UNI College of Education to host technology forum in West Des Moines

     CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa will present "Using Technology to Improve Teacher Quality for Iowa," a free panel discussion for educators and school administrators at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 3, at the West Des Moines Marriott.
     The discussion will cover the importance of technology in 21st century classrooms, using technology to enhance the classroom experience, and UNI's role in training Iowa's future teachers. The College of Education's InTime project (Integrating New Technologies Into the Methods of Education), helping educators improve student learning at all levels and in all content areas will be discussed.
     Panelists from the University of Northern Iowa include Robert Koob, president; Bill Callahan, associate dean, College of Education; Karla Krueger, InTime co-director; Yana Cornish, InTime technical coordinator and Judy Jeffrey, administrator, Iowa Department of Education.
InTime is an online professional development program that shows teachers how to integrate technology into the classroom. Created by the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa in 1999, the free Web site was funded by a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
     The site features a database of more than 540 videos and accompanying curriculum materials. InTime allows educators to watch online video vignettes of top PreK-12 teachers from various grades and subject areas. The videos show teachers integrating technology into their classrooms.
     "A language arts teacher can learn how another instructor uses computer software to help children who have difficulty in writing or spelling," explained Krueger.
     As a spin-off of the InTime project, UNI has introduced its first DVD, "Using Teaching Standard to Improve Student Learning" which helps educators meet the state-mandated Iowa Teaching Standards for teacher evaluation. The DVD has more than three hours of video examples that specifically illustrate the eight Iowa Teaching Standards and 42 subpoints that are used for evaluating new teachers. The DVD, together with print materials is available for $100.
     A second DVD, "Democracy in the Classroom: Developing Character and Citizenship," addresses the need to improve education about democracy and citizenship. The DVD will be available next year.
     The InTime Web site has received more than 20 million hits and has more than 33,000 ongoing users. RSVPs are required for the Dec. 3 event.

To RSVP, call Stacey Christensen at (319) 273-3170.