Models for Partnering with Education

Abstract

The ultimate goal of K-12 education is the creation of students who are seekers of knowledge and skilled in its acquisition. However, limited access to sources of information such as Internet restricts achievement of this goal in most schools. A model in which information technologists partner with teacher educators and teacher educators partner with K-12 teachers has the potential to effect positive change in the educational environment of K-12 students. This process of triangulation incorporates the technological expertise and resources of Information Technology, the established collaboration with K-12 of the Colleges of Education, and the rapport in the classroom of the K-12 teachers.This paper focuses on the definition of a model that includes assessing the informational needs of the K-12 students and formulating the educational goals, identifying and implementing the technology and personnel resources from each of the partners, developing the content and implementing the training/delivery modes, and evaluating the educational impact of the enhanced access. Specific attention is directed toward the establishment of cooperative arrangements with network partners, such as telephone companies and local cable TV providers, and the development of multimedia applications and skills for the teachers. Paper presented at CAUSE94, the full proceedings of which are available through this Library as PUB1094.