Open AccessDigital Competences of Prospective Engineers and Science Teachers: A Latent Profile and Correspondence Analysis
Author(s) -
Lydia Schulze Heuling,
Steffen Wild,
A. Vest
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of education in mathematics, science and technology :
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.47
H-Index - 5
ISSN - 2147-611X
DOI - 10.46328/ijemst.1831
Subject(s) - information and communications technology , correspondence analysis , mathematics education , knowledge management , psychology , computer science , sociology , world wide web , machine learning
In the light of ubiquitous information and communication technologies (ICT) it is essential for everyone to be digitally competent. This is particularly true for prospective engineers and teachers since their jobs play an important role in shaping our common future. We assessed engineering and science teacher students’ (n=180) digital competences at two higher education institutions in Germany using the DigComp framework. Applying a group comparison using t-Test analysis we found no differences in the level of digital competences. However, the subsequent latent profile analysis followed by correspondence analysis revealed that high digital competences correspond with a frequent use of various ICT, supporting the theory of the importance of implicit learning. Secondly, the data points towards a reproduction of the patterns of the digital divide showing the influence of socio-economic background and gender on the expression of digital competences. Recommendations for agents (student advisory services, companies, etc.) that wish to support and improve students’ digital competences are incorporated in the conclusions.