Integrating, Infusing, Modeling: Preparing Technology Using Educators.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper presents the results of a 1997-98 Goals 2000 Preservice Teacher Education Grant that created a partnership between the State University of New York at Oswego and two local elementary schools. The program was designed to provide preservice teachers in elementary education and special education methods classes the opportunity to observe expert teachers integrate technology in the elementary classroom through a video conferencing system and to experience the infusion of technology in their education courses. Grant activities were implemented during the 1997-98 academic year. Evaluation of these grant activities was conducted through pre- and posttest surveys, observation, and focus group interviews. Results summarize the impact of grant activities on faculty (n=20) technology proficiency and integration and preservice teachers' (n=61) technology proficiency and understanding of technology integration. Recommendations address program improvement, as well as methods that any department of education could utilize when attempting to prepare technology-using educators. (Author/AEF)