The Concept

    Nicholls State University’s re-tooling process is systemic in nature, characterized by collaboration between many educational stakeholders. The basic concept of the re-tooling process is to alter teacher behavior by modeling and engaging in the effective use of technology in undergraduate coursework, arranging field experiences for teacher candidates in technologically rich K-12 classrooms, and infusing technology applications within professional education classrooms.

    Through re-tooling, Nicholls State can produce teachers who meet the needs of the twenty-first century classroom by ensuring that the next generation of teachers see the use of technology during their undergraduate years, participate in field experiences in technologically rich settings, and receive instruction on how to effectively integrate technology into instruction.

Professional Development

    Technology Leadership Cadres made up of K-12 teachers and University faculty will be formed to promote the development of technology skills and the effective integration of technology into lessons. Professional Development opportunities will be offered to pre-service teachers, as well as those university and K - 12 participants who work directly with future teachers. Professional Development opportunities will be based on I.S.T.E. standards and take many shapes including:

• Needs Assessment.
• Professional Development Planning.
• Technology Leadership Cadres — participation in learning communities.
• Opportunities to attend conferences, seminars, and workshops.
• On-line professional development opportunities.
• Site visits to observe effective use of instructional technology.
• Resource development.

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Modeling

    The Re-tooling process will promote the modeling of the effective use of technology in undergraduate classrooms. In addition, we will develop a resource directory of individuals from "partner schools" who are known for using innovative and outstanding practices in the classroom. These K-12 teachers from Region III schools will be enlisted into Technology Leadership Cadres (TLC). Working collaboratively with their TLC and the College of Education, they will create lessons that demonstrate best practices and model the effective use of technology in instruction. Nicholls State University students who visit these model classrooms will become active participants in many lessons.

Field Experiences

    Recent reform efforts in the teacher preparation programs at Louisiana's universities point out a need for a greater presence of teacher candidates in authentic classroom settings prior to practice teaching. Teacher candidates will be directed towards a model classroom in one of the PT3 partner school sites in order to observe effective technologically enriched lessons. These sites will also be available for visits by university faculty members.

Professional Coursework

    The PT3 staff will support the efforts of university’s methods teachers in working to train teacher candidates in instructional technology. The Re-tooling process will lead to greater dialogue and collaboration between Region III school districts and Nicholls State University. University personnel will gain an awareness of the Region's technological infrastructure, current practices in the area of instructional technology, and professional development needs. As a result of the Re-tooling process, the university will not only be better prepared to meet the needs of the school districts, but will also have the capacity to provide the leadership necessary to drive future advances in instructional methodology.

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Curricular Reform

    One of the most important outcomes of the Re-tooling process is the transformation of the University's teacher preparation program. The re-tooling process will promote the development of new skills and capabilities that will lead to a heightened awareness of the role that technology should play in K-12 and university curriculum. Redesign teams will be formed to ensure that current coursework meets state and national standards.

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• to develop teachers who know how to use new technologies, improve learning, increase student achievement, and meet the digital learning needs of all students.
• to promote a seamless link of collaboration among K-12 teachers and university faculties in order to restructure the curriculum, enhance the teaching/learning process, and model the effective use of technology.

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University Faculty

K-12 Teachers