Pathways and outcomes of digital transformation in Chinese vocational colleges

Abstract

With the advent of the digital era, Chinese vocational colleges are undergoing significant digital transformation aimed at reshaping technical and skilled talent training models. This paper employs a case analysis method to investigate the pathways and outcomes of digital transformation in these institutions. From four perspectives—policy support, infrastructure development, digital teaching resource creation and application, and the enhancement of teachers' and students' digital competencies—this study examines the practical experiences and achievements of vocational colleges in their digital transformation, complemented by real-world cases. The findings reveal that national policies provide solid strategic guidance and essential resource allocation for digital transformation efforts. Infrastructure upgrades substantially improve the digital learning environment, thereby advancing educational modernization. Furthermore, innovative digital teaching resource applications promote learning flexibility and interactivity. Finally, systematic training and practice have markedly elevated the digital skills of teachers and students, optimizing teaching quality and learning outcomes. By analyzing typical cases, this paper summarizes best practices for digital transformation in vocational education and offers recommendations for future progress.