The impact of digital transformation on the quality of college English teaching: the mediating role of teachers' support

In higher education, digital transformation is reshaping pedagogical landscapes. This study focuses on its impact on the quality of college English teaching and the role of teachers' support as a mediating agent. This study revised existing evaluation index systems for digital transformation in education, teachers' support and college English teaching quality to align with the talent standards advocated by The World Economic Forum. These systems were incorporated into a research survey administered among 2,664 university English learners in China, utilizing a 43-item questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale. After meticulous screening, 1,882 valid questionnaires were retained. SPSS 27 was used for data analysis. Results reveal that digital transformation significantly enhances college English teaching quality, both subject-specific skills and soft skills, as well as hard skills. Teachers' support plays a mediating role between digital transformation and teaching quality, accounting for 56% of the total effect. The theoretical model offers a solid foundation for future research in English education domains, and the research results hold practical implications for both teachers and institutions seeking to leverage digital advancements for improved English teaching in the digital age.