Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to research, develop, and validate a product to assist faculty in meeting accreditation standards for integrating technology into teacher education programs. The review of the literature identified factors in the change process, characteristics of teacher educators, models for professional development, and changing standards in the field of teacher education. The literature indicated that effective change must be systemic, collaborative, contextual, and provide adequate support. Successful models of professional development described in the literature were collaborative, provided time for reflective practice, and provided ongoing support for innovation. The literature also revealed a growing consensus that technology integration requires a variety of professional development activities and innovative approaches in order to provide ongoing support. A research and development model was used to develop a product to meet needs
identified by teacher educators.
The design used in this study included three phases of development. Phase one used an online survey to determine if teacher educators perceived a need for assistance in meeting technology standards. A prototype was then designed to meet those needs. Phase two involved evaluation and modification of the prototype using focus groups and feedback through an online questionnaire. The third phase involved a field test by teacher educators from two institutions preparing for NCATE review.
A majority of the respondents to the needs survey indicated that teacher educators in their programs: (a) were not prepared to integrate technology to
meet NCATE standards, (b) needed assistance with integrating technology, an (c) were not knowledgeable about either technology or the standards. However, the majority of the respondents did indicate that the outcomes for their programs included technology skills and concepts. The needs survey identified a Web-based resource as the preferred mode of delivery for providing support for integrating technology. Subsequently, a prototype of a Web-based interface to related databases was developed and modified based on participants=E2=80=99 feedback. The resulting databases provide information on technology tools, integrated lessons, and technology relate standards. The field test resulted in a positive response to the both the content and format of the product and provided suggestions for future development.