Investigation of pre-service teachers' self-efficacy towards digital learning technologies in the context of education 5.0

This study aims to investigate pre-service teachers' self-efficacy towards digital learning technologies in the context of Education 5.0. For this reason, the convergent parallel design that allows the synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data was implemented in the study. The sample of the study consists of 1563 participants selected by simple random sampling technique from a total of 13.998 pre-service teachers studying at education faculties of three state universities in Ankara, during the 2023-2024 academic year. The data of the study were collected through the "Education 5.0 Digital Learning Technologies Self-Efficacy Scale for Pre-Service Teachers (E5DLTSES)" and the semi-structured interview form developed within the scope of the study. Quantitative data were analyzed using the SPSS package program, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis technique. The findings indicated that the pre-service teachers' E5DLTSES self-efficacy score levels were at the level "often" frequency of use. Statistically significant differences were found in the variables of education department, class, the use of digital technology applications in individual learning experiences, the use of artificial intelligence technology applications, activities participated in digital environment, the use of digial resources and the measures to protect digital footprints. The results of the content analysis revealed that pre-service teachers' views on digital and thinking competencies, methods and competencies used in accessing information resources, entrepreneurship competencies, digital technology applications, safety competencies, and the importance of generating solutions to social and global problems in 21st century were positive. As a result, it was concluded that pre-service teachers' self-efficacy towards digital learning technologies were positive level in the context of Education 5.0.