Pre-service Teachers’ Confidence in their ISTE Technology-Competency

Abstract As technology is an integral part of modern teaching and learning processes, teacher-candidates need to fully achieve a new set of technology competencies through ongoing and timely supports provided by teacher preparation institutions, state offices of education and school districts. This study measured the current technology-competency levels of 242 special and general education teacher-candidates in teacher preparation programs through a self-assessment survey that was developed based on the ISTE Educator Standards. The results show that teacher-candidates perceive that they have not yet reached a proficient level of technology-competency according to ISTE standards. Special education teacher-candidates with team-teaching experience reported a significantly higher level of technology-competency than any other groups. This paper provides insightful recommendations to teacher preparation institutes as to how they can reform their credential program curricula to support teacher-candidates in acquiring the technology competencies they need in the field of education.