EU security and defence students’ perception and use of digital competencies in higher education

The use of digital tools in teaching and learning has become increasingly common in recent years. Even prior to 2020, their usage was steadily growing, but the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the early part of the current decade significantly accelerated their adoption. This trend has persisted even as the virus is no longer a pressing emergency, indicating that certain changes will have a lasting impact. Utilizing digital tools in education offers advantages, but it also presents challenges. Transitioning from using computers and other devices for everyday purposes to incorporating them into educational contexts is not as straightforward. In this research, we examine how students perceive higher education during the transition prompted by the pandemic. We conducted a survey among military and civilian students enrolled in security and defence studies, focusing on their experiences and perceptions as they undergo significant changes in their educational routines. Analysis of the questionnaire revealed that students encountered difficulties in various aspects, including establishing connections with teachers and experiencing the same level of engagement when unable to interact with them in person. An increase in the students’ perception of digital competencies was detected. This research is part of the activities undertaken in the European project DIGICODE, which aims to enhance the quality of education in security and defence by promoting the proper use of digital tools and fostering the development of digital competencies among both students and teachers.