Dr. Connie Jones

cjones@mtsu.edu

Dr. Connie Jones

Elementary & Special Education

Discipline specific equipment

KOM 104, 123, 162, LRC 100A + 15 laptops, and KOM 105

New Technology

N/A

Approximately 1200 pre-service teachers need an environment that supports technology integration across the curriculum and improves cross curriculum coordination. The Elementary and Special Education Department would like to purchase software to encompass the improvement in the following areas: literacy, math, assessment, science, and social studies. Adapted and specially designed software and media can contribute enormously to effective instruction. The proposed software would be installed in our master classrooms, on fifteen laptops, and on twenty four computers in the technology lab. The faculty and students would utilize the K-8 software in the following ways: The students will have opportunities to explore and work independently; supplement the various subjects they will encounter in the elementary classroom; and the faculty will integrate appropriate software for their discipline; pre-service teachers will learn to assess students; and have the opportunity to construct their own assessment instruments. The laptops will allow pre-service teachers opportunities to integrate cross curricula software applications within their teaching experiences in the community. The requested TAF funds will also enable the Department to more adequately address the needs of the pre-service teacher and the demands placed upon the elementary and special education program by state, national, and professional accrediting agencies. The department needs access to a classroom that has adaptive technology. The special education majors should have an opportunity to see and use technology that will be used to help the children in their K-12 classes be more independent. Working with children with multiple handicaps and preparing them to move into society after high school requires knowledge of technology currently