future teacher, digital technology, education, digital competences, digital skills

The role of digital technology in education is more important than ever. Due to the pandemic and the integration of digital technology into various areas of human activity (the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0), teachers are required to adapt their teaching methods and to focus on helping their students develop digital literacy, which is one of the crucial skills in today’s information society. In the light of societal changes, teacher education programs need to be modified. At the Pedagogical Faculty of the University of Ostrava, every future teacher is required to take the course Information and Communication Technology in Education. In the course, students learn how to use ICT in education. They familiarize themselves with the basic types of ICT tools, different educational programs and applications, online educational tools, and how to use the Internet for educational purposes. They also learn how to use the most common tools used in schools. The goal of the course is to teach students how to use digital technology in instruction to achieve educational goals. That is the only way digital technology can be beneficial to students rather than a distraction. Aside from choosing the appropriate technology, the teacher also needs to be able to use that technology in an effective manner. Because it is the teacher who is the key element in determining the success of using digital technology in instruction. When used effectively, digital technology can improve the education process and motivate students to become more engaged. However, the inappropriate use of technology could result in far-reaching consequences. Therefore, teachers should strive to improve their digital literacy and digital skills. The modern teacher should not only be an expert in their own field and be familiar with basic pedagogical and psychological principles, but they should also have digital skills. That is the only way one can be an effective teacher.