Competence in Digital Interaction and Communication—A Study of First-Year Preservice Teachers’ Competence in Digital Interaction and Communication at the Start of Their Teacher Education

Abstract

Abstract This article explores the variation in first-year preservice teachers’ professional competence in digital sharing and communication tools (software) by applying social constructivist learning theory and relevant concepts. The data were obtained from questionnaires distributed to 395 preservice teachers at two Norwegian universities in the first semester of 2019. Correlation and multiple regression are used for the analysis. The results reveal that the students’ attitudes toward and experiences with virtual communication solutions were the main factors contributing to their competence in digital interaction and communication. The students’ mastery of and emotional engagement with virtual collaboration solutions also played a definite but smaller role in their digital competence.