1. General Information
- Project Title: Developing Digital Competencies for Students at Universities in the Northern Mountainous Region in the Context of Digital Transformation
- Project Code: B2023-TNA-03
- Project Leader: Associate Professor Dr. Ha Thi Kim Linh
Email: linhhtk@tnue.edu.vn Phone: +84 982 207 398
Host Institution: Thai Nguyen University
Project Duration: 24 months
2. Research Objectives
Based on a theoretical investigation of digital competency development for university students, and an analysis and evaluation of the current status of digital competency development at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region in the context of digital transformation, this project aims to propose measures to enhance students' digital competencies. The proposed measures are expected to contribute to improving the quality of higher education and training, while meeting the current requirements of educational innovation and international integration.
3. Novelty and Innovation
* Developed a theoretical framework for the development of digital competencies among university students.
* Assessed the current status of digital competency development for students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam.
* Proposed six measures to enhance digital competencies for students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam.
* Evaluated the proposed measures in terms of their necessity and feasibility and piloted one measure for developing digital competencies among students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam.
4. Research Results
1. A theoretical foundation for the development of digital competencies among university students has been established.
2. The current status of digital competencies among students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam has been assessed.
3. The current status of digital competency development for students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam has been evaluated.
4. Six measures for developing digital competencies among students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam have been proposed.
5. The necessity and feasibility of the proposed measures have been examined, and one measure has been piloted to evaluate its effectiveness in developing students' digital competencies at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam.
5. Research Outputs
5.1. Scientific Publications
5.1.1. International Journal Article (01 Scopus Q3 Article)
[1] Linh Thi Kim Ha1, Thu Thi Kim Dam*, Huyen Thi Thanh Nguyen, Nga Thi Duong (2026), Digital Competence Formation in Teacher Education Programs: A Study from Northern Mountainous Vietnam, Journal of Curriculum and Teaching; Vol 15, No 1 (2026); pp.214-226; Doi: https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v15n1p214; Scopus Q3.
5.1.2. Domestic Journal Articles (02 Articles)
[2] Ha, T. K. L. (2025). The current status of Digital competence among Pre-service teachers: An Empirical study at Thai Nguyen University of Education. Journal of Education and Society, Special Issue, May 2025, pp. 299–304. ISSN 1859-3917.
[3] Linh Thi Kim Ha1, Thu Thi Kim Dam*, Huyen Thi Thanh Nguyen, Nga Thi Duong (2025). Developing Digital Competence for Pre-service Teachers: An Approach Based on the Influencing Factors of the Digital Higher Education Environment. Journal of Science and Technology – Thai Nguyen University. Available at: https://jst.tnu.edu.vn/jst/article/view/13321.
5.1.3. National Conference Proceedings with ISBN (01 Paper)
[4] Linh Thi Kim Ha1, Thu Thi Kim Dam*, Nga Thi Duong & Thao Thi Phuong Dang (2025). Enhancing Digital Competence for School Administrators in the Context of Digital Transformation. Proceedings of the National Scientific Conference, pp. 696–710. ISBN: 978-632-02-0479-3.
5.1.4. Supervision of Undergraduate Student Research Projects (03 Projects)
[1] Hoang Quynh Ngan & Tuong Thi Lam Trang (2024). Digital Competence of Students at Thai Nguyen University of Education: An Empirical Study. Undergraduate Student Research Project, Academic Year 2023-2024. Project Evaluation Result: Excellent.
[2] Dao Minh Thuan (2026). Application of Artificial Intelligence in Learning and Scientific Research among Students at Thai Nguyen University of Education. Undergraduate Student Research Project, Academic Year 2025-2026. Project Evaluation Result: Excellent.
[3] Le Thi Tra Giang (2026). Awareness of Online Scams among Students at Thai Nguyen University of Education. Undergraduate Student Research Project, Academic Year 20252026. Project Evaluation Result: Excellent.
5.1.5. Reference Book
“Developing Digital Competence for University Students: Theory and Practice”. Chief Editor: Ha Thi Kim Linh. Co-authors: Dam Thi Kim Thu, Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, and Duong Thi Nga.
5.2. Training Outputs
Supervision of Master's Theses (03 Theses)
[1] Le Thi Diem Quynh (2025). Teaching the Module “Applications of Mathematics in Financial Contexts” toward Developing Digital Competence for Grade 12 Students. Master's Thesis, Thai Nguyen University of Education, Thai Nguyen University.
[2] Cu Minh Son (2025). Management of Digital Competence Development for Students at Thai Nguyen University: A Case Study of the Ha Giang Campus. Master's Thesis, Thai Nguyen University of Education, Thai Nguyen University.
[3] Le Van Loc (2026). Management of Digital Competence Professional Development for Lower Secondary School Teachers in Que Vo Town, Bac Ninh Province. Master's Thesis, Thai Nguyen University of Education, Thai Nguyen University.
Supervision of Undergraduate Graduation Thesis (01 Thesis)
[4] Tuong Thi Lam Trang (2025). Developing Digital Competence for Students at Thai Nguyen University of Education. Undergraduate Graduation Thesis in Education, Thai Nguyen University of Education, Thai Nguyen University.
5.3. Application Outputs
A Digital Competence Descriptor Framework for university students.
A Survey Instrument for Assessing Digital Competence among students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam.
A Report on the Current Status of Digital Competence among students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam.
A Training and Resource Package for Developing Digital Competence for students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam in the context of digital transformation.
6. Technology Transfer, Application Sites, and Expected Impacts and Benefits of the Research Results
6.1. Technology Transfer Method
The research outputs will be transferred by the Principal Investigator to universities located in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam for implementation and dissemination.
6.2. Application Sites
The research results are intended for application at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam.
In addition, the research findings and outputs will serve as valuable reference materials for undergraduate students, master's students, and doctoral candidates in the fields of Education and Educational Management.
6.3. Expected Impacts and Benefits of the Research Project
6.3.1. Contributions to Education and Training
The research outcomes will enrich the theoretical and empirical knowledge base on digital competence development for students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam by:
Establishing a theoretical framework for developing digital competence among university students in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam;
Providing a comprehensive assessment of the current status of digital competence development among students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam;
Proposing practical measures for enhancing digital competence among university students in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam;
Producing one reference book and a teacher guidance resource on digital competence development for students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam.
Therefore, the research findings will serve as valuable references for the design and implementation of activities aimed at developing digital competence among students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam.
6.3.2. Contributions to Related Fields of Science and Technology
The project contributes an in-depth study on digital competence development for students at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam, thereby enriching the existing body of knowledge in this field.
The research findings have been disseminated through reputable national academic journals and an international journal, creating opportunities for expanding research collaboration with universities and research centers in Vietnam and abroad.
6.3.3. Contributions to Socio-economic Development
The research outcomes contribute to strengthening and enhancing the digital competence of students enrolled at universities in the Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam. They also provide practical evidence for the effective implementation of digital competence development measures for both students and lecturers at universities in the region, thereby supporting digital transformation and improving the quality of higher education.
6.3.4. Benefits for the Host Institution and Organizations Applying the Research Results
The research findings provide a scientific basis for higher education institutions to develop and implement strategies for enhancing students' digital competence.
In addition, the project offers training resources for students and lecturers and contributes a reference book to enrich the academic resources available to lecturers, graduate students, and undergraduate students at Thai Nguyen University of Education who are engaged in research and practice related to digital competence development for university students.
