Are our preservice teachers prepared to teach in a digital age?
Abstract: Preparing teachers to teach in a digital age requires modeling the use of Web 2.0 technologies in our teacher preparation programs. This research project examined the impact that immersion in technology-rich, pedagogy courses in the area of social studies education had on student teachers’ willingness to use these tools in their practice teaching. Student teacher responses to surveys and interview questions both during their course work and their student teaching showed increased knowledge and skill as well as confidence in and comfort with using a variety of technology tools following their course experiences. However unanticipated challenges faced during student teaching including poorly equipped schools and lack of technologically experienced mentor teachers detracted from the student teachers’ ability to realize its full potential. Both education faculty and school districts must work together in this area if student teachers are to be adequately prepared for teaching with technology.
Presider: Kasongo Kalanda, Lesotho College of Education