Ambitiously introduced by the Hong Kong government in 1998, all pre-service teachers are to attain the upper intermediate level of information technology (IT) competency in education as a qualification before entry into the teaching profession (Education and Manpower Bureau, 1998). This level focuses on the effective use of IT across the curriculum and using IT in a meaningful educational context to maximize the effectiveness of the instructional process. This article discusses how the proactive strategy of information technology competency education (ITCE) empowerment and the teaching subject study (TSS) portfolio assessment system have been successfully implemented in the post-graduate program of primary teacher education at the Hong Kong Institute of Education. It also examines how students begin to make sense of their newly acquired IT knowledge, skills, and attitudes and how they have demonstrated their competency in the use of IT. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation data were gathered and it was found that students were accomplished in gaining positive and valuable insights in the use of IT in education.

• Morris Jong(Coordinator of IT Competency in Education Division and Instructor, Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology at the Hong Kong Institute of Education.)