TITLE:
Exploring Digital Transformation in Educational Practices among Vocational College Administrators in Fujian, China
AUTHORS:
Hongxi Chen, Muhd Khaizer Omar
KEYWORDS:
Digital Transformation, Vocational Education, Educational Management, Teacher Digital Adaptation
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
14,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study investigates the challenges and struggles of digital transformation in higher vocational colleges in Fujian, China. Through semi-structured interviews with 17 mid- to senior-level administrators and qualitative coding using NVivo 14, four major themes emerged: (a) faculty adaptation and challenges, (b) enabling factors, (c) management practices, and (d) enhancement of teachers’ digital skills and industry-education integration practices. The findings reveal that administrators encounter significant adaptation pressures, including disparities in digital literacy, resistance from senior faculty, and inconsistent data standards. Successful transformation is driven by leadership commitment, resource allocation, data-driven decision-making, and pilot initiatives that promote cross-departmental collaboration. Despite these advancements, challenges remain due to limited data governance and standardization capacities. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers, administrators, and technology developers seeking to facilitate sustainable digital transformation in vocational education.