This policy brief focuses on teacher competence in using technologies in the Pacific region, identifying key policy issues that must be addressed if teachers are to be prepared to capitalize on the investments being made in technology at the local and entity level. Section 1 focuses on what teachers must know and do in order to effectively use technologies and improve student learning (teacher knowledge, skills, and behaviors). Section 2 looks at formal and informal approaches to help teachers gain the knowledge and skills they need to use technologies (e.g., conferences, workshops, courses, action research, study groups, distance learning, professional development embedded in practice, mentoring, and teacher networks). General characteristics of effective professional development are noted (e.g., a focus on enhancing student achievement, teacher participation in decision making about professional development design and delivery, and evaluation which ensures that each activity meets the learning needs of its participants). Section 3 considers what policy issues must be addressed in order for teachers to avail themselves of opportunities to gain knowledge and skills to use technologies effectively (encouraging teachers to acquire necessary skills, sustaining support for teachers to use technologies, and evaluating teachers' use of technologies). (Contains 25 references.) (SM)