Although virtual worlds offer teachers the potential to enhance the K-12 curriculum in novel ways, there have been few systematic attempts to instruct teachers about virtual worlds, research their reactions, or track their explorations of these three-dimensional environments. Therefore, this study was designed to respond to the call to help…

New information and communications technologies (ICT) are redefining teacher education. A university faculty member and an instructional technology consultant incorporated information and communications technologies within a graduate university methods course. The following research questions explored student perceptions of using Web 2.0 tools as…

The advent of computer technology in the classroom raised the issue of its appropriate use by teachers and their students alike. It has been recommended that teacher education programs provide more opportunities for teacher candidates' use of technology including teaching their own technology-enhanced lessons. With a goal of integrating…

This study investigated the efficacy of case development as an instrument for teacher learning in technology integration. In particular, the study investigated whether case development can help teachers (a) develop the ability to integrate technology with content and pedagogy, and (b) cultivate skills required to reflect on their own teaching with…

This brief paper describes a comparison of two different courses, both of which have been approved by the state of Georgia's Professional Standards Commission (PSC). These courses fulfill the PSC requirement that all teachers be competent with technology and know how to integrate technology into teaching and learning by the year 2006. The method…

The purpose of this paper is to report on the professional development model of Teacher Institute for Curriculum Knowledge about Integration of Technology (TICKIT). This paper will situate the TICKIT model with past findings from professional development research, and provide researchers and practitioners facilitating future programs advice based…

This study analyzed how faculty and graduate students interacted within a distance education environment when a new technology was introduced. Data from an education course offered via interactive audio/video and supported with Web-based materials and interaction opportunities were analyzed. Initially, the course was developed for delivery through…

Technology education has been listed as a new basic requirement in the curriculum for graduate students at universities and colleges in China for seven years. The purpose of this study is to explore Chinese graduate students' and teachers' perceptions about the technology class--what these students consider to be helpful and what they perceive to…

Compared beginning educational computer user's beliefs about classroom computing before and after completing one of three types of introductory computer courses. Stages of Concern survey data indicated that each course had the desired effect on teachers' attitudes. All three groups became aware of educational computing and were not concerned with…

Describes the curriculum revision undertaken at Indiana University's Instructional Systems Technology Department. The impetus for change is discussed; stages in the revision process and major new curriculum features are covered; a brief synopsis of two relevant field studies is given; and the effect of revision on the faculty is briefly described.…

This study explored what factors influenced learner participation in two sections of a graduate online course at a Midwestern university. Findings indicated that online learner participation and patterns of participation are influenced by the following factors: technology and interface characteristics, content area experience, student roles and…

Almost half of the students at Nova Southeastern University (Florida) are enrolled in field-based programs taught through distance education. Technology of one kind or another has been the backbone for delivering masters and doctoral level education for students at a distance from the Fischler Center for the Advancement of Education at Nova…

Describes implementation of a mentoring program to improve university faculty members' technology skills. Students in a graduate instructional technology course were paired with faculty according to students' computer skills and faculty members' needs. Surveys and student journals indicated that the program benefitted both groups, as students…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Tapped In, a multi-user virtual environment (MUVE), in facilitating parent-teacher conferencing. California Lutheran University had received a grant to prepare teachers to use technology and implement distance learning. Participants chose Tapped In, which allowed faculty to meet with preservice and…

This paper briefly describes an assignment designed to improve teachers' attitudes toward technology through basic instruction. A group of teachers who were taking graduate level courses were introduced to computer technology in a non-threatening manner starting with learning the basic computer skills, such as e-mail, word processing, and…