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Making History!!!
The Big Picture


 In the other schools at the University of Virginia, the use of computer technology in the curriculum is nothing new.  The Engineering School, for example, has been using technology since it was founded.  The world reknown Medical School at the University uses a large OS2 based network throughout the University of Virginia hospital to keep track of patient records in real time.  It is little wonder that the Curry School of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences began to aggressively implement computer technology in the curriculum over the past decade. 

The University of Virginia's Curry School of Education was recently ranked by the U.S. News & World Report as one of America's best educational programs.  In preparing the teachers of tomorrow, the Curry School's mission focuses on three main strands: technology, multiculturalism, and special education.  As we prepare to enter the 21st century, it is crucial for teachers to have a strong background in knowledge and preparation in these areas.

Students in the teacher education program receive extensive training in technological skills and how to apply them in the classroom.  The emphasis is not just on the technology itself, but also on finding meaningful ways to integrate it into the classroom.  The Social Studies education program is setting the pace for technology and teacher education with its faculty, students, classes, and projects  focusing on finding innovative, creative ways to move ahead with techonology.  The program is aided by the Impact Grant, which is allowing for further study and research into technology.

         Unlike other education schools across the country, the Curry School of Education keeps pace with the growing use of computer technology.  Many classes in all schools at the University of Virginia design class web pages to keep students up-to-date on class readings and annoucements.  Several classes also set up discussion groups, easily accessed by a web browser.  In this way students can access information about classes easily and take part in collaborative learning through this technology.  Like the Social Studies Methods course EDIS 788, collaborative learning is widespread throughout the University.

     Perhaps what makes the EDIS 788 course unique from other forms of collaborative learning at the University of Virginia is the possible implementation of such technology in public schools.  Since the course is designed for graduate students in education who have already finished their student teaching, students in the EDIS 788 Social Studies Methods course learn not only how to use such technology as video conferencing and newsgroups, but also to critically analyze its usage for use inside a secondary classroom setting.  American schools have already begun to embrace computer technology for classrooms to be competitive in the 21st century.  By becoming familiar with such technology in all aspects of the University of Virginia, EDIS 788 students will be leaders in the public schools of the next millenium. 


    Adding to the depth of the social studies field project class is the chance to interact with education students in a social studies methods course at the University of South Florida in Tampa. This university is also exploring new ways to use technology and to prepare its students to be outstanding teachers.  Collaboration with USF gives the EDIS 788 students the opportunity to see technology in action and to share ideas with other future teachers.