Interactive learning at a distance: Technology integration training for pre-service and in-service teachers

This paper discusses a practicum that was designed to provide instruction in technology integration for pre-service and in-service k-12 educators without traditional meeting time. Opportunities for face-to-face instruction were unavailable because classroom facilities with internet/multimedia capabilities were not accessible due to the lack of funding. Content for the online course was established through the use of a needs assessment survey and questionnaire, six textbooks, three websites, and a try-out learning experience (an activity similar to a test drive of an automobile). The writer developed an outcome based online delivery system promoting the use of technology in classrooms for in-service and pre-service teachers offered regardless of time and place. Pre-service and in-service teachers interacted with an instructor and each other via asynchronous communication (e-mail, electronic bulletin boards, web pages, and video tapes) and synchronous communication (audio conferencing). In-service students received credit that could be used for state recertification, while pre-service students received three hours of college credit. A CD-ROM disk with one multimedia software application and tutorial was distributed.