Trainee teachers’ perceptions: Factors that constrain the use of music technology in teaching placements

This article reports findings from a study of English pre-service music teachers’ thoughts on their work with ICT within a one-year teacher education course (Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)). The specific focus is on trainee teachers’ perceptions of factors that hinder their use of music technology during their school placements. Data were gathered from questionnaires completed by student teachers within one university over a six-year period (2006–2012) and follow-up group discussions. Findings suggest that the main inhibitors to trainee music teachers’ use of technology within music classrooms are lack of computers and other equipment issues, and a lack of music staff sufficiently competent, confident and/or interested in providing effective support. The article offers recommendations in relation to technology and teacher education, which would also impact positively on the use of technology in secondary school music classrooms.