Preparing Science Teachers to Teach with Technology: Exploring Collaborative Approaches
Abstract: This exploratory study examines the impact of the networked learning community approach to provide professional development for content-specific use of technology in science education. The study presents findings from a three-year project with six cohort groups that included 17 student teachers, 17 cooperating teachers, 5 university-level faculty, and 3 student teaching supervisors. Data were collected from pre and post surveys, journal entries, technology projects, and reflections in electronic portfolios. Findings indicate that over the course of the program the project participants significantly increased their confidence and competence in technology literacy as well as integrating technology into the teaching and learning of science. The study demonstrates that an approach to professional development that encourages networking, mutual learning, and sharing of strategies and resources among science educators is an effective strategy to improve technology integration in science education.
Presider: Ann Creighton-Zollar, Virginia Commonwealth University