By Kristen Carlson

Last fall, faculty members in the department were awarded a technology improvement grant through the Teacher Preparation Initiative. The grant, affectionately known as Power Up!, was written to assist faculty members who teach SCSU teacher licensure courses in fully integrating 21^st century skills into their courses.

The cohort of faculty members has worked to integrate the ISTE standards into their course syllabi and understand the importance of including 21^st (and 22^nd) century skills into teacher education courses. Additionally, the cohort has had the opportunity to work cooperatively with IM alumni, Laurie Conzemius, Ryan Cox, Laura Mackenthun, and Mary Waite, who are all practicing Library Media Specialists or Technology Integrationists in P12 schools. These four experts have shared their knowledge of integrating communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity into coursework.

Through the experience, we have seen many faculty members excitedly implementing changes and experimenting with more student-centered activities in their courses! The grant will officially end in April with an open house where cohort participants will share their experiences with the School of Education and Teacher Education Unit faculty members, staff, and students.   Because of the wonderful enthusiasm from participants, we are hopeful to continue to make progress with technology integration in the School of Education outside of the grant.