Preservice Teachers and Cognitive Literacy Skills

Technology in education is raising unprecedented levels of new concerns for educators. Perhaps one of the greatest challenges is building college students’ advanced literacy and technical skills, especially those of preservice teachers. In dealing with technology issues, educators and policy makers are faced with problematic decisions about how to attract, sustain, and prepare students for careers and living in an increasingly technological society (Prager, 1993). Educators need direction for retooling to restructure instructional approaches to help entering students develop knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this ever-changing environment (Lieberman & Linn, 1991). Though educators embrace the emphasis on high-quality education, they may have justifiable concerns about teaching new and more challenging subject matter to students who need to develop advanced literacy skills to improve achievement (Palumbo & Reed, 1991).