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Today, millions of dollars are being invested in learning with technology in schools (Amiel & Reeves, 2008), and fairly recent U.S. educational statistics indicate that more than 95% of teachers have access to computers and internet in the classroom (NCES, 2009). National reports such as the CDW-G (2006) and the Voogt (2008) international report indicate that teachers are making an effort to integrate technology as an instructional tool to support student learning. However, there is research and other reports that disagree with this assertion, and such reports paint a picture of technology integration failure; teachers are not effectively using technology as an instructional tool, rather, technology in the classroom is viewed as an additional tool to be taught separately (Bauer & Kenton, 2005; Mueller, Wood, Willoughby, Ross & Specht, 2008).
There was a time when research indicated that the computer-student ratio in the classrooms was not good enough to make computers a viable instructional tool. Computer resources were so limited that the instructional use was affected. At that time, research-based recommendations regarding technology integration in the classroom urged that only pedagogy and curriculum should drive the instructional use of technology not limited resources (Wood, Specht, Willoughby & Mueller, 2008). Currently, reports indicate that computer resources are abundant in most classrooms (Ed Tech Trends, 2014), and what affects the instructional use of technology is a lack of pedagogy and curriculum (or content) knowledge best taught using technology. It is expected that knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy, and technology be provided during teacher preparation. The past decade has seen an increase in the infusion of technology courses in teacher training and professional development programs.
This study examined K-12 educators' perceptions of technology courses that were integrated in their program of study and the extent to which the technology courses influenced the educators’ technology competencies. In addition, the study explored in-service teacher recommendations for technology training through their programs. The study was shaped by the following research questions: In what ways do technology courses prepare K-12 educators for technology integration in their own classrooms? To what extent are K-12 educators able to transfer the technology skills from their teacher preparation programs into their teaching? What recommendations do K-12 educators have for modification of the technology components of their program of study? The purpose of the study was to track the progress that teacher preparation programs have made in preparing teachers for technology integration, and to highlight suggestions from K-12 teachers regarding teacher preparation program improvement. Many teacher preparation programs are failing to provide teacher candidates with authentic experiences that effectively integrate technology into instructional practice (Latham & Carr, 2015). Suggestions from in-service teachers help shape the authentic experiences that are required to prepare teacher candidates to effectively integrate technology into teaching practice.