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This cohort explored the development of online supplemental instructional modules for students entering the teacher preparation program. These modules would cover basic skills deficiencies, thus enhancing the educational experience and instilling in students the skills necessary for using technology when they become teachers themselves.
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KU's School of Education is working to improve technology skills in its students early on in the teacher education curriculum. Through the initiatives of Online Instruction Modules for Basic Technology Skills cohort, students enrolled in T&L 400, Media and Microcomputers in the Classroom, may soon be better prepared to confidently use technology at the university level and, eventually, in their own classrooms.
Steve Smith, faculty leader for the Online Instruction Modules cohort, has been involved with Learning Generation since the beginning of the project. He, along with other cohort members, suggests responding to the technology needs of SoE students with technology skills modules. Steve said the modules "would cover basic skills deficiencies, thus enhancing the educational experience and instilling in students the skills necessary for using technology when they become teachers themselves."
While the modules would initially be incorporated into T&L 400, they wouldn't just focus on the skills necessary to complete that course. They would extend beyond T&L 400 by covering skills that could be useful for any course. Eventually, the modules would be available in all courses and to all students in the SoE. According to Steve, "The cohort did extensive research into the basic skill set required by college courses in instructional technology and focused on the top three skills they identified as being the most important to the success of the future teacher."
The cohort included two pre-service students, Christopher Heatwole and Irene Ratzlaff. Steve said one thing he learned from working with the cohort was that student members have a lot to contribute. "Their ideas were extremely valuable," he said. "[The cohort] extended friendships and professional relationships with students involved in the cohort."
Although the modules have yet to be implemented, the cohort's research was informative and led to updates and improvements in the T&L 400 class, including the development of online resources. Additionally, the cohort has shared its ideas at several presentations over the past three years. Steve had some important advice to share with others who may want to improve technology skills of students. He said, "Consider the perspective of the student and their relationship to the purpose of your cohort."
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