A Teacher’s Social Roles in the Era of Digital Education

Abstract

The article analyzes the transformation of a teacher’s social roles in the context of the digitalization of educa-tion. Based on a review of contemporary researches, the evolution of a educator’s professional position from the traditional model of a “transmitter of knowledge” to the multifaceted role of a facilitator, tutor, mentor, and moderator of the digital educational environment is examined. Particular attention is paid to the competency profile of a modern teacher including digital literacy, metacognitive skills, emotional intelligence, and ethical responsibility. The author investigates socio-psychological barriers that arise during the transition to new role models brought under the problem of “prefigurative culture”, within which the older generation of educators is forced to master the digital competencies from the younger ones. It is concluded that digital transformation does not abolish, but rather strengthens the importance of a teacher’s human presence transforming his or her role towards the support and personal development of students.