Exploring Technology Integration in School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE) Teacher Education: A Study of Preservice Teachers' Experience

Abstract

Teacher education programs have been known to omit critical aspects of technology preparation among undergraduates. Teaching practices are constantly evolving to accommodate the latest innovations in society; therefore, change is required in how we prepare educators to integrate technology into the classroom. As technology continues to change, teachers' practices need to reflect on how teachers are prepared to integrate technology into teaching and learning. Researchers have often found various ways to help prepare teachers to incorporate technology, including field experiences and various program design models. There has been a lack of research within School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE) of preservice teachers integrating technology into the classroom. A qualitative phenomenology was conducted among nine preservice SBAE teachers regarding their experiences integrating technology during their time in their teacher education program. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT) served as the theoretical framework to aid in conceptualizing the experiences of preservice SBAE teachers. The thematic findings from this study address the lack of preparation from their teacher education programs, support and expectations, challenges integrating technology into the classroom, succession of technology integration, and technology strategies for teaching and learning.