Training Programs For Development of Digital Skills and Remote Teachers’ Wellbeing

This paper examines the specifics of training programs dedicated to devel-opment of digital skills and wellbeing of teachers. Traditional wellbeing pro-grams for educators have historically centered on concepts like mindfulness, compassion, and resilience, with proven benefits in reducing stress and burnout. However, the rapid digital transformation of education, accelerated by the need for remote teaching, introduces new challenges, determining a shift towards interdisciplinary training. The paper highlights the similarities and differences between conventional wellbeing interventions and newer, broader programs that integrate wellbeing modules alongside the development of essential competencies. A key con-text for this analysis is the recently published EU framework for digital com-petencies, DigComp 3.0, which connects wellbeing with the digital transfor-mation of education by emphasizing AI integration, cybersecurity, and digital citizenship. The authors also present a case study on the EU-funded VirtualEdu project, which aims to upskill remote educators, managers, and workers. The pro-ject's skill gap analysis revealed that remote educators face challenges in time management, personal interaction, and effective online communication, with a corresponding need for digital skills like online safety, data literacy, and effective use of digital technologies for teaching and feedback. By creating a bridge between these two training categories, the paper pro-vides a scientific rationale for integrated programs that address both digital proficiency and wellbeing to mitigate issues like technostress and enhance professional effectiveness.