Investigation the Technology Usage Level of Teacher Candidates

Abstract

Necessity to train individuals who are away from the digital divide that is defined as the gap between the masses who can make use of information technology effectively and who do not have access to information technology due to lack of education (Uckan, 2009). The aim of this study is to analyse the digital competence of teacher candidates in terms of different variables. The study group consisted of 200 teacher candidates who study at different departments Necmettin Erbakan University. Screening model was used as the research method in the present study. As data collection tools, a personal data form which was developed by researchers and by which the demographic characteristics of the study group students were obtained, and “The Digital Competence Scale” were used. As result of this research, positive steps need to be taken for the integration of information and communication technology into classes before teacher candidates are graduated from faculties, teacher candidates need to be assisted to use information and communication technology both in daily and educational life, and they need to be guided to acquire using skills of technology. Internet zones need to be developed so that teacher candidates can exchange their knowledge and experience with friends. An easily, cheaply and constantly accessible Internet infrastructure may be constructed among universities and schools, and applications may be developed so that teacher candidates and lecturers use in order to come together in different educational environments.