As learners solve complex problems, such as the ones present in case narratives, they need instructional support. Potentially, Web 2.0 applications can be useful to learners during case-based instruction (CBI), as their affordances offer creative and collaborative opportunities. However, there is limited research available on how the affordances…

This study investigated factors that predict preservice teachers' intentions to use Web 2.0 technologies in their future classrooms. The researchers used a mixed-methods research design and collected qualitative interview data (n = 7) to triangulate quantitative survey data (n = 286). Results indicate that positive attitudes and perceptions of…

Despite increases in computer access and technology training, technology is not being used to support the kinds of instruction believed to be most powerful. In this paper, we examine technology integration through the lens of the teacher as an agent of change: What are the necessary characteristics, or qualities, that enable teachers to leverage…

Although computers are now commonplace within our lives, integration within schools is much less ordinary. While access and training are no longer considered significant barriers, attention has turned to the potential influence of teachers' beliefs. In response, problem-based learning (PBL) has been proposed as an effective approach for changing…

Despite the challenges inherent in adopting problem-based learning (PBL) in the middle school classroom, successful PBL teachers are able to find suitable solutions. In this exploratory study we examined the perceptions and practices of five successful middle school PBL teachers regarding the specific difficulties encountered with PBL and the…

This research examined the pedagogical beliefs and classroom practices of 17 exemplary technology-using K-12 teachers. Specifically, the following questions guided data collection and analysis: (1) What are the pedagogical beliefs of exemplary technology-using teachers? (2) How do these beliefs facilitate and support meaningful uses of technology?…

Examines the relationships between first- (external) and second- (internal) order barriers to technology implementation by observing and interviewing several teachers within a single elementary school who had achieved varying levels of integration. Discusses strategies for technology staff development. (AEF)

The President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) (1997) suggested that in order to achieve effective use of computers in schools, a ratio of four to five students per computer was needed. Market Data Retrieval (Education Week, 2001) reported, in the year 2000, the student-computer ratio in U. S. schools dropped to an…

Examines the pedagogical beliefs and teaching practices of 17 exemplary technology-using teachers. Findings suggest exemplary technology use, as perceived and practiced by teachers, does not readily match descriptions of best practice provided in the literature. Rather, exemplary use reflects teachers' personal beliefs about teaching and learning…

The purpose of the VisionQuest project is to help current and future educators envision and achieve technology integration by providing access to electronic models of technology-using teachers. By helping teachers envision and achieve exemplary technology use, the project aims to promote widespread, fundamental changes in teaching and learning…

Describes a university/elementary school partnership where elementary school teachers were provided with professional support through monthly meetings, instructional support through two inservice workshops, and technical support in part by students (third to fifth grade) trained to serve as technology "experts." Findings indicate increases in…

In this exploratory study, researchers compared characteristics and teaching practices of teachers, perceived by themselves to be exemplary technology-users, with characteristics and teaching practices of exemplary users described in the literature. Using a qualitative case-study design, the researchers examined the pedagogical beliefs and…

Besides a host of technical and logistical questions, more subtle issues, related to teachers' pedagogical visions and beliefs, as well as their perceived confidence for using technology, are also known to impede meaningful classroom technology use. Assuming that most designers and staff developers are fairly well prepared to provide technical…

Current teacher educators are being challenged to find opportunities for their preservice teachers to develop both competence in, and confidence for, integrating technology into their curricula. Given the difficulty involved in trying to arrange successful classroom technology experiences for preservice teachers, this study was designed to examine…

This study investigates the effectiveness of integration efforts at an elementary school, where for the past 2 years, all students (grades 1-5) have received computer training at least one day per week from the media specialist, university personnel, and/or volunteers. A group of 18 students were trained as technology tutors in additional after…