METHODS FOR ENHANCING THE CYBERCULTURE (DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP) OF PRE-SERVICE PRESCHOOL TEACHERS

The rapid integration of digital technologies into early childhood education necessitates that pre-service preschool teachers develop robust cyberculture, defined here as the integration of digital citizenship, information ethics, online safety, media and information literacy, privacy awareness, appropriate communication norms, and responsible technology use tailored to early childhood contexts. Distinct from general computer literacy-which focuses on technical proficiency-cyberculture emphasizes ethical, critical, and protective behaviors that safeguard young children’s vulnerability in digital environments. This paper reviews international perspectives on teacher digital competence and identifies persistent challenges among pre-service educators, including inadequate privacy practices, limited awareness of phishing and social engineering, neglect of digital footprints, and insufficient knowledge of child online safeguarding. Grounded in established frameworks such as Ribble’s nine elements of digital citizenship, ISTE Standards for Educators, UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL), the European DigCompEdu framework, TPACK, and adapted information, the proposed intervention model incorporates scenario-based learning, microteaching, and practicum integration. A quasi-experimental research methodology is outlined to evaluate the model’s efficacy, employing pre- and post-intervention assessments through questionnaires, scenario-based tests, and reflective journals. Evidence-based methods are structured into phased implementation, with measurable indicators and evaluation tools presented. Findings underscore that targeted, framework-aligned training significantly enhances pre-service teachers’ cyberculture, enabling them to model responsible digital practices and protect children in educational settings. Institutional adoption of such models is recommended to bridge preparation gaps and foster sustainable digital competence