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Technology integration is a vital part classes in the School of Education. However, even the most high-tech university classrooms may not accurately reflect the situations graduates will face in the real-world. This is because many school districts are finding effective and beneficial ways to use technology that in the university environment may be considered obsolete. To prepare students to adapt to varying technology situations, this cohort modified the curriculum of three courses in the School of Education.
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The Enhancing Technology Integration cohort focused on special education, but its theories could apply to any class in the School of Education. The cohort, made up of faculty leader Sean Smith and School of Education students Sara Sieve and Kathryn Zook, proposed modifications to the curriculum and technology integration across three courses. These modifications focus not on ensuring that classrooms are as high-tech as possible, but rather on preparing students for situations they may face when they enter varied situations in the workforce.
"One of the most significant aspects...that caught my attention was the importance of creating materials that are compatible with older computers that are in the schools today," said Aaron Grill, teacher education student. "In the collegiate world, a two-year-old computer is out of date. In public schools, a two-year-old computer is new." Aaron's comments emphasize the fact that new teachers must be prepared to use any level of technology as an effective learning tool for their students. While it is important that they be proficient in the latest technology for the classroom, this cohort is working to ensure that they are prepared for real world situations. "The integration of technology has to have the focus in the right place," said Katie Zook, Enhancing Technology Integration cohort member. "Look out future, here we come!"
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