SELF-ASSESSMENT BY PHD STUDENTS OF THE LEVEL OF DIGITAL COMPETENCE

Introduction. The ability to plan and conduct research by using state-of-the-art of digital technologies and tools is one of the key elements of the professional practice of researchers at different career stages. At the same time, there is little work which focuses on the development of a systematic approach to the formation of the digital competence of PhD students. The article highlights the issue of PhD students' involvement in research work using digital technologies and tools. Purpose. The article aims to identify the level of digital competence of first-year PhD students by self-assessment survey tools and identify areas in which researchers at the initial stage of their careers need to improve their digital skills. Methods. The questionnaire developed by using DigComp 2.0 Framework dimensions was conducted to collect PhD students' responses. Also, respondents assessed the level of mastery of various software applications. A Likert-type scale was used to evaluate respondents' attitudes.Results. The results of the self-assessment of the level of digital competence formation by PhD students are presented. It was carried out during 2016-2021 as part of the course «Information and communication technologies in scientific research». It has been shown that PhD students' proficiency in using application software and digital communication tools was highly rated. However, they experience difficulties in using complex search strategies, content collaboration services, and internet and device security support. The results of the research can be used for the development and improvement of courses related to the using digital technologies in research. Originality. The original survey, which is based on the dimensions of DigComp 2.0, was used. The idea of a personalized digital scientific environment as a term describing the whole range of digital devices, services, and tools used by researchers, was proposed. Conclusions. The variety of modern digital technologies and tools creates a demand for continuous improvement of educational courses related to the digitalization of scientific research. An important element of such activity is the evaluation of the current level of the digital competence of PhD students as well as the identification of their needs and difficulties. The implementation of the obtained results creates the conditions to effectively re-building the structure of the course «ICT in scientific research « and to adapt the course content.