Empowering Educators: The Critical Role of Teacher Education Programs in Advancing Digital Literacy Skills

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of digital technologies in the 21st-century classroom necessitates a critical examination of teacher education's role in improving digital literacy (DL). This study examines the role of teacher education in improving digital literacy (DL) among pre-service teachers (PSTs). Using a social constructivist framework, a case study approach was conducted with three PSTs from a technology integration course at a land grant university. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed, revealing four themes: concerns, challenges, advantages, and future decisions regarding DL. While PSTs recognize the importance and benefits of DL, they face significant challenges, including ethical and legal issues, and lack confidence in using DL tools. The study highlights the need for comprehensive teacher education programs to better prepare PSTs for integrating digital technologies in their future classrooms. This research offers strategies for teacher educators to enhance DL among PSTs, promoting a digitally literate teaching force. Future studies should involve larger samples to generalize findings and further explore the impact of DL education.