Enlisting Technology in Instructional Reform and Teacher Preparation

Abstract

Seventeen teacher education candidates enrolled in an instructional strategies course experienced an innovative approach to infusing technology into teacher education coursework. All of the participants became proficient at using digital imaging devices and editing software, and these new skills had an impact on their understanding of content knowledge and the classroom learning environment. Maintenance of attitudes that value risk taking was a key component in successfully integrating this technology into the course. Organized into collaborative groups, candidates created digitized records of their teaching and utilized these technology products to demonstrate their developing knowledge and skills as teachers.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lori Olafson

Lori Olafson teaches preservice and graduate courses in curriculum and in teacher education. Her research and publications focus on teachers' beliefs and practices and issues of identity for middle schoolers.

Linda Quinn

Linda Quinn is the associate dean in the College of Education. Her areas of interest include teacher professional development, program design, and global education.