Assessing the Selection of Digital Learning Materials: A Facet of Pre-Service Teachers' Digital Competence

In a recent study, researchers at the University of Cologne developed a four-item instrument to assess the ability of pre-service teachers to select digital learning materials (dLMs). The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this development and conceptualized the instrument based on accepted frameworks and competence models. The study involved two phases: Study 1, which evaluated the scientific quality of the instrument with 164 participants, and Study 2, which empirically investigated the instrument with 395 pre-service mathematics teachers from two universities. The results indicate that the instrument can objectively and reliably gauge different levels of "selecting dLMs" and that the competence of "selecting dLMs" depends on (content) knowledge, although the relation was not strong.

Key Takeaways:

• The researchers developed a four-item instrument to assess the ability of pre-service teachers to select digital learning materials (dLMs).
• The instrument was conceptualized based on accepted frameworks and competence models, including the widely accepted notion that the competence of "selecting dLMs" depends on (content) knowledge.
• The instrument was evaluated in two studies: Study 1, which involved 164 participants, and Study 2, which involved 395 pre-service mathematics teachers from two universities.
• The results indicate that the instrument can objectively and reliably gauge different levels of "selecting dLMs".
• The instrument has the potential to be adapted in other subject areas and contexts.
• The study highlights the importance of developing digital competence among pre-service teachers to effectively select and utilize digital learning materials.

Statistics:

• 164 participants were involved in Study 1.
• 395 pre-service mathematics teachers from two universities were involved in Study 2.
• The instrument consisted of four items that assessed the ability of pre-service teachers to select digital learning materials.

Sources:

• Assessing the Selection of Digital Learning Materials: A Facet of Pre-Service Teachers' Digital Competence. Applied Sciences, 2025, 15(11):6024.
• University of Cologne, Institute for Didactics of Mathematics.
• Peter Gonscherowski, Edith Lindenbauer, Kai Kaspar, and Benjamin Rott.
• Applied Sciences, published by MDPI AG.
• Science Letter, June 27, 2025; p 417.