Teacher digital competence in the use of virtual simulations: STEM teachers' perception

Teacher digital competence and its improvement play a prominent role in the current educational context. Virtual simulations are one of the main digital resources for effectively learning science and developing inquiry skills in STEM areas, being essential the role of the teacher in their efficient use in the classroom. The objectives of this work are to measure the perception of teaching digital competence in the use of virtual simulations, as well as to analyze the results based on sociodemographic, use and training variables. A quantitative study has been carried out through descriptive, correlational and associative analysis, with 500 STEAM teachers of Secondary Education. The results show an average self-perception value in the different dimensions of the competence. No significant differences were found in gender, age, years of teaching experience, or training received, but there were differences regarding their knowledge area, the frequency of use of virtual simulations in class, and the perceived need for training. It is concluded that there is a need for significant training in the use of virtual simulations, mainly highlighting training in the search and selection of appropriate simulations.