News

School implements Web-based professional development system

In partnership with Public Broadcasting System's TeacherLine project, the University of Georgia, IMS, and the University of Colorado at Denver, the Learning to Teach with Technology Studio, http://www.ltts.org, has created online learning modules for the nation's in-service teachers to use to create standards-based technology integration projects. Teachers can use the LTTS to learn anytime, anywhere and earn IU graduate credit and/or continuing renewal unit credits toward their professional development or licensure requirements.

LTTS modules were developed by inservice teachers having expertise in technology integration. Tom Duffy, the Barbara Jacobs Chair in Education and Technology and principal investigator of the LTTS, said of the project, "With LTTS, we are designing modules that help teachers learn to use technology to support student-centered inquiry and problem-solving in the classroom." Along with licensing modules from LTTS, PBS has also provided a grant to support the development of 12 video vignettes to enhance these modules. The clips feature in-service teachers who have solved particular technology issues and provide instruction to help others learn specific practices of technology integration.

The partnership with the University of Georgia will result in the development of more modules with the help of a consortium comprised of graduate students and teachers from that university's Learning and Performance Support Laboratory. "Partnerships with schools, districts, and universities are of critical importance to the expansion of LTTS, and we will continue to develop consortium partners in an effort to help teachers improve their skills in classroom-based technology integration," Duffy said.

LTTS is funded by $1.5 million grant through the Department of Education's FIPSE LAAP Program. The project is in year three of a five-year funding period. The project is being developed at the Center for Research on Learning and Technology by a team of designers and teachers, including Jamie Kirkley, Carolyn Scholten, Larissa Malopinsky, Charles Graham, Gary Neely, Kyle Haskins, Carey Smith, and Nancy Schwartz.

Relevant Web link: http://www.ltts.org