Research into students' ICT competencies and their use in ICT at selected universities : a Polish-Czech comparative study

Abstract

Due to the occurring changes, teaching qualifications cannot be assumed as unchangeable, nor can a permanent list of required pedagogical competences be established. Therefore, what is necessary is appropriate preparation of students – future teachers. This is associated with increasing the effectiveness of teacher training and with the need of lifelong education, which is a requirement of modern times. In this situation, the studies aimed at diagnosing students’ competences gain particular significance. They can enable verification and implementation (still at the stage of university studies) of some classes which will ensure optimal professional and social functioning of future teachers. The studies discussed in the article were conducted in 2014-2015 within the IRNet project: International research network for study and development of new tools and methods for advanced pedagogical science in the field of ICT instruments, e-learning and intercultural competences in Poland, University of Silesia Faculty of Ethnology and Education in Cieszyn, and in the Czech Republic, University of Ostrava, Pedagogical Faculty. The research aimed at specifying the level of information-communication, intercultural and technological (ICT) competences which Polish and Czech students acquire in the course of education.