Current Search: Computers--Study and teaching Elementary (x)
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Title
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An examination of required technology course syllabi in elementary teacher preparation programs.
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Creator
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Goudy, Linda Mae., Florida Atlantic University, Bryan, Valerie
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Abstract/Description
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Computer literacy is analogous to reading literacy---without it, failure is nearly assured. The inexorable conclusion from many is that technology integration in the elementary setting must begin with the training of the teachers. The study of how that transference is inculcated into the teachers of tomorrow was the thrust of this study. This study was designed to examine syllabi from the 55 top-rated colleges and universities (as identified by US News and World Report) to identify how, and...
Show moreComputer literacy is analogous to reading literacy---without it, failure is nearly assured. The inexorable conclusion from many is that technology integration in the elementary setting must begin with the training of the teachers. The study of how that transference is inculcated into the teachers of tomorrow was the thrust of this study. This study was designed to examine syllabi from the 55 top-rated colleges and universities (as identified by US News and World Report) to identify how, and what, the "best" colleges of education were teaching in the required technology courses offered in their undergraduate Elementary Teacher Preparation programs. Twenty-four of those schools submitted 30 syllabi and 42 Teacher Preparation Program Surveys. Of the surveys that were returned, 16 were from deans and 26 were from professors. The following findings were determined: (1) The incorporation of technology into teacher preparation was pandemic. (2) An obvious pedagogical shift from behaviorism to constructivism was evident. (3) The syllabi fell into one of two diametrically opposed groups, representative of constructionist and behaviorist underpinnings. Within each of those two groups, commonality was observed in the use of Bloom's Taxonomy, themes, concepts, and activities. (4) Although 96 percent of instructors self-identified their instructional strategy as constructionist, the analysis of syllabi failed to affirm this. (5) A noteworthy difference was noted between the deans of colleges and their instructors as to the perceived preparedness of students to integrate technology into their future teaching and learning. (6) Both instructors and deans indicated that their colleges' provided (a) support for technology, (b) sufficient technology facilities and, (c) ample technology training, yet despite the support, training and facilities noted, faculty technology knowledge was identified by both deans and instructors as low. Technology is most assuredly making inroads into the halls of academia, by virtue of the ubiquitous presence of technology into teacher preparation programs, further, the underpinnings of constructionism and Bloom's Taxonomy are evident. The rate of improvement in faculty knowledge of technology and the disparity between dean and instructor's perception of student preparedness, however, raised cause for concern and further research.
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Date Issued
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2002
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11995
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Subject Headings
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Elementary school teachers--Training of, Computers--Study and teaching (Elementary), Computer managed instruction
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Format
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Document (PDF)
