The analysis of Digital Competence of Students in the Physical Education Specialization

Abstract

Introduction. In recent years, the digital transformation of educational content has been most challenging in the fields of study where its fundamental component is complex cognitive-intellectual and psychomotor activity. The Physical Culture specialization is among these. As A.I. Kugay notes, “today, educators are forced to react instantly to all the challenges of the digital age, while the actual level of digital competence of physical education teachers to-be remains unclear” [2]. Goal. The study sets the goal of diagnosis and analysis of the digital competence of students in the field of study 44.03.01 Pedagogical Education with a specialization in Physical Education within a regional context (educational organizations in four regions of the Russian Federation: Stavropol Krai, Krasnodar Krai, Republic of Kalmykia, and Chechen Republic). Materials and methods. The research is based on the analysis, systematization and generalization of specialized psychological and pedagogical literature, personal observations, and a survey of 155 students from four regions of Southern Russia. The survey covered 22 indicators distributed across six domains, based on the DigCompEdu framework. The methods employed allowed for the acquisition of reliable research material. Results and discussion. The research findings indicated an insufficient alignment of physical education teachers to-be with the requirements of the modern education system, specifically concerning digital competence. The respondents’ digital competence level does not exceed the basic level and corresponds to the «Researcher» and «Integrator» levels. Professional-pedagogical components (digital didactics, cybersecurity, individualization) are formed fragmentarily. A systemic absence of strategies for applying pedagogical digital tools in future professional activities is observed. Conclusion. There is a clear and pressing need to integrate the module Digital Pedagogical Tools in Physical Education into the practical training of physical education teaching staff. The module should emphasize the development of critical information evaluation skills and the methodology of teaching physical education using proven and accessible digital resources.