Exploring Digital Empowerment of Teachers in Virtual Education: A Systematic Review

This study aimed to analyze the digital competencies of teachers in virtual education through a systematic review of existing literature. Using the scientific databases Web of Science and Scopus, relevant articles on digital skills, educational innovations, professional development, and teaching methods were extracted and analyzed. The selection criteria included articles published between January 2008 and December 2022 in peer-reviewed scientific journals and in English. Ultimately, 377 articles were selected and reviewed. The findings of this study indicated that the justifications for teachers' digital competencies fall into four main categories: the ability to face the challenges of the new digital society, enriching the teaching-learning process, developing students' digital skills, and promoting professional development using digital technologies. Additionally, teachers' digital competencies are divided into four main categories: technical skills, pedagogical applications in the teaching-learning processes, inclusion in professional development, and the ability to develop students' digital competencies.The review results showed that most teachers have adequate basic digital teaching skills, but there are more diverse outcomes in the pedagogical use of digital technologies. Some teachers exhibit high capability in designing learning activities involving technology, while others face significant challenges. This study highlights the need for more specialized and comprehensive training programs to enhance teachers' digital skills and offers suggestions for future research.