Technology training for teachers expands

BOWLING GREEN, O.--The success of a pilot project that prepares teachers to use technology has enabled Bowling Green State University to obtain $1.5 million in federal funding to expand the effort.

According to some reports, only 20 percent of today’s teachers feel comfortable using technology. In the next decade, more than 2 million new teachers will enter the nation’s classrooms and be expected to use technology to improve student performance. Project PICT, begun by BGSU last year, helps current and future teachers learn how to use technology as an effective instructional tool by providing training and support.

During the pilot project, which also was federally funded, eight BGSU faculty members partnered with 10 teachers from two Wood County schools, Crim Elementary in Bowling Green and Woodmore Elementary in Woodville. Both schools are professional development sites for BGSU education majors.

In addition to attending a series of training workshops, participants worked in teams to develop and implement technology-rich lessons for both education courses at BGSU and in the elementary school classrooms.

Project co-director Dr. Rachel Vannatta, an assistant professor of educational foundations, said the program addresses the challenge of preparing teachers from several different angles.

"The federal funding is enabling us to eliminate barriers of access to technology. All participants get laptop computers. We’ve created electronic classrooms here in the Education Building. There’s a resource Web site, and we make sure there is ongoing assistance and support, with one-on-one mentoring, because technical problems do arise," she explained.

"In a sense the pre-service teachers are mentors when it comes to the basic technology skills, while the teachers in the field have the experience and understanding of the curriculum," she continued. "It’s that support and collaboration with one another which is the key to success. They’re learning together."

The success of the training approach was soon realized.

"All of the participants reported significant increases in overall technology proficiency, understanding of instructional methods for using technology and overall technology infusion in instruction," Vannatta said.

"One teacher told us that it puts all the pieces together, not just incorporating technology but improving learning. They’re learning that there are appropriate times to use technology and times you don’t want to use it."

For Woodmore Elementary School teacher Ann Randolph, participation has aided her classroom teaching.

"I am much more familiar with a variety of multimedia programs to use in my room," says the first grade teacher. "I have learned how to effectively use the technology in my classroom and help my students showcase their learning through multimedia projects. Some of the parents have been simply amazed that first graders can do things like (create) a slide show depicting the journey of the Pilgrims coming to America."

Randolph says she has always worked with BGSU students training to be teachers, but this project is a different.

"The interesting thing about this partnership is that it is a learning opportunity for both of us. We are both planning, learning and growing together as professionals. Sometimes the interns have more varied tech experience, but I have the experience with kids, so we blend our knowledge to create something new, each offering our strengths," Randolph said.

The new grant is enabling BGSU to expand the number of schools in the program to include Conneaut Elementary in Bowling Green, Napoleon High School, Toth Elementary in Perrysburg and Perrysburg High School. The scope of instruction is expanding as well, and will now include special education and secondary programs.

In addition, the new federal funding enables BGSU faculty to apply for mini-grants of between $2,000-$5,000 to complete technology training and revamp courses with an eye toward meeting new teaching standards that require proficiency in using technology for instruction.

Administrators working with Vannatta include project co-director Dr. Rosalind Hammond, associate dean of the College of Education and Human Development, and Cindy Ross, who has been hired as project coordinator.

"They’re doing phenomenal things in the classrooms and they’ve just been doing this a year. We lay the groundwork and create a supportive environment, but it’s the faculty, teachers and pre-service teachers who deserve the recognition," Vannatta said of the program’s success.

It’s estimated that this year Project PICT will involve as many as 22 BGSU faculty, 1,200 education majors at the University, 30 northwest Ohio teachers on the kindergarten through 12^th grade levels, and 750 students attending the six collaborating schools. (Posted 12-7-00)

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