The effect of a professional development program on e-learning readiness and digital fluency: a study with higher education academics

Purpose This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a targeted professional development program in enhancing two critical competencies for higher education academics in the digital age: e-learning readiness and digital fluency.Design/methodology/approach This study used a pretest-posttest control group model within a quasi-experimental framework with 46 academics. The experimental group (n = 23) participated in a six-week training program, whereas the control group (n = 23) received no intervention. Data were collected using validated scales for e-learning readiness and digital fluency.Findings Findings demonstrated that the experimental group experienced considerable gains in both e-learning readiness and digital fluency scores. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the control group, providing strong evidence of the program's effectiveness.Originality/value Unlike most descriptive studies in the field, this study provides quasi-experimental evidence of program effectiveness regarding professional development interventions. It offers an empirically validated model from a T & uuml;rkiye higher education context, providing valuable insights for university administrators and policymakers internationally who are facing similar challenges.