college of education | fall
1998
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Technology Grant Winners Learn About Technology at College of Education
More than 100 innovative teachers from throughout Michigan selected to receive grants to use technology in their classrooms spent a week at Michigan State University as part of the Michigan NextDay Innovation Leadership Grants program.
The Michigan NextDay Innovation Leadership Institute, which was coordinated by Barbara Markle, director of the college’s K-12 Outreach, was held in August at Erickson Hall. The institute provided the 118 teachers with information and support in their quest to integrate technology in their classrooms.
The institute was the first step in supporting the teachers in their efforts to use technology as a powerful tool in student learning. It also helped teachers become leaders in creating change at their schools, Markle said.
"What we have are teachers who range from very experienced and savvy technology users to some who have great ideas but need support in implementing them through technology," she said. "This range reflects very well the state as whole in terms of technology and the classroom.
"One of the goals of the institute is to create a community of teacher innovators who can share ideas, learn from and support each other. The other goal is to help these teachers create change in their schools. These teachers are not only technological pioneers, but leaders for change."
In July, Michigan Gov. John Engler announced the recipients of the grants. Each of the 118 teachers received a grant ranging between $2,000 and $10,000 to help them implement technology in the classroom. The grants totaled $601,558.
The grant program is sponsored by the Michigan Jobs Commission the Michigan Virtual University.
Robert Filka, president of the Michigan Renaissance Fund, said the institute provide teachers with an opportunity to learn more about how technology can enhance teaching and student learning. "We want to do everything we can to help them hit the ground running when they return to their classrooms this fall."
MSU President Peter McPherson welcomed teachers, sessions throughout week included such topics as creating multimedia projects to managing state grants.
The College of Education is heading the research and outreach component of the program. Under the direction of Yong Zhao, professor in the departments of teacher education and counseling, educational psychology and special education, researchers at MSU will examine the effectiveness of the projects on student learning.
