Members of the Center for Technology and School Change attended the American Education Research Association (AERA) 2018 Annual Meeting from April 13th to 17th in the New York City, New York. Three papers by CTSC staff were accepted by AERA this year.

 

Papers include:

 

  • The Real Potential for Technology as a Catalyst for ChangeEllen B. Meier, Caron Mineo, Jessica Yusaitis Pike, Rocio Santos-Carillo.

Abstract: Teachers today are faced with the challenge of making major pedagogical shifts in order to teach STEM using a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach. This paper describes a systemic model, Innovating Instruction, developed by the Center for Technology and School Change (CTSC), a university-based research center. at Teachers College, Columbia University.  The New York City Council funded CTSC’s work with nine Title I New York City schools.  Using the model, university facilitators worked in partnership with urban teachers and building leaders to design and implement authentic, transdisciplinary STEM projects.  Two years of pre-post questionnaire data show notable shifts in teachers’ understanding of technology integration and STEM design work: promising evidence for the model’s potential to develop teachers as designers of rigorous, hands-on STEM learning experiences for students.  

 

  • Supporting the Integration of Technology: The Role of the Educational Technology Specialist, Sharmin Hakim and Ellen B. Meier.

Abstract: At a time when the emphasis on STEM learning, computational thinking, and maker spaces require more and more technology expertise, it is critical to develop a shared vision for the preparation of technology coaches.  This mixed methods research explores the experiences of recent graduates of an Educational Technology Specialist (ETS) MA certification program that prepares individuals to help educators develop interactive learning environments with the use of technology.  The five-year study found that, although there is widespread support for the ETS role, subsequent job responsibilities of the Educational Technology Specialist vary widely. To take advantage of the catalytic potential of this role, a common vision is needed to link research from the learning sciences with the appropriate use of technology for student-centered learning.

 

  • Connecting to Congress:  Stories and Strategies:  Invited Speaker Session, Jenn Ayscue, Ellen Meier, Troy Sdler, Zewelanji Serpell, Jenn Ayscue. 

Abstract: A discussion of the participants' recent two-day visit to the Hill to promote the importance of Federal funding for research. Juliane Baron from the American Educational Research Association coordinated the trip and chaired this session.

 

More papers CTSC members done for AERA 2017 can be found on our  or the AERA website.