| Integrating ICT into classroom lessons has become an increasingly important education reform issue. Researchers have studied best practices on how to integrate ICT, specifically the computer in education in general and teacher education in particular. This has had a significant impact on teacher preparation programs and has seen it become a focus for many colleges and schools of education.;The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of preparation in the field of ICT that Jamaican pre-service teachers receive by the time they have completed their programs of study. Mico was chosen as the research site because of its stature in the field of education and teacher preparation not only in Jamaica, but in the Caribbean region. Case study methodology was employed as the primary means of data collection and analysis.;This exploratory case study of Mico's pre-service teacher education program was approached from the perspective of the emotional aspects of educational change. The categories explored were: (1) Motivation, (2) Meaning, (3) Relationship, and (4) Success. Data were collected from questionnaires, interviews, artifacts, and observations. Research participants included a government official, college administrators, lecturers, and students. Findings from this study showed that an educational reform initiative such as the integration of ICT into teacher education curriculum should place as much emphasis on the emotional investment of stakeholders as the technical framework.;The recommendations included the creation of national education ICT standards, a program for in-service ICT teacher mentors and re-designing professional development. These recommendations will hopefully be used by the higher education governing bodies, Mico University College, and the other teacher education institutions in the country to guide ICT planning and implementation initiatives. |
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