Language teacher perceptions and practices of digital literacy in Finnish higher education

Abstract

Digital literacy and digitalization have rapidly entered curriculum planning as key development targets in Finnish higher education, and consequently, also in the teaching and learning of languages and communication. For language teachers, this creates new development possibilities but also challenges, as new working methods and proficiencies need to be embraced. In this paper we focus on teacher perspectives of and practices in digital literacy and seek to identify the development needs they have and the challenges they face. Our study shows that there is a high level of interest in digital issues in language and communication teaching in Finland. Teachers are encouraged to include digital elements in their teaching. However, teachers need support and have varied needs in developing digipedagogical skills. The results of our study form the basis for a national-level strategy for furthering the digital literacy of language and communication teachers in higher education at personal, organizational and national levels.