Twenty years later, I decided to learn piano. As a former science teacher with three degrees and years of experience helping students learn the basics of scientific concepts, becoming a novice again has been humbling. I quickly realized that learning piano wasn’t just about pressing keys—it’s developing a complex set of interconnected competencies.
This journey into unfamiliar territory revealed something fascinating about how we develop new abilities—something I now recognize as the anatomy of competency.
My piano journey required specific competencies: knowledge of music theory and note reading; skills like finger positioning and hand independence; and mindsets that embraced mistakes, celebrated small victories, and maintained curiosity even when progress seemed slow. What struck me most was how these elements formed a continuous cycle of growth—my expanding knowledge enhanced my practice, which sharpened my skills, which reinforced positive mindsets.
This experience has transformed how I think about digital competencies in today’s world. Just as playing piano isn’t simply about pressing the right keys, digital competency isn’t merely about clicking the right buttons.
As someone who has worked with students, teachers, instructional coaches, school leaders, IT staff, district leaders, and more, I have seen examples of how and why digital competencies within Digital Promise’s K-12 Digital Equity Framework ultimately allow everyone to use technology effectively for full participation in a digitally driven society.
Let’s zoom into a digital competency for teachers as an example.
One digital competency is “Learning Design: The ability to design instructional plans that activate the principles of Powerful Learning propelled by technology.”
Like learning piano, this requires a complex interplay of several elements such as (but not limited to):
Digital competencies show us that effective technology integration isn’t about checking boxes—it’s developing a holistic capacity, combining technical knowledge with pedagogical abilities and professional mindsets. Digital competency represents one of five domains within Digital Promise’s comprehensive K-12 Digital Equity Framework. Together, these domains create a roadmap for ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our digital society.
When teachers develop these competencies, technology becomes not just a tool, but a catalyst for truly powerful learning experiences that reach every student in the classroom. Just as my piano playing improves when my knowledge, skills, and mindsets work in harmony, a teacher’s ability to create powerful learning experiences flourishes when all components of digital competency align.
Are you ready to deepen your understanding of digital competencies? Start by reflecting on your own learning journey in a new area—what elements beyond just knowledge and skills were critical to your success? Consider forming a professional learning community focused on developing one specific digital competency. Share strategies, observe others in practice, and provide feedback as you collectively build your capacity to integrate technology in meaningful ways.
Want to learn more about other domains of the Digital Equity Framework? Read our blog posts about Leadership for Digital Transformation and Consistent Access to Devices and Connectivity to gain a more comprehensive understanding of what it takes to achieve digital equity for all learners.
