Technology Competency and Computer Attitudes of Pre-service Teachers
Abstract: Technology competency is important for teachers to prepare for the 21st century classrooms. Yet pre-service teachers enter colleges of education with a wide range of technology competency levels. The purpose of this study was to predict pre-service teachers’ technology competency. Multiple factors were examined, including gender, computer usage, and computer attitudes. Data were collected via survey and tests from over 300 students enrolled in a teacher education program at a mid-western university. Multiple regression analysis will be used to examine the significance of each factor and develop a model for predicting technology competency among pre-service teachers. Results of the study have implications for identifying facilitators and barriers in acquiring technology competency among pre-service teachers and improving teacher education programs accordingly to prepare them for integrating technology in the classroom.