School-based technology mentoring : field-based technology education

This presentation outlines the current status of technology integration in schools from the perspective of researchers and policy makers. The focus of the paper will turn then to how teacher education programs have been preparing future teachers to use technology. In order to illustrate the complex issues that must be addressed when preparing teachers to use technolo gy, this paper will report on the past seven years of an intensive field -based course given at American University in Washington, DC. This course has provided students with an opportunity to experience technology within a real-life school setting while providing local teachers with knowledge and practical skills on integrating technology into their classrooms.