1 Implementation of a technology-enhanced problem-based learning curriculum: Supporting teachers’ efforts American Educational Research Association (AERA) Montréal, Canada April 13, Wed :25-1:55 Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Sung Hee Park Purdue University Jeff Cramer Taylor University Peg Ertmer Purdue University

2 Agenda Background Purpose of the study Methods Results Discussion and Implications

3 Background Technology in K-12 classroom –99% of public school teachers have computers in their schools –Internet connectivity has increased 65% (1996) 95% (1999) 2/3 of teachers don’t feel well-prepared to use technology in teaching Teachers’ preparation and training is a key factor (NCES, 2000)

4 Background Barriers to staff development –Opportunities to practice –Access to resources and expertise –Support from the community –Having on-site assistance and support (Lewis, 1998) Importance of having instruction related to both technology skills and integration ideas instead of one alone (Trotter, 1999)

5 Background Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach –An effective way to integrate technology –“Experiential learning, organized around the investigation and resolution of messy, real-world problems” (Sage, 2000) –Teacher technology development can use the same problem- centered method that is suggested for students in problem-based learning (Hill, 1999) –Technology is a critical tool information searching modeling task or content decision making, and presenting solutions during PBL activities –Technology integration with PBL can be a meaningful learning experience for both teachers and students (Jonassen, Howland, Moore, & Marra, 2003).

6 Purpose of the Study What are teachers’ perceptions of, and pedagogical beliefs about, technology-enhanced PBL? What kinds of barriers and support do teachers encounter while implementing technology-enhanced PBL? What kinds of strategies are needed to provide effective staff development in using technology- enhanced PBL?

7 Methodology July, 2002 ~ June, stage data collection –2 week summer institute: Survey, interview, journal –Fall semester, 2002: Interview, field notes, observation –Spring semester, 2003: Survey, interview, field notes

8 Methodology Case study Participants –3 teachers from the same middle school NameSubjectGradeExperience CarrieScience & Social studies6th4 years JakeSocial studies6 th & 7th2 years DavidSocial studies & Reading6th3 years

9 Results 1 st Stage : The Summer Institute Improving technology skills & knowledge Increasing confidence through hands-on activity Gaining insights –the role of the teacher –connection with PBL and implementation in the classroom Suggestions for Improvement More examples of PBL units that work in the classroom

10 Results 2 nd Stage (Fall semester) Frequent use of technology Increased comfort with various software applications Barriers –losing the team preparation time –working around standardized tests required by the state: little time to introduce technology and to practice mini-PBL strategies

11 Results 3 rd Stage (Spring semester) Implementing PBL unit –6 th grade –Topic: history of their community Survey data –technology expertise: 0.4 increase –their beliefs about student centered learning: 0.3 increase Interview data –teachers’ technology comfort level increased –teachers’ role as a facilitator and students’ role as a researcher and instructor to other students –time and resource barriers

12 Results Change in teachers ’ pedagogical beliefs –More comfort in using technology –Realization that students were more engaged in learning Perceived ideal staff development for tech integration –Beginner: other teachers with different levels of technology and PBL experience –Intermediate some practical guidelines that could refresh their knowledge, new technology skills, more hands-on activities with their own units to modify feedback from other teachers outside of their own groups.

13 Discussion and Implications (1) 1 st stage Feel “comfortable” with technology Feel overwhelmed and isolated 2 nd stage Team preparation time Administrative support to impact implementation of new teaching method 3 rd stage Shift in pedagogical beliefs in using technology enhanced PBL Adopt mini-PBL activities before PBL unit Collaboration among teachers

14 Discussion and Implications (2) Effective development –Practice both technology skills and PBL strategies –Provide time for developing their own units Provide opportunities for teachers to collaborate with Experts –Graduate course –Professional development Other teachers –Peer coaching/peer collaboration Continuous administrative support Providing team preparation time Encouraging teachers to develop a joint unit (collaboration) Creating school culture that values the sharing of teachers’ experience

15 Questions?

16 More information Tech-Know-Build Project website Contact information Sung Hee Park: Jeff Cramer Peg Ertmer