Introduction
The Challenge
The rapid advancement of digital technologies and artificial intelligence is transforming how adults learn, work, and live. Adult educators are at the forefront of this transformation, yet Singapore's adult education sector lacks a common definition of digital competence that addresses the unique needs of adult learners and the AI-driven future of work. Without a shared framework, adult educators cannot identify their skill gaps, access competency-aligned professional development, or progress systematically in their digital capabilities.
Purpose of This Framework
The AE Digital and AI Proficiency Taxonomy (ADAPT) establishes a national standard for digital competence specifically designed for adult educators in Singapore. It provides:
- A common language for discussing and developing digital competencies across the adult education sector
- A self-assessment tool for educators to identify gaps and target their professional development
- A progression pathway from foundational to advanced digital practice
- Alignment with international standards while addressing Singapore's unique context
Target Audience
This framework is designed for:
- Adult educators seeking to assess and develop their digital competencies
- Training providers designing professional development programmes
- Institutional leaders establishing digital competency standards
- Policy-makers guiding sectoral transformation
Guiding Principles
The framework is grounded in four principles:
Human-Centred AI Integration
Technology serves to enhance, not replace, the educator-learner relationship. Adult educators maintain agency and accountability in pedagogical decisions.
Andragogical Foundation
Recognising that adult learners are self-directed, bring rich prior experience, and are motivated by relevance to their professional and personal goals.
Ethical and Inclusive Practice
Ensuring digital technologies are used safely, ethically, and inclusively, with attention to accessibility, data privacy, and equity.
Lifelong Professional Growth
Supporting educators' continuous development as technology evolves, from foundational literacy to innovative leadership.
Scope
The framework addresses digital competence across four interconnected domains, each structured across three progression levels (Basic → Intermediate → Advanced), enabling educators to identify their current position and chart their development pathway.
Theoretical Foundations
This framework synthesises established international standards with competency design models to ensure rigour, relevance, and practical applicability.
Overarching Framework
TPACK — Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge
(Mishra & Koehler, 2006; Mishra, 2019; Mishra et al., 2023)
TPACK is one of the most widely cited frameworks for guiding educators' technology integration. It holds that effective practice requires the intersection of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge — later expanded to include contextual knowledge (Mishra, 2019) and re-examined for the age of generative AI (Mishra et al., 2023).
While TPACK's tool-agnostic nature makes it an enduring guide for technology integration, it was not designed to show educators how to progress from one proficiency level to another. ADAPT addresses this gap by translating TPACK's knowledge domains into a structured competency progression — ensuring every competency connects technology use to sound pedagogy and domain understanding. The international frameworks and design models below operationalise this vision.
International Frameworks
(EU, 2017)
(UNESCO, 2018)
(UNESCO, 2024)
Competency Design Models
Bloom's Revised Taxonomy
(Anderson & Krathwohl, 2001)
Ensures competency statements use cognitively appropriate action verbs:
- Basic: Remember, Understand, Apply
- Intermediate: Apply, Analyse, Evaluate
- Advanced: Evaluate, Create
Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition
(Dreyfus & Dreyfus, 1980)
Defines expected autonomy at each level:
- Basic: Novice → Advanced Beginner
- Intermediate: Competent → Proficient
- Advanced: Proficient → Expert
How to read the statements: Each competency statement begins with level-appropriate verbs (shown in bold in the tables below) and ends with qualifiers (shown in italics) that indicate the expected level of autonomy, support, and scope.
References
Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D. R. (Eds.). (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: A revision of Bloom's taxonomy of educational objectives . Longman.
Dreyfus, S. E., & Dreyfus, H. L. (1980). A five-stage model of the mental activities involved in directed skill acquisition (Report No. ORC 80-2). Operations Research Center, University of California, Berkeley.
Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017–1054. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9620.2006.00684.x
Mishra, P. (2019). Considering contextual knowledge: The TPACK diagram gets an upgrade. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 35(2), 76–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/21532974.2019.1588611
Mishra, P., Warr, M., & Islam, R. (2023). TPACK in the age of ChatGPT and generative AI. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 39(4), 235–251. https://doi.org/10.1080/21532974.2023.2247480
Redecker, C. (2017). European framework for the digital competence of educators: DigCompEdu (EUR 28775 EN). Publications Office of the European
Union. https://doi.org/10.2760/159770
UNESCO. (2018). UNESCO ICT competency framework for teachers (Version 3).
UNESCO. (2024). AI competency framework for teachers .
1. Teaching, Learning & Empowering Learners
Technology-enhanced andragogy for inclusive and learner-centred facilitation
1.1. Design & Planning
Designing and planning technology-enhanced learning experiences.
Basic
Applies established templates to plan technology-enhanced learning activities, using digital tools with guidance.
- Identifies digital tools that could be used for a specific part of a lesson, with guidance.
- Applies a mentor-provided lesson plan template to incorporate one digital or AI activity.
- Uses an accessibility checklist to ensure basic inclusivity when planning activities with AI tools.
Intermediate
Designs blended learning experiences independently, integrating diverse digital and AI strategies to adapt to learner needs.
- Sequences learning activities across multiple sessions, aligning AI tools with specific adult learning objectives independently.
- Selects and adapts digital resources, including AI-generated content, evaluating their pedagogical affordances and potential biases.
- Applies AI tools strategically to generate lesson ideas, create assessments, and personalise content for diverse adult learner needs.
Advanced
Architects innovative curriculum frameworks with authentic learning experiences that leverage AI, guiding peers through the design process and advancing professional practice.
- Appraises contemporary digital andragogies and advances new approaches within the professional community.
- Architects innovative, authentic learning activities enhanced by AI, guiding peers through the design process.
- Co-designs learning interventions with learners and colleagues, synthesising AI-gathered feedback to refine approaches.
1.2. Implementation & Facilitation
Basic
- Uses AI-powered presentation tools to present information to learners in supervised settings.
- Applies established communication protocols using digital channels, including AI chatbots, with guidance.
- Monitors learner participation indicators (e.g., attendance, submission status) in an LMS with supervisor support.
Intermediate
- Adapts facilitation approach mid-session based on real-time learner engagement data from AI analytics.
- Orchestrates interactive and collaborative learning activities across synchronous and asynchronous digital settings, integrating AI-powered tools.
- Facilitates asynchronous discussions and self-paced learning modules, using AI to personalise learner pathways.
Advanced
- Experiments with emerging AI-facilitation models (e.g., AI teaching assistants, adaptive pathways) and documents outcomes for institutional adoption.
- Guides fellow educators on digital and AI teaching strategies, modelling advanced facilitation techniques.
- Leads implementation of innovative digital and AI-enhanced teaching approaches across programmes.
1.3. Learner Engagement
Basic
- Uses AI-powered tools for question-and-answer sessions (e.g., AI chatbots, polls) following established protocols.
- Applies pre-designed collaborative activities with educator guidance and some AI support.
- Sets up simple collaborative tasks (e.g., contributing to a shared document with AI-generated prompts) using provided templates.
Intermediate
- Designs and facilitates structured collaborative projects, selecting appropriate digital tools.
- Designs gamified learning challenges using digital platforms, incorporating adaptive elements where available.
- Facilitates peer feedback processes using AI-powered tools to structure and enhance feedback quality.
Advanced
- Develops and experiments with new formats for online collaboration, including AI-facilitated discussions, supporting fellow educators in adoption.
- Enables learners to self-organise and manage their collaborative projects using AI tools for project management.
- Rigorously evaluates the effectiveness of collaborative strategies and AI tools, sharing findings with the professional community.
1.4. Support & Wellbeing
Basic
- Recognises signs of digital fatigue or AI anxiety in learners and refers them to appropriate support services.
- Directs learners to available support resources when they express concerns about digital overload or technology-related stress.
- Applies institutional policies for learner support and online safety.
Intermediate
- Selects digital tools and adapts teaching strategies to support learner wellbeing.
- Designs activities that develop learners' critical awareness of digital wellbeing and AI safety.
- Implements differentiated support strategies for learners with diverse needs in the digital environment.
Advanced
- Develops and evaluates institutional strategies for digital and AI wellbeing and inclusion.
- Coaches colleagues on creating safe and supportive online learning environments in the age of AI.
- Facilitates learner-led workshops where adult learners share digital wellbeing strategies with peers.
2. Assessment
Leveraging digital tools and AI for formative, summative, and personalised feedback
2.1. Design & Delivery
Designing and delivering digital and AI-enhanced assessments.
Basic
- Uses AI quiz generators to create simple assessments, applying provided templates and institutional guidelines.
- Applies a simple AI tool to create a quiz with standard question types (e.g., multiple-choice).
- Administers a given digital test following institutional guidelines.
Intermediate
- Combines multiple assessment methods (e.g., AI-generated quizzes, portfolios, peer review), selecting based on learning objectives.
- Configures AI assessment tools to provide immediate, scaffolded feedback adapted to learner needs.
- Selects and adapts digital assessment tools, including AI, to fit specific learning objectives and adult learner contexts.
Advanced
- Appraises the suitability and fairness of digital assessment tools, including potential biases.
- Develops new and innovative assessment formats that leverage AI capabilities.
- Serves as a source of inspiration and advice for colleagues on digital and AI-powered assessment.
2.2. Analytics & Feedback
Basic
- Accesses and uses the markbook feature of an LMS, following established procedures.
- Identifies which learners have completed assignments by examining LMS gradebook data.
- Provides generic, whole-class feedback based on areas for improvement identified by an AI tool.
Intermediate
- Analyses digital data from AI-powered dashboards to identify learner needs and adapt teaching interventions.
- Uses AI tools to provide specific and actionable feedback on learner work.
- Monitors learner progress over time using data from digital platforms, adapting support accordingly.
Advanced
- Scrutinises data generated by learning platforms and AI systems for validity and potential bias.
- Configures and customises learner-facing dashboards to translate AI analytics into actionable insights.
- Guides other educators on using AI-powered learning analytics to improve their practice.
2.3. Learner Participation
Basic
- Uses a digital platform for learners to submit assignments, applying institutional procedures.
- Responds to learner queries about assessment requirements using digital communication tools.
- Organises assessment materials and deadlines within the LMS for learner access.
Intermediate
- Implements structured peer-assessment activities using AI-powered digital tools.
- Facilitates learner self-assessment using AI-generated feedback as a starting point for reflection.
- Gathers learner input on assessment preferences and incorporates feedback into assessment design.
Advanced
- Facilitates learner-led rubric design sessions where adult learners define assessment criteria based on professional needs.
- Enables learners to choose their own assessment formats, including AI-generated artefacts.
- Establishes a culture where assessment is seen as a tool for learning, with AI as a supportive partner.
2.4. Ethical Data Use
Basic
- Verifies AI tool privacy settings before use to identify what learner data is collected.
- Applies established rules for handling learner data (e.g., not sharing passwords) when using AI platforms.
- Uses institutional platforms for storing and communicating about learner data.
Intermediate
- Implements strategies to protect learner data when using third-party digital tools.
- Communicates clearly and accurately to learners about how their data is used by AI systems.
- Anonymises or de-identifies learner data before using it for analysis.
Advanced
- Collaborates with technical specialists to audit AI assessment systems for bias, interpreting findings for educational implications.
- Formulates and advocates for institutional policies ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI use.
- Involves learners, colleagues, and stakeholders in continuous dialogue about data ethics and AI.
3. Digital Literacy & Resources
Creating, curating, and managing digital/AI resources, and fostering AI literacy
3.1. Digital & AI Literacy Development
Teaching learners foundational digital and AI literacy skills and developing their understanding of AI and emerging technologies.
Basic
- Demonstrates basic digital tools to learners (e.g., how to navigate an LMS, use video conferencing features).
- Explains what AI is through simple, everyday examples using provided resources.
- Describes the main benefits and risks of common digital technologies.
Intermediate
- Designs activities for learners to practise and reflect on their digital skills.
- Guides learners on using AI tools for specific purposes (e.g., brainstorming, studying, content creation).
- Facilitates learners' critical thinking about social and ethical implications of AI through structured analysis.
Advanced
- Architects learning programmes that progressively develop learners' digital innovation capabilities.
- Creates learning activities that help learners critically examine AI outputs and understand model limitations.
- Enables learners to become co-designers of digital solutions and responsible innovators with AI.
3.2. Critical Evaluation & Information Quality
Basic
- Applies basic checks to identify potential misinformation from any source, including AI, using provided frameworks.
- Demonstrates source evaluation process with learners using think-aloud protocols with guidance.
- Explains the importance of questioning the source of information before using it.
Intermediate
- Uses a set of criteria to evaluate the quality and reliability of digital resources systematically.
- Implements activities specifically designed to develop learners' critical evaluation skills for all types of media.
- Instructs learners on identifying different forms of bias and propaganda in online and AI-generated content.
Advanced
- Reflects critically on and develops new strategies for teaching information and AI literacy.
- Facilitates learner-led creation of evaluation toolkits (e.g., checklists, decision trees, verification guides) shared with peers.
- Advances professional discourse on challenges of misinformation and AI through publications or presentations.
3.3. Resource Selection & Curation
Basic
- Uses search engines to locate digital resources for a lesson.
- Selects resources based on their suitability for a specific activity, applying selection criteria.
- Bookmarks or saves resources, including AI tools, in a personal list for later use.
Intermediate
- Uses advanced search operators and evaluates AI-curated recommendations critically before adding to collections.
- Evaluates resources, including AI-generated content, against pedagogical and technical criteria.
- Organises and shares curated collections of resources with colleagues using appropriate tools.
Advanced
- Develops strategies for collaboratively curating, managing, and sustaining resource collections.
- Enriches the professional community by reviewing and sharing digital resources, including AI tools.
- Appraises and advises on the use of AI-powered curation tools and platforms.
3.4. Resource Creation
Basic
- Makes simple modifications to existing resources (e.g., editing a worksheet) using familiar tools.
- Uses basic features of common tools (e.g., presentation software with AI design suggestions).
- Attributes sources when using third-party content, including AI-generated elements, applying citation guidelines.
Intermediate
- Designs interactive resources by combining different formats (e.g., text, video, quizzes) with AI assistance.
- Adapts and remixes openly licensed resources, evaluating legal and ethical implications of AI-generated content.
- Applies accessibility principles to ensure resources are usable by all learners, using AI tools to assist.
Advanced
- Develops complex, high-quality, and innovative digital educational resources with AI.
- Models transparent human-AI collaborative resource creation, documenting the iterative process for professional sharing.
- Develops templates or guidelines to enable colleagues and learners to create resources responsibly with AI.
3.5. Ethics & Licensing
Basic
- Explains the difference between copyrighted and openly licensed content, acknowledging uncertainty around AI ownership.
- Attributes the source of third-party resources used in teaching, applying guidelines correctly.
- Informs learners when AI tools are being used in teaching or assessment, following institutional guidelines.
Intermediate
- Determines which licence to apply to their own resources, including AI-generated components.
- Implements strategies to instruct learners about copyright, licensing, academic honesty, and ethical AI use.
- Organises content systematically, applying appropriate copyright protocols and privacy protections.
Advanced
- Formulates and advocates for institutional policies on ethical use of copyrighted, openly licensed, and AI-generated resources.
- Develops strategies and resources to help colleagues and learners understand licensing in the age of AI.
- Serves as an expert advisor on complex copyright and licensing issues, including those surrounding AI.
3.6. Accessibility & Sustainability
Basic
- Explains what digital accessibility means to learners.
- Adds alt-text to images and captions to videos when creating or modifying resources, with guidance.
- Provides alternative formats for learners when requested, using AI tool assistance.
Intermediate
- Applies accessibility principles proactively in designing digital resources, using AI tools to assist.
- Uses accessibility checkers and other tools to ensure resources are compliant.
- Examines cultural relevance and inclusivity of resources, being mindful of biases in AI.
Advanced
- Evaluates AI tools using accessibility testing frameworks before recommending for institutional adoption.
- Coaches colleagues on creating accessible resources and inclusive learning environments with AI.
- Advances communities of practice focused on making digital resources more accessible.
4. Professional Engagement
How adult educators use digital and AI tools for collaboration, communication, reflection, and professional development
4.1. Collaboration & Networking
Using technology-enhanced platforms to connect with peers, share resources, and build professional communities.
Basic
- Uses email, chat, or standard collaboration tools to communicate with colleagues.
- Joins an online community or forum focused on AI in adult education, reading posts to stay informed.
- Participates in online professional communities by reading discussions and responding within their expertise area.
Intermediate
- Shares resources and information about AI with others in online communities.
- Collaborates with peers on shared projects using digital tools, including AI for brainstorming or co-writing.
- Provides and incorporates constructive feedback in a professional network.
Advanced
- Initiates, facilitates, and sustains online communities of practice focused on AI in education.
- Leads collaborative projects to create and share resources about AI with a wider community.
- Reflects critically on and develops strategies for effective online collaboration with AI tools.
4.2. Professional Learning & Growth
Basic
- Applies recommendations from a supervisor to attend a specific webinar on AI in education.
- Describes their digital competence needs, including AI skills, to a peer or mentor.
- Learns from colleagues through informal digital exchanges (e.g., discussion threads, shared resource comments).
Intermediate
- Selects and participates in online courses or communities to address a self-identified skill gap in AI.
- Completes self-selected online courses on AI in education, applying new concepts and documenting lessons learned.
- Curates and shares useful professional learning resources about AI with their immediate team.
Advanced
- Appraises and advances contemporary digital andragogies, including ethical use of AI.
- Architects and leads innovative professional learning programmes on AI for other educators.
- Guides other educators and serves as an expert source on digital and AI education practices.
4.3. Reflection & Leadership
Basic
- Uses digital notes or a simple document to record thoughts after a lesson.
- Describes the strengths and areas for improvement of a digital tool used.
- Searches periodically for their professional digital footprint to monitor their online presence.
Intermediate
- Maintains a digital portfolio or reflective blog with evidence of practice, including AI use.
- Uses data from digital platforms and AI tools (e.g., LMS analytics) to inform reflection.
- Shares reflections and discusses challenges with a professional peer group.
Advanced
- Develops and implements strategies for collaborative, data-informed reflection within a team using AI tools.
- Disseminates reflective case studies of AI implementation, presenting at conferences, publishing in professional outlets, or leading institutional showcases.
- Coaches colleagues in developing their own systematic reflective practices with AI.
4.4. Ethical Engagement
Basic
- Attributes ownership of digital content (e.g., citing sources) applying guidelines.
- Safeguards their own and others' personal data by using basic security measures.
- Maintains a clear distinction between personal and professional digital profiles.
Intermediate
- Selects digital tools consciously based on their ethical implications.
- Implements strategies to promote respectful and inclusive online behaviour among learners.
- Guides learners in understanding the ethical dimensions of using digital tools.
Advanced
- Appraises emerging ethical challenges related to AI and advances professional discourse.
- Formulates and advocates for institutional policies promoting digital ethics, equity, and safety in the age of AI.
- Coaches colleagues in navigating complex ethical dilemmas in their digital practice with AI.
Comprehensive Glossary