Attitude to ICT and Self-Evaluation of Fluency in Using New Digital Devices, Websites and Software among Pre-Service Teachers

Abstract

The objective of the research was to obtain data on the attitudes of the future generation of teachers towards using new media in their didactic and educational activities. Additionally, the text presents the level of their self-evaluation regarding the use of new ICT-based devices. Indicators of both variables are compared. The research was conducted in the biggest Polish pedagogical university, in the sample of 450 students. The technique used was the diagnostic survey. The data were collected in the first half of 2019 as part of the international project SELI. Based on the data obtained, it was noticed that pre-service teachers do not form a homogeneous group, which means there are individuals presenting a very positive attitudes towards introduction of new media as well as people who are careful when it comes to using ICT in teaching. Most respondents emphasize that using ICT in education is necessary and this trend is irreversible. There is a minor group of the future teachers who do not know websites and software to support learning and teaching (about 10%). Almost half of the respondents present divided views regarding the role of ICT in stimulating engagement, motivation and interest among the students. However, it should also be noted that almost half of the interviewees states that using smartphones at school should be banned. Positive attitude to new technologies in one area coincides with high opinion about ICT in other areas. Self-evaluation of own competencies is also internally coherent. It means that students who declared that they have no problems with using, for example, new devices, have no problems with using new websites or software.