Universal Journal of Educational Research 7(4): 1140-1146, 2019 http://www.hrpub.org
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2019.070426
Views of the Pre-service Classroom Teachers about
Technology Literacy
Selcen Süheyla Ergün
1,*
, Nuray Kurtdede Fidan
1
, Nuray Yildirim
2
1
Faculty of Education, Afyon Kocatepe University, Turkey
2
Sandıklı School of Applied Sciences, Afyon Kocatepe University, Turkey
Copyright©2019 by authors, all rights reserved. Authors agree that this article remains permanently open access under
the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 International License
Abstract Technology literacy can be defined as the
whole of the intellectual process, competence and order
that individuals need to understand about the relationship
between technology and themselves and society. An
individual with technology literacy can question
technological processes and innovations critically. The aim
of this research is to examine the views of the pre-service
classroom teachers about technology literacy. The
participants of the study are 160 pre-service classroom
teachers attending Afyon Kocatepe University. Of them
eighty were third grade students and the remaining eighty
were fourth grade students. The data of the study were
collected through the administration of a survey
questionnaire with six open-ended items which was
developed by the authors. The data obtained were analysed
using the descriptive statistics. The findings are given in
tables and discussed. The findings indicate that most of the
participants actively use technology and that they often
tend to use it in the courses. The participants reported that
they could use technological devices more in the courses of
social studies, science and life sciences. It is emphasized
that the correct use of technological tools can lead to
desirable results, but the incorrect use of technological
devices may produce undesirable results and that
technology should be used consciously.
Keywords Attitude towards Technology, Technology
Education, Pre-service Classroom Teachers
1. Introduction
Technology has been a growing phenomenon since the
existence of humanity. The technology that emerged as a
result of science made our life easier in every field and
saved time. In order to meet the needs of individuals who
produce something, share it with others, are self-confident
and have necessary skills and information about
communication and information technologies and are
sensitive to the events technology should be used
effectively [1]. People are faced with new technological
tools and equipment almost every day. It is very important
for individuals to perceive the benefits of such tools and
equipment to humanity and to be able to use them for their
own needs. Therefore, individuals should be trained to be
familiar with technologies through formal and informal
education to adapt technological innovations in their daily
life [2]. Individuals need to be equipped with modern
knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to keep pace with
rapidly developing technology and increasingly complex
society. The aim of technology education is to enable
individuals to understand the dynamic power of technology
and to help individuals to use technology in the most
efficient way. Technology education becomes important in
this context [3]. Technology education is a technological
study that provides students with the opportunity to learn
about technology-related processes and knowledge needed
to solve problems and increase their abilities. The ability to
design, develop, manufacture, use, select and maintain
technological production is an important component of
technology education [4]. The advancement of technology
has changed the characteristics of the individual needed by
the society. As a result, educational institutions with the
largest share in the education of individuals are given great
responsibilities, and the concept of literacy has emerged in
the field of education. The concept of literacy has had
many different meanings over time. In the 21st century, the
concept of literacy has expanded, and new literacy types
have emerged in line with the needs. One of these literacy
types is technology literacy [5]. Considering the literacy
concept which emerged as a mandatory requirement of the
age of information and technology, it is safe to argue that
one of the important types of literacy is technology literacy.
Understanding of the technology by the individuals who
make up the society is important in terms of enabling them
to understand their relations with the society easily [6]. The
International Technology Education Association defines
technology literacy as the ability to use, manage, evaluate
and understand technology [4]. Technology literate
CITE THIS PAPER
[1] Selcen Süheyla Ergün , Nuray Kurtdede Fidan , Nuray Yildirim , "Views of the Pre-service Classroom Teachers about Technology
Literacy," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 1140 - 1146, 2019. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2019.070426.