Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how preservice teacher’s beliefs change over time in a literacy methods elementary licensure course that encourages critical literacy and connects learning. The authors were interested in the interplay among identity, agency and structure within this process and how this connected with other literature on teacher beliefs and technology use. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing data from a larger ethnographic study and mediated discourse analysis (Scollon and Scollon, 2004), this paper follows preservice teacher’s use of digital tools and beliefs about using digital tools in the classroom over a semester-long hybrid course. Findings Findings show changes in preservice teacher’s beliefs about technology use, interest-driven learning and her own agency. These changes were influenced by the framework of the course and course practices. Research limitations/implications This research study offers practical ways to support preservice teachers’ implementation of digital tools with an emphasis on equity. Ultimately, preservice teachers’ experience shapes the opportunities students have with digital tools in schools. Practical implications Recognizing the competing discourses and pressures preservice teachers’ experience, the results of this study offer tools to support preservice teachers’ agency through the implementation of connected learning principles and critical literacy theories in preservice education courses, leading to the potential to expand equity in school settings. Originality/value While there is research around connected learning in classrooms, there is limited research on a connected learning framework in preservice education programs. Additionally, this paper brings a new perspective on how pairing an emphasis of equity to a connected learning framework supports teachers’ implementation of digital tools.