2019
International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology
(IJEDICT), 2019, Vol. 15, Issue 1, pp. 133-149
Developing teachers’ digital competence: approaches for Art and Design
teacher educators in Uganda
Wycliff Edwin Tusiime and Monica Johannesen
Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway
Bjork Gudmundsdottir
University of Oslo, Norway
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to establish an in-depth understanding of how art and design teacher
educators (TEs) develop digital competences in teacher training institutions in Uganda. The study
utilizes perspectives from Jan van Dijk’s resources and appropriation theory as a conceptual lens
to understand how art and design TEs develop digital competence for teaching in Uganda. Based
on a case study design, semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations were
employed to gather qualitative data from twenty-four informants who were purposively selected.
The informants included ten TEs, ten teacher trainees and four administrators from two teacher
training institutions in central Uganda. The findings indicate that art and design TEs develop
digital competence through formal approaches, such as continuous professional development
and pre-service training, and informal approaches, such as collaboration, self-teaching and
repetition. The empirical findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and provide an
understanding of the development of teachers’ digital competence in Uganda.
Keywords: Teachers’ Digital Competence, Teacher Education, Art and Design Education,
Uganda
INTRODUCTION
The world has witnessed a rapid digitalisation of education in the past decade (European Union,
2013; Farrell et al. 2007). In particular, there has been growing interest in the integration of digital
technology in education. Such interest has often been premised on the assumption that digital
technologies have great potential to improve the quality of education (Toit, 2015; UNESCO, 2009;
Trucano, 2005). In Uganda, this interest has resulted in investments made by the government, its
development partners and private individuals to increase the availability of digital technologies in
schools and to support technology-driven pedagogy in teacher education programmes (Uganda,
2014; Mutonyi & Norton, 2007; Farrell, 2007; Uganda MoES, 2006). In the context of this global
technological development, traditional teaching activities are coming under intense pressure from
the rapid development of digital technologies (Säljö, 2010; Mishra & Koehler, 2006). In the
context of this study, art and design education, which is concerned with the process of teaching
and learning how to create and produce work in the visual and performing arts (Arts Education
Partnership Working Group, 1993), has been transformed at all levels by digital technologies.
Davis (2002) notes that art and design-making, whether in the professional world or in schools, is
often aided by computer programs that allow artists to electronically create and manipulate
images. This new possibility raises aesthetic questions about the nature of art and therefore
requires art and design education programmes to develop teachers’ digital competence (TDC) so
they can apply technology in their teaching.
134 IJEDICT
Digital competence requires a set of operational, informational and strategic skills (van Dijk,
2005). In recent years, studies (Hasniza et al., 2013; Chai et al., 2013) have reported that the
effective use of digital technology in teaching requires teachers to develop knowledge of
technology (digital hardware and software), pedagogy (methods of teaching), content (actual
subject matter to be taught), and the intersection of these. Consequently, in this study we argue
that teachers´digital competence (TDC) can best be developed when teachers understand and
apply knowledge generated from the relationships between technology, pedagogy and content in
their practice. This compound knowledge is also known as technological, pedagogical and
content knowledge (TPACK), a theoretical approach which was developed by Mishra & Koehler
(2006) and forms the concept of TDC in this study.
Developing TDC is a priority for many teacher education programmes worldwide. In Europe, for
instance, this is widely reflected in government education reform, polices and frameworks
(Ferrari, 2012; European Commission, 2007; OECD, 2003) and a number of scientific studies
(Gudmundsdottir & Vasbø, 2017; Erstad, 2015; Johannesen, Øgrim & Giæver, 2014; van Dijk,
2012). In Africa, Makoe (2012) notes that teachers must be trained in how to use new digital
technologies and integrate them into their own practice, while Gudmundsdottir (2010) calls for a
policy focus on addressing the severe digital inequalities within and outside of the school
environment to increase digital competence. According to Gudmundsdottir (2010), the aim is to
ensure that technology is perceived not as an add-on but as an integral part of the curriculum.
Similarly, the Uganda National Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Policy for
education (Uganda, MoES, 2006) sets a framework of curriculum and teacher training that
facilitates and guides the development and integration of digital technology in all aspects of the
education sector. The policy recognises the crucial role of teachers in implementing any
education reform initiative and accordingly points out that focus must be put on developing TDC
in line with the curriculum that teachers are expected to follow to ensure that the best use is made
of digital tools.
However, although Uganda, like other nations, has been recognised for its efforts to integrate
digital technology in teacher education (UNESCO, 2015; 2014), the use is still at the embryonic
stage due to a lack of effective policies, basic infrastructure (electricity, devices, Internet),
financial resources and teacher capacity (Ndiwalana & Tusubira, 2012). For almost ten years,
studies in Uganda continue to reveal a gap between the technology available in classrooms and
teachers’ abilities to use this technology in teacher education programmes (Nakintu & NeemaAbooki, 2015; Andema, Kendrick, & Norton, 2013; Luwangula, 2011; Hennessy et al., 2010;
Andema, 2009).The above studies report a limited use of digital technology in Uganda’s teacher
education programmes. Moroever, it has also been noted that the majority of teachers cannot
even use the available digital resources as instructional tools due to inadequate digital skills
(Bagarukayo, 2018; Wamakote, 2010; Nakabugo et al., 2008). With specific reference to the field
of art and design education in Uganda, there are hardly any documented studies on how teacher
educators (TEs) develop digital competence. It is therefore important for us to investigate how art
and design TEs develop digital competence (TDC) within teacher training institutions (TTIs) in
Uganda given the prevailing challenges as earlier noted. In the next section, we present the
existing debates on the development of TDC in teacher education.
Developing teachers’ digital competence (TDC) in teacher education
Teacher education today must consider the pedagogical use of digital technology to prepare
student teachers for their future practice (Krumsvik, 2014:273). Moreover,Judge and O'Bannon
(2008) note that previous studies have underlined the problem of teachers’ lack of digital
competence, which means that they cannot act as competent mentors for their students.
Developing teachers digital competence in Uganda 135
Similarly, Aduwa-Ogiegbaen (2014) indicates that studies in Africa have revealed that the
majority of teachers lack essential technological knowledge and need extensive professional
development to apply technology in teaching. In addition, Kirschner and Davis (2003) suggest
that teacher education should focus on developing TDC so new teachers do not have to spend a
great deal of time and energy enhancing their digital competence when starting their careers. In
Uganda, teachers often fail to relate what they have learnt about digital technologies to their own
practice (Uganda MoES, 2008).
Developing TDC does not solely involve educating teachers in understanding and using various
emerging technologies that are relevant to their professional practice (Lund et al., 2014; van Dijk,
2005). Lund and his colleagues submit that it involves making teachers capable of using digital
technology and learning resources in productive ways to transform their knowledge into
discipline-specific didactics, classroom management techniques and assessments of how
students productively use available digital resources. Van Dijk (2005) concurs and adds that
people should be constantly learning digital skills through practice, which he suggests as, “the
breeding ground of all digital skills” (p.90). He argues that the idea that digital skills are learned or
should be learned in computer classes is a fallacy, claiming that these are not the most important
ways of learning computer skills but rather provide a solid basis for digital skill development.
Røkenes and Krumsvik (2014) note that, in technology training situations, two or more student
teachers collaborate by engaging in a common task in which each individual depends on and is
accountable to each other to maximise their own and other’s learning. So and Kim (2009) and
Koehler et al. (2007) add that collaborative approaches help teachers make intimate connections
between technology, pedagogy and content. As active and constructive processes (Laurillard,
2009; Smith & MacGregory, 1992), collaborative practices in teacher education enable teachers
to easily develop new knowledge and competences, which later are used to create new meaning.
In countries like Uganda where teachers still report limited access to digital technologies
(Andema, Kendrick, & Norton, 2013), collaboration remains a suitable approach to developing
TDC, as teachers can collaborate and share the few digital resources available.
In addition, research indicates that teachers’ experiences and practices with technology influence
the successful development of TDC (Benali et al., 2018; U.S National Center for Education
Statistics, 2000; Lau & Sim, 2008; Russell et al., 2003, Kaasbøll, 2014). Kaasbøll notes that when
technology users are properly trained in the pedagogical use of digital technology and continue to
practice through repetition, the skill becomes automated and can enhance digital competences.
Similarly, the U.S National Center for Education Statistics (2000) reported that teachers with less
teaching experience were more likely to integrate computers with their teaching than those with
more experience. However, Lau and Sim (2008) found that the latter use computer technology in
the classroom more than the teachers with less experience. Although findings from the two
studies are contradictory, the primary reason could be that, in both cases the teachers’
experience and continuous practice with computer technology enhanced their digital
competences for pedagogical purposes. In Uganda, teacher education programmes are
frequently criticised for their failure to provide teachers with the necessary hands-on training to
utilise digital technologies pedagogically (Uganda, 2014; Mutonyi & Norton, 2007).
Furthermore, modelling has traditionally been used in teacher education around the world to
develop digital competence (Dorgu, 2015). While the approach is criticised for hindering
creativity, as the students only mimic their teacher (Dorgu, 2015), it helps students develop
interest and motivation through their active participation in the teaching and learning process (van
Dijk, 2005). This might be a challenge in Uganda, where there are more students than teaching
resources like computers and related instructional materials like textbooks (Nakabugo, OpolotOkurut, Ssebbunga, Maani, & Byamugisha, 2008 ).
136 IJEDICT
Equally important, traditional teaching curricula and training programmes can enhance digital
skills and help develop TDC. In particular, digital technologies enable interactions between
educators and students, provide multimedia interfaces that facilitate learning and increase
flexibility in the delivery of training (UN, 2018). Though this is important, many developing
countries like Uganda still demand the development and integration of subject-based digital
curricula into teacher education programmes (Uganda, 2014). In their study, Ndawula et al.
(2013) indicate that some teachers had no ICT training component in their professional teacher
education programmes. Instead, ICT as a separate subject was recently introduced to secondary
education and is offered at some TTIs.
Overall, the body of knowledge presented above reflects a few approaches to developing TDC in
teacher education. However, there is limited evidence on the development of TDC in teacher
education in Uganda and in the field of art and design in particular. This knowledge gap, in
addition to inadequate access to digital technologies, calls for further studies to establish how
TDC is developed in Uganda’s teacher education programmes. Thus, the following objective and
research question guide this study:
Objective of the Study
To establish an in-depth understanding of how art and design teacher educators (TEs) develop
digital competences in teacher training institutions in Uganda.
Research Question
How do art and design TEs develop digital competence for teaching in TTIs in Uganda?
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
In this study, we draw on perspectives from van Dijk (2005) resources and appropriation theory,
which has previously been used to describe how multi-faceted theorizing the digital divide is (van
Dijk, 2017). The core idea of the theory is the particular relationships between four circumstances
(categorical inequalities, resource distribution, access to ICTs and participation in society) in a
process of creating digital inequality when using digital technologies. Van Dijk (2005, p.15)
summarised the relationship in the following way:
1. Categorical inequalities (personal and positional) in society produce an unequal
distribution of resources. The personal categorical inequalities are age, gender,
race/ethnicity, intelligence, personality and health, whereas the positional categorical
inequalities include labour position, education, household and nation.
2. Unequal distributions of resources (temporal, material, mental, social and cultural) cause
unequal access to digital technologies.
3. Unequal access to digital technologies also depends on the characteristics of these
technologies and brings about unequal participation.
4. Unequal participation reinforces categorical inequalities and unequal distributions of
resources.
In this study, we focus on “access” to digital technologies as the component of the theory that can
help us understand how art and design TEs develop TDC for teaching in Uganda’s TTIs. Van Dijk
(2005, p.21) addresses four kinds of “access” to digital technologies as shown in Figure 1,
namely:
Developing teachers digital competence in Uganda 137
motivational access (motivation to use digital technology), material or physical access
(possession of computers and internet connections or permission to use them and their
contents), skills access (possession of digital skills: operational, informational and strategic
skills) and usage access (number and diversity of applications, usage time).
Subsequently, these stages are recursive, as they return, wholly or partly, with new technology or
innovation.
Figure 1: Model of successive kinds of access to digital technologies
Source: van Dijk, 2005, p.22
According to van Dijk (2005), to appropriate a new technology, one must first be motivated to use
it. Motivational access relates to attitude and the intention to accept and learn the requisite skills
and uses of new digital technologies. Motivation is often affected by social, cultural, mental or
psychological factors, including lack of interest, time, money, skills and self-confidence (van Dijk,
2017). Van Dijk argues that, when sufficient motivation is developed, one should be able to
develop physical access.
Van Dijk (2005) describes material or physical access as possession of or access to hardware,
operational software or other digital technologies as well as permission to use them (for instance,
user names, passwords and membership). Physical access can occur at work, school or public
places such as libraries and internet cafes, as well as at home or in transit on a laptop, PDA or
mobile phone. Physical access to digital technology is mostly influenced by one’s income, among
other factors like level of education, age and gender. According to van Dijk (2005), having
material or physical access is a necessary condition for the development of the requisite digital
skills to use technology.
Van Dijk (2005, p.73) defines digital skills as a collection of skills needed to operate digital
technologies like computers and their networks: to search for and use information for one’s own
purposes. He divides the concept into three types of skills: operational skills (skills used to
operate hardware and software), information skills (skills needed to search, select, process and
evaluate information from computer and network sources) and strategic skills (capacities to use
digital sources to achieve specific and general goals). Further, he acknowledges that the
USAGE ACCESS
- Frequency
- Diversity
DIGITAL SKILLS ACCESS
- Strategic
- Informational
- Operational
MATERIAL
ACCESS
MOTIVATIONAL
ACCESS
Next innovation
138 IJEDICT
development of digital skills can occur through formal and informal approaches. Formal
approaches in this context refer to organised and structured training systems with learning
objectives in school or the workplace. On the other hand, informal approaches denote developing
digital skills from daily experiences and interest. Consequently, the development of digital skills is
often a matter of learning through practice, by trial and error, and with help from peers (van Dijk,
2005).
Furthermore, van Dijk (2005) argues that, even given sufficient motivation, physical access and
digital skills are necessary but not sufficient conditions for actual use. A user must also have the
need, occasion, obligation, and time to actually use technology. Usage can either support or
impede access and is determined by properties of digital technology related to hardware,
software and content. The technological properties of digital technology related to hardware and
software are complexity, expense, network effects, multiple facets and multiple functions, while
those related to content are approachability, usability, information overload, culture and language,
relevant information and conditional access (van Dijk, 2005, p.96-105). As a dependent factor,
van Dijk (2005) argues that usage can be measured in at least four ways: usage time and
frequency, number and diversity of usage applications and more or less active or creative use.
To sum up, van Dijk’s emphasis on digital skills development through formal and informal
approaches is useful to this study as it allows us to analyse how art and design TEs develop
TDC. In particular, knowledge informed by van Dijk’s scientific perspectives on the kinds of digital
skills access (operational, informational and strategic) can illuminate how different types of digital
skills and forms of learning play a role in developing TDC.
METHODS
This study explores how art and design TEs from two TTIs, Kabwohe and Sheema (pseudonyms)
in central Uganda develop TDC for teaching. A case study design (Yin, 2014) is preferred in
addressing the research question because it allows detailed data collection even within small
samples, which would not be possible with other types of research designs. The case study
approach enables in-depth description of a case or multiple cases under investigation (Creswell,
2007) and provides rich and in-depth data to gain deep understanding (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005)
into the phenomena under investigation.
Isaac and Micheal (1995) posit that research involving small sample sizes is justifiable when it
involves an in-depth case study that provides a great amount of qualitative data from each
informant, as is the case in this study. Purposive sampling was used as it enables choosing
research informants who will yield insights and in-depth understanding of the research questions
rather than empirical generalisations (Patton, 2002; Miles & Huberman, 1994). Therefore, we
purposively selected the total sample of twenty-four informants to include ten TEs, ten teacher
trainees (TTs) and four administrators (ADs) from two TTIs in Uganda. Due to a small number of
available Art and Design TEs at Sheema, three TEs were included. The rest of the informants
(TTs and ADs) were equally selected from both institutions. Although this study focuses on TEs, it
was necessary to include opinions from TTs and ADs because they are key stakeholders in the
development of TDC. In the Ugandan context, TEs may include lecturers, tutors, instructors,
technicians and studio or laboratory attendants at different levels of teacher education. TTs are
included because they are studying to become teachers and directly observe TEs´ classroom
instruction and digital practices. In addition, ADs are responsible for overseeing the daily teaching
or managerial operations in the TTIs and thereby have knowledge on the conditions necessary
for developing TDC.
Developing teachers digital competence in Uganda 139
Semi-structured interviews and observations were used as methods to explore the views,
experiences, beliefs and motivations of individual informants in relation to the research question,
which provided reliable and comparable data (Gill et al., 2008; Hardman, 2005; Barriball & White,
1994). Data were collected between March 2017 and July 2018. During this period, interviews
were conducted with the individual informants at their convenience lasting for an average of one
hour. In addition, two TEs from each institution were observed engaging in classroom practice to
analyse the TEs’ behaviour and interaction with digital tools in the classrooms. This was done to
identify discrepancies between data sources or events that informants might be reluctant to share
as well as to observe situations informants described during interviews. The interviews were
audio recorded and then transcribed into text along with the other data obtained from
observations (such as field notes and comments made during observation).
Miles and Huberman(1994) posit that valid analysis is immensely aided by data displays that are
focused enough to permit viewing a full data set in one location and are systematically arranged
around the research question. In this study, the data from the transcripts was organised by
specific questions in the interview guide in table charts created in Microsoft Word. This made it
easier to identify words and phrases that frequently emerged from the responses to each
question and were related to the main research question. These words and phrases were colourcoded, and similar codes were later clustered to create categories.
Marshall and Rossman (1995) observe that identifying salient themes, recurring ideas or
language and patterns of belief that link people and settings together is the most intellectually
challenging phase of analysis and can integrate the entire endeavour. Indeed, the categories in
this study identified were collapsed into two main over-arching themes emerging from van Dijk
(2005), namely those of formal and informal approaches to learning.
Although qualitative methods like interviews and observations can yield rich and informative data,
they can be criticised for their subjectivity (Wood & Griffiths, 2007). Such subjectivity may
compromise the validity and reliability of the data being collected. For this reason, triangulation
was employed by assessing and comparing data collected through interviews and observations of
the informants. Secondly, during interviews and observations, attention was taken not to influence
the informant’s opinions by allowing them to freely express their views and perform classroom
activities respectively. Thirdly, to ensure quality of data, the data collection instrument (interview
questions) was piloted with a group of experts in the area of this research who provided feedback
on the clarity of the tool with reference to the research question.
Ethical issues were addressed by protecting the identity of the institutions and informants by use
of pseudonyms and codes, respectively. To further increase the validity of the data, immediate
feedback was received from each informant after reading through and approving his or her
transcribed interview or observation reports.
FINDINGS
The main question in this study was: How do art and design TEs develop digital competence for
teaching in TTIs in Uganda? The answer to this question is organised by the two over-arching
themes of ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ approaches to learning derived from van Dijk (2005). Each of the
response categories that emerged from the data, were linked to the research question after the
coding process. Furthermore, these categories were associated with a relevant theme in the
ensuing sub-sections.
140 IJEDICT
Formal Approaches
Continuous professional development (CPD): All TEs reported having been engaged in CPD
activities, including workshops and seminars, conferences, presentations, orientation, technical
support, online training, mentoring, peer coaching and research development projects. Several
TEs recounted that although they had gained some digital competences from CPD activities,
such knowledge remains theoretical and is not specific to their teaching subjects; application of
such knowledge in real classroom practice is difficult due to inadequate digital infrastructure. On
this point, one of the TEs stated:
We have been trained through our internal CPDs, informal workshops and seminars.
We have learnt how to do filming and video production, and how to construct LMS
[Learning Management System] and upload e-content, making multimedia content,
podcast and using games in class. The latest was how to make cartoons
(animation). Actually, UNESCO has been funding the training. I am limited to use the
skills because we do not have enough digital resources… (TE#3)
The above statements relate to the situation observed in classrooms at both institutions in which
some TEs used traditional teaching methods like “chalk and talk” and lecturing to deliver content
in digital classrooms. In such situations, lesson delivery was more theoretical and trainees were
encouraged to visit computer laboratories to explore and practice on their own after the lesson. At
one of the TTIs, an educator was observed grouping 150 trainees into teams of fifteen to work
together on the assignment, thus dividing the ten computers in the computer lab between the
groups.
All ADs agreed that training in the use of digital technologies is sometimes conducted to ensure
TEs develop or upgrade their digital competences. One AD added that such training mainly
provided general knowledge on the use of digital tools rather than digital competences required
by art and design teachers:
…through our online Learning Management System, a platform we have designed
for professional development, our teachers have acquired varied knowledge
concerning use of ICT in teaching. However, we have no specific courses or training
for art and design teachers…. (AD#1)
Pre-service training: Several of the TEs interviewed acknowledged having taken one or more ICT
courses as a component of their professional academic programmes during pre-service training.
However, most TEs reported that these courses did not help them develop specific digital
competencies required in their subject area and that they could not make practical use of the
knowledge provided in the classrooms. Most TEs reported gaining sufficient general skills to use
digital tools like a computer, word processors and PowerPoint:
I have attained some formal training in office suite basics; I have done online training
in commonwealth of learning. UNESCO has also helped us in so many ways. We
have had training in integration of ICT. The competencies are generalized…. (TE#2)
All TTs interviewed confirmed the existence of ICT courses in their pre-service training
programmes. More than half of the TTs at both TTIs, indicated that the ICT courses they attended
were offered as distinct courses rather than as an integral part of art and design subjects. TTs
also reported that TEs often did not provide enough time for TTs to learn the practical uses of
digital tools. At Sheema, for instance, all the informants reported that computer studies were not
given due attention by TEs because it was examined by neither the institution nor the national
examination body. In relation to this, one administrator reported that:
Developing teachers digital competence in Uganda 141
…of course some teachers reschedule the time allocated for computer lessons to
teach other examinable subjects because computer studies is not examinable either
by the institution or the national examination body. It is added on the timetable to
benefit our students… (AD#4)
Informal Approaches
Collaboration: Interestingly, all the TEs reported developing TDC through informal collaborations
with fellow educators, students, peers, technical persons and experts to co-teach, work together
on specific projects that require the use of technology and exchange digital knowledge and
experiences. Two TEs had this to say with regard to collaboration:
I collaborate with teachers; for example in teaching multimedia crafts that require
knowledge on textile technology; I consult textile teachers to guide my students
on how to use specific digital tools that I do not have expertise, through which I
learn in the process (TE#5)
I collaborate with other technical people, especially when the tool is new; we
share knowledge. Sometimes I either call upon a person who is more specialized
with that equipment or software to give an advance briefing… (TE#1)
Similarly, all the TTs reported collaborating with peers either at school or outside school to learn
how to use computers, smart phones and software applications. At Kabwohe, TTs frequently
reported developing skills in Adobe Creative Suite applications like Illustrator and Photoshop
through informal collaborations with friends. One of the TTs noted:
…I believe collaborating with colleagues is crucial if I am to become digitally
competent, especially in this dynamic world. Through interacting and sharing with
colleagues about my digital challenges, I am helped, and so far in most of my
lectures I use a number of digital tools including; computers, camera as well as
projectors… (TT#2)
Furthermore, through classroom observation, it was evident that there were collaborative
practices among TEs and TTs. At Kabwohe, two TEs were observed co-teaching in a computer
aided design class, and groups of TTs were observed discussing how to model a 3D cartoon in
Autodesk Maya, an application that the TEs had briefly explained. Most times, students were
observed actively working together in groups, sharing personal laptops and helping each other
learn. Due to the limited number of computers and other digital tools, TEs often encouraged
students to work in groups on tasks that required the use of digital technology. Both TEs and TTs
acknowledged learning from each other through collaboration.
Self-teaching: It was evident from the findings that TEs develop TDC through self-teaching,
understood in this study as one's own efforts to acquire knowledge or skills without instruction or
collaboration with peers. Informants reported to have done this through trial and error, engaging
in self-directed activities related to technology use. In this regard, one TE stated:
…sometimes when you are in a school environment and you are assigned a certain
subject that necessitates to use a certain digital tool, you have no way out but to
take a self-initiative and search for the tool you need in that subject and learn to use
it. (TE#7)
142 IJEDICT
In addition, several TEs reported independently searching for information on particular topics
related to teaching with technology in the art and design field, mainly from online sources. Here,
TEs cited Google, electronic journals and YouTube, along with relevant textbooks in the library.
Some of the TEs reported watching video tutorials, observing their colleagues using digital tools,
exploring digital tools (social media) and reading operational manuals. Several TEs reported
applying the competences gained through self-teaching later in their practice to prepare and
present digital content. For example:
…there is a lot of scholarly information about the use of digital tools in the teaching
process on the internet. For instance, how to use a computer in graphics design and
art education. This information is both available in text and video, say on YouTube.
So when I read or watch a video, I learn and later apply the knowledge in my
teaching practice… (TE#4)
Likewise, all ADs interviewed at both TTIs agreed that some TEs developed TDC through selfinitiatives like discovery and self-teaching. One of the ADs reported:
… the integration of digital technologies like computers and the internet at the
institution has made it possible for teachers and trainees to discover how certain
technologies operate through internet searches. This has helped to boost teachers’
knowledge and competence in using technology for teaching, as teachers utilize the
information searched to prepare teaching content… (AD#5)
Similarly, the classroom observations at both TTIs revealed that TEs encouraged TTs to use
Internet websites like Google and YouTube to learn more on their own about topics discussed in
class. In one of the class observations, TTs were often seen browsing the Internet on the topic
being discussed, using their smart phones without guidance from the teacher.
Repetition: Roughly, half of TEs reported acquiring TDC through repetition, understood in this
study as developing a skill through the regular and routine use of digital technologies. TEs
broadly reported doing this through regular practice whenever they had access to digital tools.
This way, some TEs reported developing positive attitudes and motivation towards technology
use in teaching:
….the use of digital tools requires regular practice; thus the moment you stop, the
next day it will be outdated. By constantly using the computer in new ways as I
teach, my attitude and motivation levels develop. Thus at the end my digital
competence is improved. (TE#9)
Similarly, some ADs when asked how TEs develop digital competence at the institutions
confirmed that TEs regularly used digital tools in the classroom. One AD had this to report:
…most times teachers whose attitude towards technology use is positive are always
using digital tools; they are in the computer lab, whatever information they need,
they access it so fast…(AD#2: at Kabwohe TTI)
Although repetition was identified as a major informal approach through which teachers
developed TDC, it was observed in the classrooms that only a few TEs had access to personal
digital tools like computers. At Kabwohe, one TE did not possess a laptop computer and had to
ask TTs to volunteer their personal computers to use in conducting a lesson. In addition, both
TTIs in general did not have enough digital tools either for the TEs to use in teaching or for TTs to
practice. Moreover, a large proportion of the informants also reported not owning personal digital
tools as a challenge to developing TDC. Furthermore, it was observed at both TTIs that TEs
Developing teachers digital competence in Uganda 143
would give instructions on how to perform certain tasks that required the use of digital tools
without having adequate tools to demonstrate, and TTs would be left to practice such tasks in
their free time.
In summary, the findings mainly indicate that art and design TEs develop TDC through both
formal and informal approaches. The formal approaches include CPD and pre-service training,
whereas informal approaches include collaboration, self-teaching and repetition. Apparently, TDC
gained through formal approaches did not relate specifically to the teaching of art and design
subjects, making it inadequate and difficult to apply in real classroom practice. Second, the
findings suggest to a larger degree that TEs develop moderate TDC, necessary for practical use
in the classroom, through informal approaches. Through collaboration, TEs share knowledge and
experiences and participate together with digitally competent persons to develop skills. Even
without professional guidance, TEs develop skills on their own (self-teaching) through trial and
error, tutorials, Internet resources and the regular and routine (repetition) use of digital
technologies. Finally, the findings confirm that TEs´ inadequate physical access to digital
resources limits the development of TDC.
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study indicate that TDC gained through formal approaches was overly generic
and not specific to the teaching of art and design subjects, thus being inadequate and difficult to
apply in art and design classrooms. The present finding seems to be consistent with van Dijk’s
(2005, p.90) study where he indicates that “computer courses and books are not the most
important sources for learning computer skills”. While van Dijk underscores the importance of
formal education in setting a solid basis for digital skill development, the present findings clearly
show a mismatch between formal education and digital skills access. With formal ICT courses in
this study being distinct rather than an integral part of art and design subjects, they provide only
moderate competence in using software and hardware. Taking into account the inadquate
physical access to digital resources at both TTIs,it is evident that TEs will continue to find it
difficult to fully develop the informational and strategic skills that are required to develop TDC.In
this sense, future formal training needs to arrange for a better way to meet the informational and
strategic skill needs of TEs.
An interesting finding in this study is how TEs develop TDC to a large degree through informal
approaches. This finding corroborates the ideas of van Dijk (2005), who maintained that
developing digital skills through informal approaches has been common for many years even in
formal educational settings. These learning opportunities occur informally or incidentally as
students and experts observe, imitate, experiment, model, appropriate and provide and receive
feedback (van Dijk, 2005).
First, the findings of this study reveal that informal collaborations with persons who possess
digital competence is of utmost importance. TEs seek collaboration with and assistance from
more digitally competent persons to develop TDC. This finding resonates with So & Kim (2009)
and Koehler et al. (2007), who have observed that collaborative approaches help teachers make
intimate connections between technology, pedagogy and content from which they develop the
compound competence necessary to use digital technology. This collaboration further serves
both operational and informational purposes, as collaborative exploring concerns knowledge
about how to use digital tools and integrate them into classroom practice. This study also reveals
that collaboration with peers helps develop strategic skills to achieve the specific goals of using
digital tools in classroom practice.
144 IJEDICT
Second, the development of TDC through self-teaching as reported in the findings, further
supports the idea of van Dijk (2005, pp. 90), who argued that “the do-it-yourself approach is a
much more important source of learning digital skills”. The present study found that TEs have
developed digital skills through trial and error, tutorials and Internet use. Although this training has
been conducted without professional guidance, it serves to develop informational skills, providing
knowledge about searching, selecting, processing and evaluating information in a networked
society. Van Dijk adds that most computer and Internet users learn by trial and error; however, he
maintains that, “operational skills will remain incomplete when they are only learned by trial and
error” (2005, p.92). This could make it difficult for TEs to recognise the relationships between
technology, pedagogy and content that constitutes TDC without a particular focus on the
educational purpose of technology use. Hence, according to findings of this study, acquisition of
TDC through self-teaching may not be an adequate approach to achieving strategic skills.
Finally, the findings indicate that repetition (regular and routine use of digital technologies) is a
significant informal approach through which TEs develop TDC. In accordance with the present
finding, van Dijk (2005) observes that people learn operational skills through regular practice with
digital technologies. Kaasbøll (2014) concurs and adds that when technology users continue to
practice through repetition, such skills become automated and could enhance their digital
competences. However, van Dijk adds that learning from regular practice could limit
understanding of all the aspects of digital skills (operational, operational, informational and
strategic) that do not immediately appear to be relevant. This implies that, while TEs develop
TDC through repetition, it is vital for TEs to develop the compound and complex skills needed to
use digital technologies in their classrooms.
In summary, this study indicates that formal approaches will have less relevance to the
development of TDC as long as they fail to address all aspects of digital skills (operational,
informational and strategic). In this study, digital skills gained through formal training remained
operational and were not specific to the teaching of art and design subjects, thus being
inadequate and difficult to apply in real art and design classroom practice. On the other hand,
through informal approaches, TEs to a larger degree have developed elements of TDC. However,
due to inadequate or non-existent professional guidance within informal approaches, TEs seem
to have mostly gained operational skills and only to a lesser degree, the informational and
strategic skills that typically are learned from formal education designed for professional practice.
It is also important to note that inadequate physical access to digital resources could have
prevented TEs from fully developing the necessary TDC required for the actual use of technology
in art and design classrooms.
CONCLUSION
The aim of this study was to establish an in-depth understanding of how art and design TEs
develop TDC for teaching in TTIs in Uganda. Notably, the findings indicate that TEs develop
moderate TDC through informal approaches that include collaboration, self-teaching and
repetition, which support both operational and informational skills but restrict the acquisition of
strategic skills that address the compound knowledge of TDC. To a lesser degree, TEs develop
TDC through formal approaches that include CPD and pre-service training. The skills gained
through formal approaches remain operational and are not specific to the teaching of art and
design subjects, which makes them inadequate and difficult to apply in real classroom practice.
The findings suggest the need for implementing a curriculum that will not only help realise
operational skills but also informational and strategic ones. These skills must be fully integrated
into all traditional art and design subjects to create a subject-based digital curriculum to enable
the development of the TDC required to use digital technologies in the classroom. Finally, there is
also an urgent need to consider integrating the strength of informal approaches to the
development of TDC into formal art and design education curricula.
Developing teachers digital competence in Uganda 145
LIMITATIONS AND FURTHER RESEARCH
The current study only examined the development of TDC in terms of the digital skills necessary
for teacher educators to appropriate digital technologies in the art and design classrooms.
However, van Dijk (2005) argues that, even given sufficient motivation, physical access to digital
technologies and the skills to apply them are necessary but not sufficient conditions for the actual
use of such technologies in the classroom. It would therefore be interesting to investigate the
motivation and physical access of teacher educators as well as establish how teacher educators
actually use digital technologies in teaching art and design classes in Uganda.
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