Teacher Educators as Role Models for Technology: Pre-Service Teachers' Perceptions

Abstract

This study investigates pre-service teachers' taking teacher educators as role models in the application of technologies in education. Following the development of data collection tool, researchers implemented a pilot study with 206 senior pre-service teachers. Following the pilot study 1040 senior level pre-service teachers participated in the study during the spring semester of the 2012-2013 educational year. The research was implemented following a survey model. Factor analysis, descriptive analysis, t-test and ANOVA analyses were conducted. It was observed that pre-service teachers take teacher educators as role models regarding the application of technologies (Mean=3.89). In terms of the pre-service teachers and their tendency to view teacher educators as role models, there were no significant differences between universities and between genders. However, when viewed in terms of their separate departments, there were significant differences. The results of the study emphasize the importance of the fact that pre-service teachers take teacher educators as their role models.