In teacher preparation programs, teacher candidates are expected to learn parental collaboration through their required college coursework and field experiences. Due to confidentiality requirements in field placements, however, teacher candidates are typically not provided an opportunity to attend IEP or 504 plan conferences. In this study,…

In efforts to promote a more learner-centered approach to supervision, faculty members at a Midwestern U.S. university piloted a new digital classroom observation form. Participants included middle/secondary teacher candidates (N = 28) in their final semester of their programs. The overall goal of this study was to gather teacher candidates'…

The project described created a stimulating and professionally relevant way for preservice teacher education to build student teachers' skills in critical reflection, collaboration and communication. Using a constructivist approach throughout, the project's key objectives were: to help students overcome resistance to using technology; to bridge…

The development of inquiry and project-based materials is challenging in many ways, not the least of which is the design of supports for teachers implementing such materials. We report on the design of educative and just-in-time teacher supports for an online project-based unit in ocean science. The teacher supports were visible as tabs on the…

Virtual Schooling (VS) for K-12 school students using distance technologies has increased rapidly in the 21st century with the growth of online learning and virtual schools in more than 44 states in the USA and as e-learning in over 20 clusters of rural schools in New Zealand. Although VS requires a special set of teaching methods, teacher…

Recognizing the power of high quality practice in teacher preparation, a web-based simulation called Cook School District was designed to allow teacher candidates to practice the skills necessary to connect their teaching to the learning of all children employing the framework of teacher work samples (TWS). Pilot study data comparing simulation…

Discusses the Technology Enriched Schools Project (TESP) in the Netherlands that was developed to stimulate the use of computers in secondary education and describes efforts to integrate computers into all curriculum areas in two pilot schools. Inservice training is described, and results of teacher questionnaires regarding computer implementation…

Describes the development of a program in Connecticut that combined Web-based training with peer mentorship to improve technology integration in K-12 classrooms. Topics include prerequisites; program implementation; a nine-month pilot study; formative evaluation; mentor survey; summative evaluation; and the feasibility of this type of program for…

Investigates the computer knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate early childhood majors enrolled in a teaching-methods course which has not historically emphasized the potential of computerized simulation in instruction. Results are discussed in terms of the need to broaden preservice teachers' exposure to computers if they are expected to use…

Within a constructivist philosophy of learning, teachers, as students, are introduced to different perspectives of teaching with robotic technology while immersed in what Papert called a "constructionist" environment. Robotics allows students to creatively explore computer programming, mechanical design and construction, problem solving,…

Describes an interactive multimedia primer on group process skills for preservice and inservice teachers that uses HyperCard and was designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and computer lab. Highlights include a theoretical orientation; primer sections, including small groups, leadership skills, and role playing; and results of a pilot…

Electronically mediated professional exchange is viewed as a valid form of professional dialogue and support. This study examines an effort to link teachers in 10 isolated schools to collaborate in curriculum planning and delivery, focused on a site for resource sharing and communication. Viewed in terms of data concerning extent, nature, and…

This case study describes an effort to design and pilot an interactive, Web-based, district-wide "professional support portal" to support new teacher retention and professional growth in the Milwaukee Public Schools. The study reviews the overarching goals of this program and focuses, in particular, on an account of the nature and kinds…