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PERCEPTIONS AND CHALLENGES OF TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION: A LEARNER-CENTRIC EXPLORATION

Dr.G.Gopu*, Dr.S.John Kaviarasu, Mr.Jai Prakash,

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ABSTRACT

Technology has become a fundamental component of modern teaching and learning, and teacher education programs have adapted to prepare future educators for this digital era. Learners' views on these programs are critical, as they shape the future of education. The integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) offers numerous advantages, including increased motivation, self-confidence, and academic performance. ICTs also facilitate effective information retrieval, comprehension of abstract concepts, and the creation of collaborative online activities, enriching the teaching and learning experience. However, the adoption and integration of technology into education present nuanced challenges influenced by historical contexts, individual attitudes, and contextual elements. Teacher educators play a central role in effectively utilizing technology in education, and their positive outlook is crucial. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to technology-enhanced learning, but understanding teacher educators' attitudes towards this change is essential for post-pandemic education. Learners in these programs value technology as a tool for their personal and professional development. They believe it enhances pedagogical strategies, classroom management, and overall teaching competencies, ultimately leading to more engaging and effective education. Technology-enabled teacher education programs offer personalized learning experiences through adaptive learning platforms. They empower educators-in-training to focus on areas that need improvement, fostering the development of effective teaching strategies. This research article delves into the perceptions and challenges of technology-enhanced teacher education programs in the ever-evolving field of education. Technology-enhanced teacher education programs are transformative in shaping the future of education. Learners' favorable views on these programs indicate their potential to revolutionize pedagogy. While technology offers significant benefits, it's essential to address challenges such as unequal access to technology, technological literacy, the quality of online instruction, and the need to balance theory and practice. Striking a balance between technology and traditional teaching methods is critical to ensure that educators are proficient in both.

Keywords: Technology-enhanced teacher education, perceptions, challenges, information and communication technologies, teacher educators, COVID-19, adaptive learning, global connectivity, flexibility, data-driven decision-making, pedagogy.