Laptop computers in teacher preparation: Lessons learned from the University of South Florida implementation

THIS ARTICLE provides an overview of the successful laptop implementation in the College of Education at the University of South Florida (USF). The pilot initiative began with one cohort of preservice teachers in 2003; since then, the program has expanded throughout the college. Through a chronologi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of computing in higher education 2008-09, Vol.20 (1), p.95-117
Main Authors: Barron, Ann E., Feyten, Carine M., Venable, Melissa, Hilbelink, Amy, Hogarty, Kristine Y., Kromrey, Jeffrey D., Lang, Thomas R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Beginning Teachers
Education
Educational Technology
Florida
Higher Education
Internet
Laptop Computers
Learning and Instruction
Portable computers
Preservice Teacher Education
Preservice Teachers
Program Descriptions
Program Implementation
Schools of Education
Student teachers
Teacher education
Teaching Methods
Technical Support
Technology Integration
Technology Planning
Web Sites
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Summary:THIS ARTICLE provides an overview of the successful laptop implementation in the College of Education at the University of South Florida (USF). The pilot initiative began with one cohort of preservice teachers in 2003; since then, the program has expanded throughout the college. Through a chronological outline of the issues, formative evaluations, modifications, and expansion of the project as it progressed through the years, this article shares lessons learned related to the process and outcomes. For example, initial implementation decisions included issues such as whether participation should be voluntary or mandatory, which computer platforms would be supported, and how training and support would be provided. As the project expanded, questions related to ongoing maintenance, financial aid, and other issues were addressed.
ISSN:1042-1726
1867-1233
DOI:10.1007/BF03033433