Effective use of technology can completely revolutionize education and positively impact student success. Technology is known as “the great equalizer” because it can be used in ways that accommodate diverse learner needs, including those who are second language learners, who have physical disabilities, or who have learning disabilities. 21st century students expect to use technology in all aspects of their life – during games and playtime, when learning at school, and in their future careers. Unfortunately, we are not meeting this need. With this in mind, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) created the ISTE-Teacher standards to support K-12 teachers’ adoption of technology tools in their teaching practice (see http://www.iste.org/standards/ISTE-standards/standards-for-teachers).
The standards have been embraced by K-12 education and have positively influenced teaching practices internationally. Unfortunately, competencies related to effectively teaching with technology in higher education do not yet exist. This project will create Teaching with Technology Competencies, which could provide stimulus for a range of innovations in higher education, from the reform of existing courses to make better use of technology, to completely redefining learning environments.
In essence, Teaching with Technology Competencies (TTCs) could support the redesign of teaching to meet ALL students’ needs, at high levels, including those learners who connect from a distance (i.e., online learners). The organizations involved in this project are known for promoting innovation and believe that the infusion of technology in pre-service teaching education programs will benefit teacher candidates.
Competencies for Teaching with Technology in Higher Education 