Pre-service teacher education, the period when future teachers are still in training, is a key time to prepare them to use technology well in their classrooms. This guide is for teacher educators, education professionals, and student teachers. It covers four best practices for building technology skills during teacher training and four groups of digital tools that future teachers can learn to use.
On this page 6 sections
Why technology matters in teacher training
Technology keeps changing quickly, and it plays a growing role in education. Teacher education programs therefore face a challenge: they must prepare future teachers for classrooms where technology is part of everyday teaching and learning. Building these skills before teachers enter service helps them start their careers ready to use technology with confidence.
Best practices
1. Provide hands-on training and practice
One of the most effective approaches is to let pre-service teachers use technology themselves, not just read about it. This can include:
- Workshops
- Simulations
- Real classroom experiences
The original article cites research (Sahin & Thompson, 2019) reporting that pre-service teachers who get hands-on training are more likely to use technology in their teaching and feel more confident doing so.
2. Focus on pedagogical integration
Giving future teachers access to devices and software is not enough. Programs should also show them how to use technology to improve learning outcomes. This means:
- Building digital literacy
- Training on specific tools that support teaching and learning
The aim is for teachers to choose a tool because it helps learners learn, not just because it is available (Alghamdi & Yu, 2018).
3. Use collaborative learning
Working with peers lets pre-service teachers explore different technologies together and share what works. Collaborative learning can take the form of:
- Group projects
- Peer-to-peer mentoring
- Online discussion forums
(Morse, 2019)
4. Offer ongoing support and professional development
Because new tools and techniques keep appearing, training should not end with a single course. Future teachers benefit from continuing support such as:
- Access to online resources
- Ongoing training and mentoring
- Chances to attend conferences and workshops
(Liu & Song, 2019)
Tools future teachers can learn
The table below summarizes four types of tools, what they do, and common examples.
| Type of tool | What it is used for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Learning management systems (LMS) | Creating, managing, and delivering course content; tracking learner progress; giving feedback and assessments | Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas |
| Educational apps | Quizzes, simulations, and collaborative projects | Kahoot!, Quizlet, Flipgrid |
| Multimedia tools | Making instructional videos, animations, and interactive presentations | Adobe Premiere, Camtasia, SMART Boards |
| Online communication tools | Video meetings, group discussions, virtual consultation hours, and real-time feedback | Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack |
Learning management systems
An LMS is software for organizing a whole course online. Teachers can post materials, see how learners are progressing, and give assessments and feedback in one place.
Educational apps
These apps are built for school use. They support short, engaging activities such as quizzes and simulations, as well as group projects.
Multimedia tools
Video editing software and interactive whiteboards help teachers create lessons that are more engaging and interactive, such as instructional videos and animated presentations.
Online communication tools
Video conferencing and chat apps help teachers and learners stay in touch and work together, whether for group discussions, consultation hours, or quick feedback.
How to use this guide
- Teacher educators: Use the four best practices as a checklist when planning a course or training program. Check that it includes hands-on practice, a focus on teaching with technology, peer collaboration, and support that continues after the course.
- Pre-service teachers: Pick at least one tool from each group in the table and practice using it in a sample lesson. Join peer groups or online forums to share what you learn.
- Schools and mentors: Give student teachers real classroom chances to try these tools, along with mentoring and feedback.
Summary
Preparing future teachers to use technology is a key part of teacher education. By combining hands-on practice, a focus on how technology supports learning, collaboration, and ongoing support, and by introducing useful tools such as learning management systems, educational apps, multimedia tools, and online communication tools, teacher educators can help new teachers gain the skills they need for the digital age.
Frequently asked questions
What is pre-service teacher education?
It is the training period future teachers go through before they begin teaching. It is a key time to prepare them to use technology effectively in their teaching.
What are the best practices for teaching technology to pre-service teachers?
The guide lists four: hands-on training and practice, a focus on pedagogical integration, collaborative learning, and ongoing support and professional development.
Is giving future teachers access to technology enough?
No. Programs also need to teach how to use technology to improve learning outcomes, including digital literacy and training on specific tools.
What tools should future teachers learn to use?
The guide names four groups: learning management systems such as Moodle, Blackboard, and Canvas; educational apps such as Kahoot!, Quizlet, and Flipgrid; multimedia tools such as Adobe Premiere, Camtasia, and SMART Boards; and online communication tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.
What is a learning management system?
It is software for creating, managing, and delivering course content. Teachers use it to share materials, track learner progress, and give feedback and assessments.
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