The Department of Education's Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) grant program addresses a growing challenge in modern education: nearly all elementary and secondary schools are now "wired" to the Internet, but most teachers still feel uncomfortable using technology in their teaching.

The Institute for Technology Enhanced Learning (ITEL) of the University of Dayton's School of Education and Allied Professions and the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) are working collaboratively to develop a comprehensive preservice teacher education model focused on connecting learning, teaching, and technology. This will involve the systematic assessments of the UD teacher preparation programs in the areas of faculty development, curriculum design and integration, clinical and field experiences, and the use of online resources to support teacher development. This project seeks to design and implement an innovative reconstruction of UD’s preservice teacher preparation program driven by the systematic integration of the PBS TeacherLine curriculum and problem-based learning theory. The partnership will address the above goals with the following activities: curriculum planning; collaborative instructional design; online teaching and learning; the development of field and clinical experiences; and the development of new modules for the PBS Education TeacherLine program.

The Ohio Learning Network (OLN) significantly expands access to Ohioans' learning opportunities by linking them to education content to meet their needs. OLN assists colleges and universities in their capacity and effectiveness to use technology in instruction and research by supporting leading edge activities. The Ohio Learning Network helps Ohio thrive in a world market by facilitating partnerships and collaborations among higher education institutions, schools, business and industry, and local communities.

ITEL is currently developing an online course for Ohio SchoolNet. Technology Coaching, which will be rolled out in the fall of 2005, is designed to provide professional development for school-based technology coaches. The course focuses on the role of technology coaches in helping teachers develop knowledge and skill in designing and facilitating meaningful technology-enhanced learning experiences for PK-12 students. Specifically, it seeks to prepare teachers to serve as technology coaches in their respective schools and school districts.

Technology Coaching Plan