Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Computer Use During a Field Experience

AbstractMany teacher education institutions prepare teachers to be “computer literate.” However, more discussions on providing opportunities to integrate technologies into teacher preparation are needed. This study attempted to identify the extent of computer integration in a field experience course in a teacher education program. The results indicated preservice teachers neither observe computer use nor use the computer as an instructional tool during a field experience. Preservice teachers reported a willingness to use computers but received no support in the field experience. The data provide information and direction in determining the preservice preparation needed for future teachers to gain practice in using the computer as an instructional tool in field experiences.