SIGTE 2008 Research Paper Award
Dr. Teresa Foulger, Mia Kim Williams, and Dr. Keith Wetzel of Arizona State University’s College of Teacher Education and Leadership received the award for their paper, "Innovative Technologies, Small Groups, and a Wiki: A 21st Century Preservice Experience Founded on Collaboration."
New technology tools available at the university level have made it possible to create learning environments that capitalize on the kinds teaching practices that support augmented conversations, sophisticated communication, and collaboration; yet, existing teaching models lag in their ability to take advantage of these possibilities. Three instructors of an educational technology course for preservice teachers wanted to explore the effects of a new project, the Innovations Mini-Teach, that allowed students to learn about many new and evolving technologies and their application to PreK–12 education by organize themselves in ways that relied upon their collaborative abilities and a technology tool, the class Innovations Wiki. Student focus groups at the end of the semester sought to uncover the value of collaboration in students’ abilities to learn new technologies, the obstacles to collaboration, and how collaborative skills may affect use of innovations in students’ future teaching. Findings indicated this new approach to learning about innovative technologies was supported by small group collaboration, and that the class wiki supported whole class collaboration during the semester with the additional potential to provide students with opportunities to share after the semesterended. Most important, many students changed their views about themselves as learners of technology.
The Research Paper Award recognizes excellence in research in the area of technology and teacher education. All research papers accepted for presentation at ISTE's annual educational technology conference, the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), including those selected for both the research paper and round table categories, are eligible for the SIGTE Research Paper Award.
Dr. Foulger (left) is Assistant Professor of educational technology at Arizona State University. She currently is the Communications Officer for the Teacher Education SIG of the International Society for Technology in Education. Her research focus is on professional development and collaboration, social influences on innovation, and use of technology that support change.
Mia Kim Williams (right) has been one of the educational technology course creators and instructors since its conception over five years ago. She currently works as a full-time Lecturer at Arizona State University and is a PhD candidate in Curriculum and Instruction- Curriculum Studies. Her research interests include the use of technology to transform teaching and learning in K–16 environments, digital equity, and innovative and critical pedagogy.
Dr. Wetzel (center) is professor of educational technology at Arizona State University. He was a member of the AACTE’s Technology Committee and past president of the International Society for Technology in Education’s SIG Teacher Education. He has published widely on teacher professional development and the integration of technology in teacher education programs.
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