Breaking Down Barriers: Giving Teachers the Tools to Effectively Integrate Technology
Abstract: Integrating technology is a major challenge for educators, especially novice teachers - teachers with one to three years experience. Teachers emerging from today’s educator preparation programs (EPP) may understand the basics of teaching, however do not have a grasp of understanding pedagogy of teaching with technology. This is primarily because most EPPs do not integrate technology into all courses, reserving it for one technology-focused course teaching basic technology skills (Hughes, 2013). Even fewer programs introduce teacher candidates to the TPACK model as a way to integrate technology into their teaching practice. New teacher’s perceptions of effectiveness are based on their feeling of preparedness (Darling-Hammond, Chung, & Frelow, 2002). Supporting and mentoring new teachers can improve novice teacher proficiency with technology which EPPs should strive to provide.
Presider: Brenda Vogds, Eastern Carver County School