The PDC Ladder for Teacher Education: A Three-Tiered Framework for Digital Competence Integration

Published in EDEN Europe 2025, 2025

Poster Abstract

This poster introduces the PDC Ladder for Teacher Education, a visual and conceptual model that distinguishes digital competence at three interconnected levels: pupils, teachers, and teacher educators. Based on Starkey’s model for teachers’ Professional Digital Competence and extended through Uerz et al.’s emphasis on modeling and metacommunication, the framework supports a clearer understanding of the complex role teacher educators play in preparing future teachers for the digital age.

🔗 Resources

👣 What teacher educators can do

Make digital competence visible. Think aloud. Invite reflection. Show the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’.

  • 🎙️ Comment on tool choices during teaching
  • Ask meta-questions in feedback and supervision
  • 🧾 Share your digital decision-making transparently
  • 📽️ Model your own digital practices with recordings or examples
  • 📝 Embed reflection into assignments
  • ⚖️ Highlight real dilemmas (e.g., privacy vs. participation)

This poster is part of the ongoing research and development on digital competence and teacher education by Sigrun Lindaas Norhagen. All resources are shared under a Creative Commons license unless otherwise noted.

Recommended citation: Norhagen, Sigrun Lindaas. "The PDC Ladder for Teacher Education: A Three-Tiered Framework for Digital Competence Integration" EDEN Europe 2025.
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