TEACHING IN THE AGE OF AI: DIGITAL COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS IN OMAN'S HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR

This study explores the competencies required by digital teachers to effectively leverage AI in fostering a future-ready classroom environment. It delves into competencies essential for teachers to harness the potential of AI. A descriptive analytical approach was employed to extract the required AI competency list and determine its importance. The study involved 26 teachers from the University of Technology and Applied Science in Oman. These participants were requested to complete a questionnaire designed to gather relevant data. The findings provide a comprehensive checklist of competencies necessary for seamless AI-enhanced teaching and serve as a valuable tool for training and guiding future digital teachers. The study revealed no significant differences in the perceived importance of AI competencies between teachers with less than 10 years of practical experience and those with 10 years or more of experience. This paper concludes that continuous professional development and targeted training are essential for all teachers to develop the necessary skills for an AI-enhanced education environment. Moreover, the study emphasizes the need for educational institutions to prioritize AI competency development in teacher training. Finally, it highlights the importance of a supportive infrastructure to help teachers stay updated with rapid AI advancement in education