Design and development of a digital transformation plan for a Spanish university based on an EDR process
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Keywords:
higher education, digital transformation, digital competence in teaching, EDR, DigCompEdu
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Abstract
The increasing digitisation, coupled with concurrent societal changes at all levels, requires higher education institutions to respond and adapt in a timely manner. While actions and initiatives have been implemented, the rate of these changes necessitates a strategic and evidence-based approach that engages institutions and relevant stakeholders, particularly in regard to the development of digital competence among teaching staff, which is a crucial element. However, there is still a lack of evidence in the academic literature concerning the development of institutional approaches to digital transformation. This study presents a case study of a Spanish university, where the Educational Design Research (EDR) methodology was employed to design a digital transformation proposal with a particular emphasis on the development of digital competence in teaching. A comprehensive description of the process is provided, including the various iterations and validations conducted during the process, based on a sample of approximately 700 participants involved in the different stages. Among the aspects highlighted is the importance of approaching these changes from an institutional, multi-level perspective, involving different actors. To conclude, a set of valuable design principles for higher education institutions are outlined.
Supporting agencias
- Erasmus+ Project (101082408) DigiUGov: Digitalization meets University Governance.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Virginia Viñoles Cosentino, Francesc M. Esteve-Mon , Jordi Adell-Segura

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