Developing Digital Competence Among Educators in Rural India
Article Sidebar
-
Digital Competence, Educational Technology, India, Rural Education, Teacher Training
Abstract
Background. Digital competence has become a fundamental requirement for educators navigating 21st-century learning environments. In rural India, where infrastructural limitations and socio-economic disparities persist, equipping teachers with digital skills is critical to reducing educational inequities and fostering inclusive development.
Purpose. This study explores initiatives aimed at developing digital competence among educators in rural Indian contexts, focusing on both the opportunities and systemic challenges involved. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of targeted training programs, identify contextual barriers, and evaluate the sustainability of digital integration in teaching practices.
Method. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining surveys of 150 rural teachers across three Indian states with in-depth interviews and field observations. Results indicate that while most educators demonstrated enthusiasm for technology adoption
Results. Results indicate that while most educators demonstrated enthusiasm for technology adoption, significant gaps remain in technical proficiency, access to reliable internet, and availability of culturally relevant digital content. Teachers who received structured, context-specific training exhibited improved confidence, pedagogical innovation, and student engagement.
Conclusion. The study concludes that sustained progress in rural digital education requires investment in infrastructure, localized content development, and continuous professional development. These findings contribute to the discourse on digital equity and educational transformation in underserved regions.
Full text article
References
Abdo-Salloum, A. M., & Al-Mousawi, H. Y. (2025). Accounting Students’ Technology Readiness, Perceptions, and Digital Competence Toward Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Accounting Curricula. Journal of Accounting Education, 70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaccedu.2025.100951
Al-Rashidi, A. H. (2025). Does digital task-based instruction make a difference in EFL university students’ motivation in Saudi Arabia? An Active theory perspective. Learning and Motivation, 90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2025.102115
Alarfaj, A., & Alrashidi, M. (2025). Revolutionizing gifted education: enhancing teachers’ digital competence through fourth industrial revolution training. Discover Sustainability, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-00946-y
Aldalur, I. (2025). Enhancing software development education through gamification and experiential learning with genially. Software Quality Journal, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11219-024-09699-9
Awad, L., Abdi, Z., Langridge, B. J., Karoshi, A., & Butler, P. E. M. (2025). A Comparison of Commercially Available Digital Microscopes for Their Use in Bench-Model Simulation of Microsurgery. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, 41(3), 201–208. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-1787980
Baumann, M., Markus, A., Pfister, J., Carolus, A., Hotho, A., & Wienrich, C. (2025). Master your practice! A quantitative analysis of Device and system handling training to enable competent interactions with intelligent voice assistants. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2025.100610
Beattie, M., Muirhead, K., & Carey, N. (2025). Exploring Care Home Workers’ Perceptions of Implementing ECHO: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/opn.70017
Benbouhenni, H., Bizon, N., Yessef, M., Elbarbary, Z. M. S., Colak, I., Alammer, M. M., & Bossoufi, B. (2025). Enhancing the power quality of dual rotor wind turbines using improved fuzzy space vector modulation and super twisting sliding techniques. Scientific Reports, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-90914-3
Blanc, S., Conchado, A., Benlloch-Dualde, J. V, Monteiro, A., & Grindei, L. (2025). Digital competence development in schools: a study on the association of problem-solving with autonomy and digital attitudes. International Journal of STEM Education, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-025-00534-6
Borges, M. S. N., Cardoso, L., Rea, M. T., Pedrazzi, V., & Tirapelli, C. (2025). Does the Learning Curve for Intraoral Scanning Vary Depending on the Device? European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry, 33(1), 33–41. https://doi.org/10.1922/EJPRD_2766Borges09
Cattaneo, A. A. P., Antonietti, C., & Rauseo, M. (2025). How do vocational teachers use technology? The role of perceived digital competence and perceived usefulness in technology use across different teaching profiles. Vocations and Learning, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12186-025-09359-4
Coyne, E., Corones-Watkins, K., Dhar, A., Mitchell, L., Mongta, H., Wardrop, R., & Hughes, L. (2025). Health professional students’ evaluation of video resources to improve their communication skills: A co-design study. Nurse Education Today, 147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2025.106601
ERFANI, G., McCREADY, J., GIBSON, B., NICHOL, B., UNSWORTH, J., JARVA, E., MIKKONEN, K., & TOMIETTO, M. (2025). Factors influencing digital health competence among healthcare professionals: A cross-sectional study. Applied Nursing Research, 82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnr.2025.151922
Estigarribia, D. L. C. (2025). Inclusion of Digital Competence in the Teachers Training Curriculum in Paraguay. Revista Colombiana de Educacion, 95. https://doi.org/10.17227/rce.num95-18912
Fathi Najafi, T., Andaroon, N., Bolghanabadi, N., Sharifi, N., & Dashti, S. (2025). Gamification in midwifery education: a systematic review. BMC Medical Education, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-06880-x
Feng, Y., Meng, J., & Cheah, J.-H. (2025). From Virtual Trainers to Companions? Examining How Digital Agency Types, Anthropomorphism, and Support Shape Para-Social Relationships in Online Fitness. Psychology and Marketing, 42(3), 842–865. https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.22154
Galustyan, O. V, Vlasyuk, I. V, Zhirkova, G. P., Gamisonija, S. S., Zhang, J., & Liu, S. (2025). Formation of media competence based on organization of project activities of future teachers within blended learning. Journal of Education and Learning, 19(2), 757–763. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v19i2.21860
Gumbi, L., & Twinomurinzi, H. (2025). SMME readiness framework for smart manufacturing adoption using critical realism: Knowledge and construction phase. Journal of Innovation and Knowledge, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2025.100665
Kayaalp, F., Durnali, M., & Gökbulut, B. (2025). Enhancing Competence for a Sustainable Future: Integrating Artificial Intelligence–Supported Educational Technologies in Pre-Service Teacher Training for Sustainable Development. European Journal of Education, 60(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12865
Knopp, P., & Pfadenhauer, M. (2025). De/Professionalization and conflicts of competence in digitalization processes: The case of the police emergency response. Osterreichische Zeitschrift fur Soziologie, 50(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11614-024-00587-x
Ldokova, G., Frumina, S., & Alwaely, S. A. (2025). Taking into account students’ psychotypes and using their neuropsychological maps when implementing digital educational technologies within the Metaverse. Smart Learning Environments, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00344-3
Mansoor, M., Paul, J., Khan, T. I., Abukhait, R., & Hussain, D. (2025). Customer evangelists: Elevating hospitality through digital competence, brand image, and corporate social responsibility. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2025.104085
Maurer, J. D., Creek, S. A., Allison, T. H., Bendickson, J. S., & Sahaym, A. (2025). First impressions of digital pitches, innovation, and venture funding performance: An evolutionary psychology approach. Journal of Innovation and Knowledge, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2025.100672
Mitchell, S., Hart, J., Gharaibeh, M., McMahon, G. T., Rhoda, A., Fitzpatrick, S., Wuliji, T., & Janczukowicz, J. (2025). Principles to award learning achievements for lifelong learning in health using micro-credentials: an international Delphi study. Human Resources for Health, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-024-00969-y
Momdjian, L., Manegre, M., & Gutiérrez-Colón, M. (2025). A study of preservice teachers’ digital competence development: Exploring the role of direct instruction, integrated practice, and modeling. Evaluation and Program Planning, 109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2025.102538
Pagels, L., Schindler, O., & Luedtke, K. (2025). Overview of styles, content, learning effects and attitudes of students towards digitally enhanced physiotherapy education – a scoping review. BMC Medical Education, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-06750-6
Priya, M., & Anandan, V. (2025). Recent innovations in sciences and humanities: Highlights the state-of-art developments and innovations which impacts science and engineering. In Recent Innovations in Sciences and Humanities: Highlights the state-of-art developments and innovations which impacts science and engineering. CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003606611
Rahimi, A. R., & Sevilla-Pavón, A. (2025). Scaling up computational thinking skills in computer-assisted language learning (CTsCALL) and its fitness with language learners’ intentions to use virtual exchange: A bi-symmetric approach. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2025.100607
Santosa, I., Iskandar, I., & Setiadi, S. (2025). Adapting Language Learning Materials for Digital Native: Infusing CEFR Standards in English Procedural Texts on Microlearning Apps. World Journal of English Language, 15(4), 171–183. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v15n4p171
Schuitmaker, L., Drogt, J., Benders, M., & Jongsma, K. (2025). Physicians’ required competencies in AI-assisted clinical settings: a systematic review. British Medical Bulletin, 153(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldae025
Shirwa, A. M., Hassan, A. M., Hassan, A. Q., & Kilinc, M. (2025). A cooperative governance framework for sustainable digital transformation in construction: The role of digital enablement and digital strategy. Results in Engineering, 25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.104139
Strikovi?, A., Krebs, P., & Wittmann, E. (2025). On the Role of Role-Theoretical Concepts: Determining Dimensionality or Difficulty in Cross-Occupational Collaboration. Vocations and Learning, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12186-025-09361-w
Wagner, C., De Gezelle, J., & Komarnytsky, S. (2020). Celtic Provenance in Traditional Herbal Medicine of Medieval Wales and Classical Antiquity. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00105
Authors
Copyright (c) 2025 Karan Singh, Meera Gupta, Ananya Rao
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
