Abstract
Orientation: South African educational institutions are currently undergoing new challenges relating to the implementation of digital learning, the lack of digital competence and the need for training.
Research question: The purpose of the current study was to determine the digital competencies that educators require to effectively implement digital learning interventions, considering the current training and development opportunities and challenges.
Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was adopted, with an interpretivist research paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. The sample consisted of 20 participants who held various management positions at two secondary schools in Gauteng.
Main findings: Seventeen notable themes emerged from the analysis, revealing that the educators lack the required competencies to effectively implement digital learning interventions. This is caused by the lack of training, absence of digital resources and inadequate digital competence within the organisations.
Practical implications: To mitigate the skills gap in teaching and integrating digital learning, ongoing training is necessary to ensure that the digital competence of educators is in line with the changing world of work. The Department of Basic Education should assist in enabling the transition into digital learning by providing the necessary digital learning interventions.
Contribution: The findings make a theoretical and practical contribution by offering organisations practical information on digital competence development in educational institutions and learning and development institutions.
Keywords: digital learning, training and development, digital competence, digital learning interventions