Encouraging student teacher confidence in the use of information technology

Abstract

Homerton College has taken action to improve the confidence of student teachers on a 4 year primary B Ed course, in the use of computers. Surveys taken over 3 years show that students entering the course describe themselves as having low information technology skills. A 2-h IT induction session, supported by self-study materials, was introduced to raise the level of student confidence. A second survey of first year students at the end of the Autumn 1992 term indicates a significant change in students' perceptions of their own skill levels. However, although a majority felt competent in their own use of IT, few felt sufficiently confident to teach others. In a second course, offered in year three, students engaged over a much longer period in preparation of multi-media classroom resources. This experience does seem to have a more positive effect on students' confidence in terms of personal and classroom use of computers. As a result of this course, the students have all shown themselves prepared and able to use IT based resources in the classroom.