Abstract:

Computer, one of the important technology investments of countries, has earned a substantial place in education as it has had an important position in every area in the last two decades. One of the main areas is education. The educational system of the country is reshaped according to computer technology. Therefore, “what is computer?” questions asked to Social Studies teacher candidates as a metaphor.

The purpose of this study is to reveal “computer” related perceptions of Social Studies teacher candidates that have witnessed transformation of computers which has been used as an effective tool in education settings in the last two decades. This study was realized with the participation of 139 teacher candidates receiving their education in department of Social Studies Education in a university of Turkey. In this study designed in qualitative research method, the data were obtained through metaphors and content analysis was used for analysis. Findings were given under themes. As a result of the study, teacher candidates were generally seen to feature computer with its structural and functional aspects, attribute symbols like mother to computer regarding its benefits and put forward addictive properties of computers in symbols as for its hazards.

Keywords:

Social Studies, Teacher Candidates, Computer, Metaphor.