmes and resources
How to
‣ create a group and invite teachers to go through a self-reflection.
1. First you need to appoint a SELFIEforTEACHERS group creator.
2. Inform the school community about SELFIEforTEACHERS.
3. Encourage teachers to use SELFIEforTEACHERS. Who
4. Allow enough time for teachers to use the tool and complete their self-reflection. Any SELFIEforTEACHERS user
5. Enable teachers to analyse and discuss their self-reflection reports with their
peers or a teacher coach, as well as implement their actions collaboratively. Context
6. Indicate relevant resources. From my post, I want to use SELFIEforTEACHERS aggregated data for a group to
7. Support the sharing of learning stories and good practices. support planning for teachers’ education and training programmes and resources.
8. Use an ePortfolio approach as a process and as a product. I want teachers to use SELFIEforTEACHERS and share their anonymised data. In
Teachers will: addition, I want to be able to have access to the collected anonymised aggregated
1. start their self-reflection as described in Part B, point 3.4.1.2 of this toolkit; data so as to be able to analyse it.
2. explore their comprehensive report on their completed self-reflection as
described in point 3.4.2.7; Action
3. plan their personal professional learning paths based on their results and Create a group on SELFIEforTEACHERS and invite participants to the group to follow
personalised feedback; the SELFIEforTEACHERS self-reflection process within the SELFIEforTEACHERS group.
4. engage in professional learning activities; You need to explain the purpose of this request to the group participants.
5. share their learning experiences with peers;
Share/send an email invitation with/to the group participants with a link to the self-
6. implement their new competence in their professional practice;
reflection. Group participants will follow the same process when completing their
7. keep an ePortfolio and reflect on their learning process and achievements;
self-reflection, as if they had started the self-reflection on their own. They need to
8. use the SELFIEforTEACHERS tool once again and compare the results to see
agree to sharing their anonymised data if they want to contribute to the aggregated
their progress. They can also compare their results with the averages of other
data for the school.
groups of teachers.
By using the tool, teachers can learn more about educators’ digital competence
Follow-up as described in the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators
You can ask teachers to use SELFIEforTEACHERS as many times as they wish to (DigCompEdu) and self-assess their digital competence benchmarked against the
monitor their progress over time and determine their position in relation to other six competence areas of the framework.
SELFIEforTEACHERS users.

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How to
1. Go to SELFIEforTEACHERS at https://educators-go-digital.jrc.ec.europa.eu and
log in.
2. Create a group as described in Part B, point 3.5.1 of this toolkit.
3. Share/send emails with/to the group participants using the group invitation link.
4. Explain the purpose of this invitation to the group participants.
5. Manage the completion progress as described in Part B, point 3.5.2.
6. View and download the group’s anonymised aggregated results to discuss with
the group participants.
The group participants will:
1. initiate their self-reflection as described in Part B, point 3.4.1.2 of this toolkit;
2. explore their comprehensive report on their completed self-reflection as
described in 3.4.2.7;
3. contribute to discussions about the group participants’ learning needs and
help plan professional learning activities for the group. At the same time, they
can benefit from the Results and Feedback report concerning their own self-
reflection and plan their personal professional learning paths.

Follow-up
You can use SELFIEforTEACHERS as many times as you wish to monitor the
group’s progress over time and determine the groups’ position in relation to other
SELFIEforTEACHERS groups.

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Annex 5. SELFIEforTEACHERS items in relation to
the DigCompEdu framework key competences
In the following, a mapping of the 32 SELFIEforTEACHERS items against the 22
competences included in the DigCompEdu framework is presented (extracted from
the experts final report on their review of the SELFIEforTEACHERS items).

LEGEND:
Additional Item
Original item divided into two separate items

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SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence
117
Annex 6. Expert workshop Table 1. Comparing new items included in the first working version of the tool
and in the post-consultation version.
Additional items included Additional items in the
A first expert consultation took place during a workshop on 26 May 2020 (see Annex
in the tool first working tool post-consultation
2). Due to the pandemic measures this was organised as a 3-hour online workshop, Competence area version version
with preparatory and follow-up work over the period from 21 May to 8 June 2020.
• Professional learning (using • Professional learning
As the workshop took place online, Zoom and Zoom break-out rooms were used
digital technologies) (through digital
for communication, and Mural for online collaborative work, to facilitate the expert technologies)
• Professional learning (on
consultation. The experts provided their input for each of the self-reflection items digital technologies) • Professional learning (about
with the following questions in mind: Area 1 – Professional • Digital technologies and digital technologies)
‣ Are they clear and easy to understand? engagement infrastructure • Digital technologies and
‣ Are they to the same level of description? • Online learning school level infrastructure
(management) • Managing online learning
‣ Are they mutually exclusive?
• Digital citizenship environment
‣ Are they at an appropriate level in terms of complexity/cognitive challenge?
• Digital life
‣ Does the feedback report convey the right message with respect to the • Computational thinking
educators’/respondents’ competence and prompt them to level up?
‣ Are there any important aspects missing? • Creating • Creating
• Modifying • Modifying
The first working version for the consultation for expert feedback presented the 32 Area 2 – Digital resources • Managing, protecting • Managing, protecting
items, with the introductory and proficiency statements, under the 6 areas (Annex 2). • Sharing • Sharing
In general, the 32 items were accepted as they had been distributed in the 6 areas • Programming
with the following modifications: Area 3 – Teaching and
‣ The item related to ‘Programming’, initially positioned under ‘Area 2 - Digital • Emerging technologies • Emerging technologies
learning
resources’ was instead included under ‘Area 1 – Professional engagement’ as
Area 5 – Empowering
“Computational thinking”. • Distance education • Distance learning
learners
‣ The item related to ‘Responsible use: To empower learners to exploit digital
technologies creatively, responsibly, ethically and safely, while mitigating Area 6 – Facilitating
• Responsible use (1)
risks to ensure their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.’ under ‘Area learners’ digital • Innovate
• Safety and wellbeing (1)
competence
6- Facilitating learners’ digital competence’ has been expanded and divided
into two distinct items, namely ‘Responsible use’ and ‘Safety and wellbeing’. (1) These items were presented as one in the first working version.).
‣ The new item ‘Innovate’ proposed under ‘Area 6- Facilitating learners’ digital
competence’ was excluded as it was considered to overlap with other items Another important change deriving from the expert consultation was to start
(mainly ‘Content creation’ and ‘Problem solving’). the proficiency level A1 from a lower point, i.e. from ‘awareness’ and not ‘using’.
Furthermore, it was suggested to ensure consistency in the use of words (verbs) for
each proficiency level: A1 = I am aware of, A2 = I use in a basic way, B1 = I choose
and use suitable digital technologies, B2 = I reflect and modify, C1 = I support (or
advise/assist/coach) and readjust practices, C2 = I initiate/introduce/invent/develop a
comprehensive strategy.
118 SELFIEforTEACHERS: A self-reflection tool for teachers’ digital competence
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