Study of the Initial Level of Digital Competence and Logical-Mathematical Preparation of Students, Future Teachers at the Faculty of Education, Trakia University

Abstract

This article presents a study of the initial level of digital competence and logical-mathematical preparation of students, future teachers at the Faculty of Education, Trakia University. The relevance of the issue under consideration is related to the preparation of students for studying computer modelling as a university course and for the subsequent use of digital technologies in their pedagogical practice. To establish their general initial digital skills, the self-assessment section of the online tool Test your digital skills was used. The data obtained were supplemented by aggregated results from some of the remaining questions in the test, which assess knowledge and skills related to general information and communication technology (ICT) literacy. Logical-mathematical preparation was examined through mathematical tasks for an initial assessment, solved without using the Scratch environment. They do not require prior knowledge of the environment but are related to mathematical knowledge and skills that are applied when working with its basic blocks. The results make it possible to identify both the strengths in the initial preparation of the students and the areas in which difficulties are observed. The conclusions drawn can be used in planning the course content and organizing the teaching of computer modelling.