Teaching Teachers about Computers

ABSTRACT

The inevitability of computers in society presents all educators with enormous challenge and opportunity. The challenge is to educate for a future in a technology centred information age – the opportunity is to apply technology to revolutionize the process of education. In North America, and Canada in particular, two very important places to address both the challenge and the opportunity are the universities and colleges where the teachers of the young are prepared. But what should the prospective teacher know about computers (and related technologies)? How should this knowing be brought about? And when should it begin? This presentation will explore current thinking about the nature, content and delivery of computer education for teachers from a North American perspective. The presentation will go on to describe related experiences at the University of Alberta where all education undergraduates are required to include a course on computers in their programs. Emerging trends and issues will also be discussed.