This study explains the emergence of virtual classrooms as an online language learning (OLL) instruction method. There is clarification of how virtual classroom systems operate, followed by a discussion of the benefits of learning in these environments. Private corporations are capitalizing on OLL and generating an estimated global gross income of 86 billion USD. While these corporations likely create quality educational materials that are of interest to the student, the materials presented in these platforms are currently not regulated, and, while some companies follow CEFR guidelines, there is no guarantee whether they meet the standards of education boards in the public sector. We surveyed 35 OLL teachers who teach English in virtual classrooms for their perceptions and opinions in working in this environment. Not only did we discover that over 50 percent of the online teachers who participated have also been students, which is of interest because they have both teaching and learning experience in virtual classrooms, but also that these teachers generally believe that teaching English online in virtual classrooms creates a positive teaching environment for both the teacher and the student. The participants generally feel they get to know the students better in virtual classrooms than in other teaching environments. The teachers also perceive that students in virtual classrooms learn at the same rate or faster than in traditional classrooms and that, not only would they like to see more subjects offered online, but they also generally believe that online learning in virtual classrooms may be an alternative learning method to replace traditional classroom learning and home-schooling in most subjects. Continued attention should be paid to the educational opportunities in virtual classrooms, not just for OLL, but for the emergence of other curricula as well.

As technology rapidly transforms educational landscapes, the imperative for teachers to possess digital competence becomes increasingly vital. This paper explores the effectiveness of different approaches employed by teacher education programs in equipping preservice teachers with digital competence. The study categorizes these approaches into three main groups: direct, integrated, and modeling. Through an analysis based on the DigCompEdu framework, the study aims to explore the relationship between teacher training approaches and the development of preservice teachers' digital competences. A mixed-methods approach, including surveys and document analyses, was utilized, involving 399 preservice teachers and 84 teacher educators from various Lebanese teacher training programs. The results indicate that teacher educators' modeling plays a pivotal role in influencing preservice teachers' overall digital competence, surpassing the impact of both direct and integrated approaches. Recommendations include prioritizing digital professional development for teacher educators, revising curricula, addressing course design effectiveness, and enhancing both direct and integrated approaches. These insights aim to inform the design and improvement of teacher training programs to meet the evolving demands of digital education.

This study investigates the digital competence levels of Lebanese preservice and in-service teachers using the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu). The research aims to explore the existing gap in digital competence between these two groups through a cross-sectional descriptive survey, involving 170 in-service teachers and 194 preservice teachers from various undergraduate teacher training programs in Lebanon. The findings reveal significant differences between in-service and preservice teachers in all six competence areas and no significant difference per subject areas, with in-service teachers demonstrating higher overall digital competence compared to preservice teachers. The study draws attention to the need for improved practical training and targeted interventions in teacher education programs to better prepare preservice teachers for the digital demands of modern classrooms. The findings have implications for policy and practice, particularly in enhancing teacher training programs to meet the evolving digital needs of education.

The impact of digitalisation on everyday life has necessitated the need for learners to acquire digital competence as part of their education. In order to prepare students to become digital citizens, it has become necessary for teachers to acquire and implement digital competence in the classroom. This study applied the DigCompEdu framework to Lebanese schools and teachers to examine the digital competences of teachers and their alignment with Ministry of Education & Higher Education (MEHE) standards. This study followed a cross-sectional descriptive design and involved 170 in-service teachers in Lebanese schools. This study found that whilst schoolteachers’ practice meets all MEHE indicators, there is a significant need for training to schoolteachers in using digital tools and resources to promote collaboration in the learning process. The findings highlighted the importance of digital competences in schools and the need for ongoing training and support for teachers in this area.

This study investigates the digital competence levels of Lebanese student teachers and in-service teachers using the DigCompEdu framework. The study employs a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, analyzing data from 170 in-service teachers with varying years of experience and 399 student teachers across five academic years. Results indicate that in-service teachers consistently outperform student teachers in all six areas of digital competence, with the most substantial gap in Digital Resources. However, significant improvements in digital competence were observed among student teachers from the first to the third academic year. The study highlights the necessity for enhanced digital competence training in teacher education programs and continuous professional development for in-service teachers. Recommendations include embedding digital tools into curricula, providing hands-on training, fostering collaborative cultures, and regularly monitoring competence development. These findings emphasize the importance of preparing teachers to meet the digital demands of modern classrooms.