“Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational.” George Couros
Recognising this transformative potential, we are thrilled to announce the updated Digital Teaching Professional Framework (DTPF). Aligned with the ETF Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers, as well as Leaders, and incorporating minor updates to the Jisc’s six elements of digital capability, this framework enables proactive support for the Further Education sector in delivering outstanding services and training. You can access the DTPF and associated resources at the bottom of this page, or learn more about the framework below.
The DTPF is a competency framework designed for teachers and trainers in the Further Education and Training sector. Developed by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) in collaboration with Jisc, it emphasises the fusion of effective pedagogy with technology to enhance learning. The framework is accompanied by free, online, bite-sized training modules that provide digital credentials. By utilising the Jisc Discovery tool alongside the DTPF, practitioners can identify their training needs and enhance their teaching and training practices.
The recent updates to the framework were prompted by changes.
The DTPF now cross-references five key models (instead of 3): ETF Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers, ETF Professional Standards for Aspiring Leaders, ETF Professional Standards for Middle Leaders, Jisc’s Digital Capabilities Framework, and EU Framework for Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu).
The addition of Hybrid Teaching expands the framework’s scope to cater to evolving instructional methods. Furthermore, the colour code for Performance Stage 3: Leading has been updated from yellow to fuchsia for enhanced accessibility.
While the framework is organised based on practitioners’ actions, it places a strong emphasis on advancing learning through technology. It recognises the importance of essential digital skills as a prerequisite for effective technology integration in teaching, learning, and assessment. The framework serves as the backbone for the ETF’s “EdTech CPD offer” a comprehensive solution launched in 2019 to support and recognise practitioners in developing their professional practice using technology.
The update of the DTPF follows a user-centered approach, involving collaborations with internal and external stakeholders. A cross-organisational working group was established internally to build upon the ETF’s existing Professional Standards and collaborate closely with Jisc. Valuable input from FE colleagues and educators ensured the relevance and practicality of the Hybrid Teaching element.
The framework is designed to support practitioners across the diverse areas of the Further Education and Training sector. It utilises clear and accessible language, avoiding jargon or obscure technological terms. While not explicitly tailored to specific contexts, most of the competencies described are relevant to practitioners throughout the sector. The framework’s full version primarily targets leaders, managers, and HR professionals, providing detailed activities and cross-referencing to other professional frameworks. A concise reference guide focused on competency statements is also available for practical use.
The DTPF empowers managers and practitioners by showcasing exemplary teaching with technology and providing comprehensive support for professional development. It assists HR staff in strategically incorporating digital skills into staff development plans and digital skills strategies.
Appendix B provides illustrations of how practitioners can utilise the framework through the SAMR model, which emphasises the progressive integration of technology to enhance and transform the teaching and learning process. By applying the SAMR model, educators can leverage technology to move beyond substitution and augmentation, reaching the transformational levels of modification and redefinition.
The DTPF outlines three competency levels: Exploring, Adopting, and Leading. These levels represent different stages of digital proficiency, with Leading reflecting the highest level of mastery. It’s important to note that practitioners may operate at different levels for different elements within the framework, acknowledging the diversity of skills and expertise across the sector.
The DTPF aligns and maps against recognised frameworks and standards in digital competence education. It harmonises with the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu), the ETF Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers (PST&T), the Professional Standards for Aspiring and Middle Leaders (PSAL and PSML), and Jisc’s Six Elements of Digital Capabilities. This alignment enables users to understand the relationships between the DTPF and these frameworks, fostering an integrated approach to digital teaching practice.
The updated Digital Teaching Professional Framework equips practitioners in the Further Education and Training sector to harness technology’s transformative potential in their teaching. By amalgamating sound pedagogy with effective technology integration, educators can create remarkable learning experiences. We encourage leaders, managers, and practitioners to engage with the framework, capitalise on the available training modules, and embark on a journey of professional growth and excellence in the digital age. Together, let us embrace technology as a tool in the hands of great teachers, revolutionising education and empowering learners in the Further Education and Training sector.
You can also learn more about the history of the DTPF.