FEATURES OF DIGITAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT IN FUTURE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION SPECIALISTS IN THE CONTEXT OF CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article reveals the peculiarities of forming digital competence of future vocational education specialists in the context of modern global challenges. It is determined that digital competence is an integrative phenomenon that encompasses technical, sociocultural, ethical, and pedagogical components necessary for effective professional activity. Based on the analysis of scientific approaches, regulatory documents of Ukraine, and European models DigComp and DigCompEdu, the essence and structure of the concept of “digital competence” are clarified, its multidimensionality and significance in the training of competitive graduates are outlined. Particular attention is paid to the connection between digital competence and the modernization of professional education, adaptation to the digital society and labor market requirements, as well as the role of teachers as facilitators of the digital educational environment.The article presents the results of an experimental study conducted among students of Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University and Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University. The data obtained showed that students are highly aware of the importance of digital skills in their future professional activities and confirmed positive trends in the formation of digital competence.It was found that the leading factors in its development are independent educational practices, Internet resources, and online courses, which emphasizes the growing importance of informal education. It was established that digital technologies are actively used to search for and process information, complete educational tasks, and communicate, which indicates a gradual expansion of their range of applications in the educational environment. The results obtained confirm the need for systematic implementation of digital technologies in the professional training of future specialists. The importance of developing information literacy, critical and creative thinking, a culture of safe behavior in the digital environment, and readiness to adapt the educational process to rapid technological changes is emphasized. Prospects for further research lie in the development of models and methods for the phased formation of digital competence, taking into account industry specifics, and in studying the effectiveness of innovative platforms and simulation technologies.