DIGITAL COMPETENCE AS A KEY COMPONENT OF MODERN TEACHER EDUCATION

The rapid digitalization of education has transformed the roles and responsibilities of teachers worldwide. Digital competence has become an essential component of teacher education, enabling educators to effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning processes. This study examines the significance of digital competence in modern teacher education and its impact on instructional effectiveness, professional development, and student learning outcomes. Using a qualitative literature-based approach, the research analyzes contemporary frameworks of digital competence and identifies key challenges associated with its development. The findings indicate that teachers with strong digital competencies demonstrate greater pedagogical flexibility, technological adaptability, and capacity for innovative teaching practices. The study concludes that the integration of digital competence into teacher education programs is crucial for preparing educators to meet the demands of twenty-first-century learning environments.