University program drills technology skills into Illinois teach

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- When Tim Hendrix was in school, he learned math by listening to his teachers explain the principles, writing them down and then working through examples.

Hendrix is now helping education students at the University of Illinois learn to teach math using graphing calculators and computer programs such as Geometer's Sketchpad, which explores geometric shapes and their properties.

"We'd like our teachers to challenge their students at a higher level and ask, 'Why do things work that way?"' said Hendrix, a visiting lecturer in the College of Education and part of the UI's Office for Math, Science and Technology Education. "Technology opens doors for students. It's a different way to learn."

Curriculum redesigned

The College of Education has redesigned its entire teacher education curriculum to incorporate technology, as well as several other specific topics, into all its courses. It is putting the technology portion into place with the help of a $3.2 million grant over a three-year period.

The project is called Technology Across Learning Environments for New Teachers, and its three goals are to integrate technology into the curriculum for education students, increase faculty training in the use of technology in the classroom, and provide equipment for student teachers to use in local school districts.

"In today's world, since children are so competent on computers, we have to make sure our teachers can keep up with their students," said Susan Fowler, dean of education. "They have to know how to use the Web, digital cameras, a variety of technology if they are going to be able to stay ahead of the children they are teaching and really take advantage of new computer-based curricula coming out on the market. Our faculty absolutely have to know it in order to prepare the teachers."

A federal initiative to develop technology-proficient teachers is providing $1.5 million. Other funds will come from the UI, local school districts and corporate donors.

"It's really important for us to confirm that when our students leave here they are sophisticated in the use of technology, not just turning the computer on or using the projector, but pedagogical issues," said Catherine Thurston, director of the Office of Educational Technology.

"When does this enhance what I'm doing? When is it appropriate to use and when is it not? It's a massive effort, but we think it's really important," she said.

Beginning in July 2003, all teachers will have to meet technology standards established by the Illinois State Board of Education. They include proficiency in operating equipment and using software to support lessons.