Student teachers' use of computers during teaching practice in primary classrooms

Abstract

It is argued that teacher readiness is crucial to realisation of national goals for educational computer use and that preparation of student teachers can make an important contribution. This study investigated student teachers' dispositions towards computers and their use of computers in primary school classrooms during a final year practicum. The student teachers generally viewed computers positively but lacked confidence in their knowledge of computers. While they were nervous about using computers in classrooms almost two thirds did use a computer at least once during a four week practicum and were more likely to do so if the supervising teacher modelled such use. The most frequently experienced problems in using computers were organisational. Based on the findings of this study it is suggested that preservice courses should focus on pedagogical issues associated with computer use and should provide students with opportunities to observe and practise classroom computing.