Digital competence of EFL teachers in virtual learning environments: teachers perceptions

Abstract

Developing digital skills for teaching English as a foreign language EFL offers significant benefits to both teachers and students, as it fosters active participation. Furthermore, the use of digital tools motivates students in their self-directed learning and encourages teachers to fully engage them in their activities. Understanding teachers' digital skills and their perspectives on this topic is of paramount importance. Therefore, this research aims to explore teachers' perceptions of their digital competence in virtual learning environments for teaching EFL at Santa Elena Peninsula State University during the 2026 academic year. The research involves a sample of English teachers from the National Pedagogy and Foreign Languages program and will be conducted using qualitative research methods, such as individual interviews. The project seeks to gather detailed information on teachers' perceptions of their digital skills and how they utilize them in virtual learning environments. The research results will serve as a reference for the development of programs that promote learning in virtual environments and the development of digital skills in both students and teachers of English as a foreign language EFL