Abstract:

The necessity for digital literacy among educators has never been more pressing, given the dynamic nature of educational landscapes and technological advances. This paper introduces a systematic professional development framework designed to enhance ICT skills among faculty members across higher education institutions preparing teachers. The framework incorporates instructional design principles and best international practices. It starts with a Pre-Training Orientation and Digital Skills Assessment conducted online. This segment aims to gauge the current digital proficiency of participants, setting the stage for personalized and professional community of practice-oriented learning experiences and a more targeted selection of content for the training sessions. It serves as a crucial bridge to the series of intensive In-Person Training Modules that constitute the heart of the framework. These sessions are designed around hands-on, practical engagement, allowing faculty to delve into the intricacies of educational technology and advanced instructional strategies.

The proposed professional development structure ensures that participants not only acquire new skills but can apply them effectively within their teaching contexts. To support the longevity of learning and foster continuous improvement, the framework incorporates post-training support, including follow-up online sessions and the establishment of a professional network/community of practice.

This comprehensive approach not only aims to boost the ICT proficiency of educators but also to equip them to meet the ever-changing demands of the educational sector and directly impact the quality of education, student engagement, and overall institutional excellence. By presenting this structured framework, we contribute to ongoing discussions on enhancing faculty training in ICT, underlining the importance of adaptability, practical application, and continuous professional growth in fostering educational innovation.

Keywords:

Faculty development, ICT skills, educational technology, teacher training, professional development.