Teresa Petty

Teacher Education Programs and Online Learning Tools: Innovations in Teacher Preparation

JRichard Hartshorne is an Associate Professor of Educational Technology at the University of Central Florida. He earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida. At the University of Central Florida, his teaching focuses on the integration of technology into the educational landscape, as well as instructional design and development. His research interests primarily involve the production and effective integration of instructional technology into the teaching and learning environment. The major areas of his research interest are rooted in online teaching and learning, technology and teacher education and the integration of emerging technology into the K-Post-secondary curriculum. His articles have appeared in such publications as Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, Journal of Computing in Higher Education, Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, The Internet and Higher Education, The Journal of Educational Computing Research and others. He has also authored numerous book chapters and serves in editorial capacities for a number of journals in the field of educational technology. Topics Covered:

Evaluating Modes of Teacher Preparation: A Comparison of Face-to-Face and Remote Observations of Graduate Interns

Abstract Although technology-mediated learning has its advantages, it does not come without operational tradeoffs. Thus, consideration of the effectiveness of new modes of teacher preparation in comparison to traditional, longstanding, research-proven methods is necessary. In this study, we evaluated one large southern urban university’s implementation of synchronous remote observations of teacher education candidates using live classroom software. We compared remote and face-to-face observations to determine if the modes of observation were equivalent in supporting professional growth and evaluating quality instruction. Results suggest that both modes of observation are not equal but are comparable in supporting graduate interns’ professional growth and in measuring teaching effectiveness. The implications of this study shed light on the advantages and limitations of emergent technologies as teacher education programs explore alternative forms of Web-based evaluations of teacher candidates.

Windows into teaching and learning: professional growth of classroom teachers in an online environment

The Windows into Teaching and Learning (WiTL) project was developed by researchers at one large urban institution in the southeast region of the United States as a way to facilitate online clinical experiences for content area methods students during summer coursework. Utilising both synchronous and asynchronous elements, WiTL addressed the issue of students gaining meaningful clinical experiences in coursework offered during the summer. Though the purpose of WiTL was initially for methods students to engage in observations of and conversations with practising classroom teachers, an unanticipated outcome occurred. In this paper, the authors describe the WiTL process and discuss the impact it had on the professional growth of the practising classroom teachers. The results indicate that WiTL encouraged teachers to utilise reflective practice in rethinking their pedagogy and used technology to facilitate professional learning community among classroom teachers.

Observing Graduate Interns Remotely

Abstract Innovative strategies and technology come together in this initiative for teacher training.

Was It Worth It? Some National Board Certified Teachers Say No!

Abstract Thousands of teachers across the nation have sought and achieved National Board Certification, which expires after 10 years. Prior to the expiration of the certification, teachers must decide whether they plan to renew. Many teachers choose to renew their certification. The intent of this research was to examine the data regarding why some teachers choose not to renew their certification.

Innovative Practices in Teacher Preparation and Graduate-Level Teacher Education Programs

Innovative Practices in Teacher Preparation and Graduate-Level Teacher Education Programs presents critical and relevant research on methods by which future educators in high-level courses are equipped and instructed in order to promote the best experience in academic scholarship. Featuring discussion on a diverse assortment of topics, such as social justice for English language learners, eld-based teacher education, and student satisfaction in graduate programs, this publication is directed at academicians, students, and researchers seeking modern research on the approaches taken by instructors to qualify and engage future educators.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Online Education in K-12 Environments.

Tina L. Heafner, Ph.D. , is a Professor of Social Studies Education in the Department of Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her administrative responsibilities include coordinating the M.Ed. in Secondary Education and the Minor in Secondary Education. Tina’s teaching and research focus on promoting effective practices in social studies and teacher education such as technology integration, content literacy development, and service learning. Other research interests include policy and curriculum issues in social studies, online teaching and learning, and the impact of content-based applications of emerging technologies for K-12 learners. Her articles have appeared in such publications as Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, Journal of Computing in Higher Education, Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education Journal of Social Studies Research, The Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, and Theory and Research in Social Studies Education. She is the co-author of Targeted Vocabulary Strategies for Secondary Social Studies, Strategic Reading in World History, and Strategic Reading in U.S. History. Released: August 2014 An Excellent Addition to Your Library!