Beyond Digital Skills: Rethinking Technology Integration in Teacher Education

Teacher education plays a pivotal role in equipping preservice teachers with the competencies needed to integrate technology effectively in their teaching. This study explores how teacher education prepares preservice teachers to navigate and leverage learning technologies in undergraduate courses and field experiences. Using the TPACK framework as a lens for analysis, we examined how preservice teachers are supported in developing technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge. Six participants engaged in one of four focus group discussions informed by survey results from a larger international study. Findings reveal variability in the development and assessment of digital competencies within one teacher education program. While participants acknowledged promising practices for fostering technological fluency and critical digital literacy, they also highlighted challenges related to ethical concerns, policy shifts, and balancing technology use with student-centred learning. We conclude with recommendations for strengthening technological competencies in teacher education by emphasizing a transformative view with holistic approaches and ongoing professional learning.