STEAM TECHNOLOGIES AS A MEANS OF FORMING DIGITAL COMPETENCIES OF FUTURE IT PROFESSIONALS IN THE CONTEXT OF CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Abstract

The article substantiates the role of STEAM technologies as an effective means of forming the digital competencies of future IT professionals in the context of continuing professional education. The relevance of the study is driven by digitalization, the rapid development of artificial intelligence, and Industry 4.0 technologies, which require IT specialists to possess not only technical expertise but also creative, engineering, and analytical skills. The paper highlights existing contradictions between labour market demands and the traditional content of education, the fragmented implementation of digital technologies, and the insufficient readiness of teachers to apply the STEAM approach.
An analysis of interpretations of the concept of "digital competence" in scholarly sources and regulatory documents (the Concept for the Development of Digital Competencies, DigComp) is carried out. Its structure is defined as comprising technical competence (proficiency in digital tools), information and organizational competence (searching, analyzing, and creating data), and communication competence (interaction and digital ethics). It is emphasized that the formation of these competencies requires integrated, interdisciplinary learning that combines knowledge from the natural sciences, ICT, engineering, design, and mathematics.
The educational and professional program of Specialty 121 "Software Engineering" at the Separate Structural Unit "Professional College of Electronic Devices of IFNTUOG" is analyzed. It is established that the Technology component (programming, networks, databases, cybersecurity) is implemented most fully, while the Engineering, Science, and Mathematics components are implemented partially; the Arts component is represented to a limited extent (Computer Graphics), which results in the predominance of the STEM model.
It is concluded that the STEAM approach has significant potential for developing the digital competencies of future IT professionals in professional colleges. Strengthening the arts and design component, integrating project-based activities, UI/UX and media technologies, and improving the methodological training of teachers are identified as priority areas for further development.

Received: December 12, 2025
Accepted: December 29, 2025
Published: January 16, 2026