Factors Influencing Pre-Service Natural Science Teachers’ Competence in Using Digital Learning Resources: The Mediating Role of Personal Readiness
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52296/vje.2026.925-
Downloads
How to Cite
Abstract
This study examines factors associated with pre-service Natural Science teachers’ competence in using digital learning resources (DLRC) and tests the mediating role of personal readiness. A cross-sectional survey of 330 pre-service teachers was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Pedagogical support showed the strongest direct relationship with DLRC (β = 0.384, p < 0.001), followed by personal readiness (β = 0.308, p < 0.001) and technological support (β = 0.231, p < 0.001). Pedagogical support, technological support, and the digital environment and policies were positively associated with personal readiness. Significant indirect effects through readiness were observed for pedagogical support (β = 0.102), technological support (β = 0.097), and the digital environment and policies (β = 0.057). The model explained 33.6% of the variance in personal readiness and 49.6% in DLRC. The findings identified DLRC as a resource-focused component of professional digital competence and suggest that pedagogical design, accessible technology, institutional conditions, and teacher students’ readiness should be developed in coordination.
Downloads
References
Dolezal, D., Motschnig, R., & Ambros, R. (2025). Pre-service teachers’ digital competence: A call for action. Education Sciences, 15(2), Article 160. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020160
Falloon, G. (2020). From digital literacy to digital competence: The teacher digital competency framework. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68, 2449-2472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09767-4
Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 39-50. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224378101800104
Gudmundsdottir, G. B., & Hatlevik, O. E. (2018). Newly qualified teachers’ professional digital competence: Implications for teacher education. European Journal of Teacher Education, 41(2), 214-231. https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2017.1416085
Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2022). A primer on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) (3rd ed.). SAGE.
Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2015). A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43, 115-135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-014-0403-8
Instefjord, E. J., & Munthe, E. (2017). Educating digitally competent teachers: A study of the integration of professional digital competence in teacher education. Teaching and Teacher Education, 67, 37-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.05.016
Miao, F., & Holmes, W. (2023). Guidance for generative AI in education and research. UNESCO. https://doi.org/10.54675/EWZM9535
Ministry of Education and Training. (2025). Circular No. 02/2025/TT-BGDĐT dated January 24, 2025, prescribing the digital competency framework for learners. https://datafiles.chinhphu.vn/cpp/files/vbpq/2025/01/02-bgddt.pdf
Ministry of Education and Training. (2026). Circular No. 18/2026/TT-BGDĐT dated March 27, 2026, promulgating the digital competency framework for teachers and administrators of preschool, general, and continuing education institutions. https://datafiles.chinhphu.vn/cpp/files/vbpq/2026/4/18-bgddt.pdf
Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017-1054. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9620.2006.00684.x
Redecker, C., & Punie, Y. (2017). European framework for the digital competence of educators: DigCompEdu. Publications Office of the European Union. https://doi.org/10.2760/159770
Tondeur, J., van Braak, J., Sang, G., Voogt, J., Fisser, P., & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. (2012). Preparing pre-service teachers to integrate technology in education: A synthesis of qualitative evidence. Computers & Education, 59(1), 134-144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2011.10.009
Vuorikari, R., Kluzer, S., & Punie, Y. (2022). DigComp 2.2: The digital competence framework for citizens—with new examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes. Publications Office of the European Union. https://doi.org/10.2760/115376
Zhang, L., Yang, C., & Zheng, Y. (2026). Digital competence for sustainable education of pre-service teachers: A systematic literature review (2014-2024). Frontiers in Psychology, 16, Article 1710983. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1710983
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Vietnam Journal of Education

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.








