Schools all over the world are re-inventing themselves to prepare students for a new economy and a new role as citizen. Will our teachers-in-preparation, those currently in the pipeline to the classroom, be ready to teach in these transformed schools? What will they need to know and be able to do to succeed in the school of the information age? What’s the best way for them to learn what they need?

I worked in teacher education for about 16 years and was involved in a number of project which involved the use of different forms of technology ( in those early days students still would hand write their assignments as opposed to word processing them – mainly due to lack of access to computers).  In my experience at this time ( late 90 ‘s ) student teachers needed a lot of support.  In the early days we had problems with access to computers but that sort of impedement has now been largely overtaken I think.  In Scotland we have a learning platform called Glow which is made avaialble to trainee teachers so that they can use it during their initial training course – this gives them some familiarity with the technology before they enter the classroom.  I think that embedding technology in teacher training course is one positive step that can be taken.  It is important to emphasise the benefit to Education that technology can bring as opposed to just making technology the driver for is own sake.

As a professor at Hunter College, I have had the opportunity to use video analysis as a tool to evaluate students in the field of blindness and visual impairment durng their practicum or student teaching experience. The obvious benefit is that the student can see how he/she comes across to a group of students using the video feedback to understand individual strengths and weaknesses. As a result, student feedback about the personal experiences has yielded a high level of self reflection and self criticism for change. The platform which Hunter uses provides easy accessibilty for both the students and the professors. The ability to provide written feedback and reflection makes for an easy dialogue between student and professor.

In addition, all of our students receive training in the most current technology which can be utilized with students who are blind or visually impaired. The education of students who are blind has dramatically changed ibecause of accessibility to literacy through various mediums including voice output software on the computer and accessible braille translation.

Jim,

We’re launching the US verson of RM’s Glow here in Redmond Washington. It’s inital target is as a ommunication platform for teachers, students and parents — gathering around the learning campfire. The professional learning objectives are riding right behind the communication facility. If you were to comment on it, what emphasis would you put on the use of Glow for professional learning?

BTW, Success at the Core is a brilliantly executed resource to help teachers improve their practice! Can be found at http://www.successatthecore.com/