A Picture of Change in Technology-Rich K–8 Classrooms

Abstract

This qualitative study reports on Arizona Classrooms of Tomorrow Today (AZCOTT), a component of a Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology project. In conjunction with five partner school districts, Arizona State University West developed five technology-rich K–8 classrooms to serve as models for preservice students and university instructors. This article reports changes occurring as the AZCOTT teachers learn to teach in technology-rich classrooms. Changes in teacher practices and student attitudes are described, and the factors supporting change are discussed. Finally, we discuss the progress made toward using these classrooms as models for preservice students.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Keith Wetzel

Keith Wetzel is an associate professor of teacher education in the College of Education at Arizona State University West (ASU West) and project director for a Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology (PT³) project. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in educational technology. His current research is on exemplary technology-using institutions and teachers.

Ron Zambo

Ron Zambo, PhD, is an associate professor of mathematics education in the College of Education at ASU West. His experience as an elementary school teacher and as a high school mathematics teacher provides him with the background to offer realistic perspectives of effective mathematics instruction to inservice and preservice teachers. Dr. Zambo's current research interests include the effective professional development of teachers, changes in teachers' thinking about instruction brought about by the integration of technology, and content integration—especially mathematics and language arts.

Helen Padgett

Helen Padgett is the project manager for the PT³ Project at ASU West in the College of Education. She teaches the AZCOTT courses and provides support for the AZCOTT K–12 teachers. She is a doctoral student at Arizona State University, and her research interests include program evaluation and technology integration into K–12 programs and teacher education.