Didactics in technology

DiKoLAT - Digitization-related skills for the teaching of technology-related subjects

An orientation model for educational institutions and teachers in the first, second and third phases

As part of the MINT-ProNeD joint project, a cross-location working group was formed from the technology didactics departments of the PH Freiburg, the RPTU Kaiserslautern and the University of Stuttgart. The aim was an interdisciplinary exchange on adapting the DiKoLAN orientation framework to technology-related subjects. The result of the intensive didactic discourse is the so-called DiKoLAT competence model, which represents a coherent concept for the integration of digital technologies in the initial, further and continuing training of teachers in technology-related subjects.

The DiKoLAT comprises eight different areas of competence, which are supplemented by basic technical skills and framed by ethical, legal and social frameworks. The competence areas range along a continuum from general to more specialized competencies:

  • Documentation
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Visualization and presentation
  • Data processing
  • Research and evaluation
  • Modeling and simulation
  • Measurement and data acquisition
  • Development and construction

For each competence area, competence expectations have been formulated in three requirement areas (reflecting and advising, applying and implementing, naming and describing). The graphic illustration of the DiKoLAT competency model can be found next to the text.

Further information on the DiKoLAT competence model can be found in the current publications:

  • Tabular representation of the DiKoLAT competence model:
    Boheim, A., Schäfer, P., Brändle, M., Zinn, B., van Waveren, L. & Stemmann, J. (2025). Digitization-related competences for the teaching profession of technology-related subjects: A model for orientation for educational institutions and teachers of the first, second and third phase. Available at: https://doi.org/10.18419/opus-16369
  • Theoretical background and conception of the DiKoLAT competence model (publication in Q1 2026):
    Schäfer, P., Boheim, A., Brändle, M., Stemmann, J., Zinn, B. & van Waveren, L. (in revision). DiKoLAT - Digitization-related competencies for the teaching profession in the technical sciences. In K. Scheiter, D. Richter, D. Pittich & L. Halbrock (Eds.), Competence Centers for Digitally Supported School and Teaching Development - MINT Competence Center. Waxmann.