Ubiquitous devices–a preparation for student-teachers’ use of technology for teaching and learning?

Abstract: This paper explores the relationship between student-teachers' awareness and experience of technology, both formally and informally, and their vision of its potential for teaching and learning. It addresses whether high familiarity with technology, especially handheld technology, predisposes student-teachers to envisage uses of technology as part of their teaching in the future. Data were collected using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Indices were constructed to reflect students' personal awareness and use of technology, their tendency to be early or late adopters, and their experience of technology use in formal education. Results indicate that, with the exception of the mobile phone, ownership of ubiquitous devices was low. Student-teachers' experiences of technology in their personal lives, and their tendency to be early adopters of technology, were more closely related to their visions for its potential use in schooling than their past educational experiences.