Preparing Preservice Teachers for Technology and Digital Media Integration: Implications for Early Childhood Teacher Education Programs

Abstract

Technology and digital media are now embedded in children’s daily lives and can have significant impact on children’s early development and learning. Preparing early childhood teachers to integrate a variety of technologies into classroom practices can be challenging. This study explores perceptions of preservice teachers about technology integration into their educational programs and assesses their satisfaction with such preparation. A total of 192 preservice teachers participated in this study. Data were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Results indicated that preservice teachers held positive perceptions of the importance of technology and digital media integration in early childhood classrooms. However, their satisfaction with their preparation for technology integration into classrooms was less positive. Knowledge needs indicated by the preservice included learning more about technology integration in practice, and how to engage children in activities using technology and digital media. Based on the overall findings, it seems that teacher education programs need to develop stronger curricula that address these concerns so that future teachers are more confident and able to support children’s learning through integration of technologies into their teaching practice.