Use of Information and Communication Technologies as a Transversal Competence in Teacher Training

The purpose of this research study was to learn how teachers promote the development of the transversal competence use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in future teachers of elementary education. The study took place in a teacher education school of the State of Mexico, using the case study method. Thirteen teachers were interviewed, as well as observations were made in their classes. Data analysis was done with the Atlas.ti program. In this study, it was found that the use of ICT by teachers encourages the students to be willing to use such technologies, not only as a mean of entertainment or socialization, but as a teaching resource to learn how to teach subjects related to the education of children in elementary school. The use of ICT makes classes more attractive, dynamic, and understandable; it promotes social interaction, the use of Internet for research purposes, self-regulated learning, and the development of learning networks. Students participating in this study demonstrated the achievement of this competence in the elaboration of their academic papers, the search for information on Internet, the use of educational software to learn math, the use of social networks, and blog design. It was found that, in spite that Mexico educational policies have, as a goal, the digital literacy of children and young people, actually, elementary and teacher education schools do not always have the conditions and technological resources to allow that both teachers and students develop the digital competences for their success in a knowledge-based society.