Abstract
The concept of digital competence is still evolving and whilst a number of conceptual frameworks have been developed in an attempt to create more clarity and consistency in this regard, there is as yet still no broadly agreed framework to guide the assessment and development of the pedagogical digital competence requirements of educators. In addition, most of the literature in the educational domain considers the digital competence of K-12 and pre-service teachers and there is very little coverage of educators working within organisational contexts, and even less so, nurse educators in the healthcare sector. This research aimed to develop an understanding of the self-perception of digital competence of educators working in a private healthcare organisation in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data for this study was gathered through a mixed method research approach and included the use of the European Commission’s DigCompEdu CheckIn self-reflection tool as well as interviews with key stakeholders to confirm and gain further insight into the data elicited through the survey. The findings of the study point to the appropriateness of the DigCompEdu Framework as a comprehensive conceptual foundation for educator digital competence, although its application could be enhanced by overlaying it with healthcare-specific requirements in the context of nurse education. The framework’s CheckIn tool also provided useful information and insights, notwithstanding the fact that it is a self-reporting tool, which can be used to better understand and support educator digital competence development needs. Some of the key themes identified through the study include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning, the key role played by organisational ICT infrastructure, and the potential impact of organisational system elements. The insights gathered through studies such as this can not only support educators in better understanding and reflecting on their own digital competence development needs, but can also assist organisations in this sector to meet the capacity and skills requirements they need in order to address the significant current and anticipated future challenges around the critical skills shortage of qualified nurses. Keywords: Nurse Educator, Healthcare, Education, Information and Communication Technology, Digital competence, Self-reporting, DigCompEdu.