Model of Student Digital Competencies in the Development of New Generation Universities

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to summarise and present a conceptual model of student digital competencies in the development of new generation universities. The research will analyse the structural elements of digital competence, the factors that influence its formation, and the mechanisms for assessing the level of digital competencies in the modern educational environment. Methodology. The research employs a systematic approach that considers digital competence to be a dynamic multicomponent structure, incorporating theoretical, activity, and evaluation components. The analysis has been conducted through an interdisciplinary lens, integrating the theoretical underpinnings of digital education, practical methodologies for cultivating digital competencies, and contemporary trends in the digital transformation of university education. Results. The research confirmed that students' digital competencies are a multidimensional formation that includes theoretical, activity, and evaluation components. The theoretical component provides a systematic understanding of digital literacy, the activity component covers methods and means of developing digital skills, and the evaluation component determines the level of digital competencies. The digital university has been identified as the predominant environment for the development of students' digital competencies, given its promotion of modern educational technologies, encompassing digital platforms, adaptive teaching methods, virtual environments, and gamification. Practical significance. The proposed model of digital competencies has the potential to be utilised in the enhancement of educational programmes, the development of digital learning platforms, and the implementation of innovative approaches to the cultivation of digital literacy in students. The identified patterns can serve as a basis for strategic planning of the digital transformation of higher education institutions. Scientific novelty. The research contributes to the scientific understanding of students' digital competencies, substantiates their structure, and identifies key factors that influence their development within a digital university. The conceptual model presented herein can serve as a foundational framework for future empirical research in the domain of digital education.