CLASSIFICATION OF DIGITAL EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR ROLE IN ENHANCING THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF FUTURE TEACHERS
Abstract
This article explores the classification of digital educational technologies and their role in enhancing the professional competence of future teachers within the framework of modern education. In the context of rapid digital transformation, the integration of technology into the educational process has become a key factor in improving teaching quality and preparing highly qualified specialists. The study focuses on identifying different categories of digital educational technologies, including learning management systems, communication tools, content creation platforms, assessment tools, and collaborative environments, and analyzing their pedagogical functions. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining theoretical analysis, surveys, and a pedagogical experiment involving undergraduate and graduate students in teacher education programs. The findings demonstrate that the systematic and structured use of digital technologies significantly improves various components of professional competence, such as digital literacy, pedagogical skills, lesson planning, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. In particular, the experimental group, which was exposed to a wide range of digital tools, showed substantial improvement compared to the control group, highlighting the effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning environments. The study also emphasizes that the classification of digital technologies based on their functionality allows for more effective selection and application of tools in the teaching process. This structured approach helps future teachers develop the ability to integrate technology meaningfully into their professional practice. At the same time, the research identifies several challenges, including technical limitations, lack of infrastructure, and the need for continuous training, which may hinder the effective implementation of digital technologies. Overall, the article concludes that digital educational technologies play a crucial role in modern teacher education by fostering innovation, flexibility, and lifelong learning. Their proper classification and integration not only improve teaching effectiveness but also prepare future educators to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital society.
Keywords
digital educational technologies, teacher education, professional competence, digital literacy, TPACK, learning management systems, e-learning, pedagogy, technology integration, future teachers
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