E-Learning Grant

Overview and Activities

In response to the Watson School of Education’s commitment to the UNC Office of the President’s plan to address the teacher shortage, this project will utilize some of the innovative technological applications to reach far beyond the current enrolled students, specifically as described in the activities for the goals of recruitment and retention. The goal of this e-learning project is to improve the quality, accessibility, and evaluation of all clinical experiences in the teacher preparation program at UNC Wilmington through significant technology enhancements. University and school system partners involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of field experiences and clinical practice have identified needs and opportunities for enhancing the effectiveness of this critical component in teacher preparation.

The community colleges education faculty and staff have expressed the need for new, easily accessible program reflective of the millennium generation to use in recruiting. The funding provided through this source will produce Technology-Enhanced Clinical Education across all programs (degree-seeking and alternative pathways to teaching) and infuse into foundations, methods, pre-internship, and internship courses more efficient and effective approaches for quality experiences with a special emphasis on working with diverse populations as well as bring additional students into the field of education.

The activities are categorized into three main areas: (1) Recruitment, (2) Real-Time Responsiveness during Clinical Experiences, and (3) Retention of New Teachers.

Recruitment

Using Technology Applications to Recruit Teachers – Provide an online interactive module to encourage and inform prospective candidates about the Teaching Profession

• Target undeclared majors in College of Arts and Sciences, Community College students, and potential or newly admitted Alternative Pathways to Teaching candidates (See Attachment A, Component I)
  


• Assist the Watson School Advisors and EDN 200 course instructors located at the three partnering Community Colleges (see Part VI) and UNCW General College Advisors in recruiting prospective teachers

Principal Proposer:

Watson School of Education, University of N.C. Wilmington

Cathy L. Barlow, Dean
Watson School of Education
601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5991
910-962-3354
barlowc@uncw.edu

Karen S. Wetherill, Associate Dean
Watson School of Education
601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5991
910-962-4147
wetherillk@uncw.edu

University Partners

College of Arts and Sciences (Computer Science, Math, Science, Foreign Language, Health and Allied Science Departments), Information Technology Systems Division, Academic Affairs

Community Colleges

Brunswick Community College, Cape Fear Community College, Southeast Community College

Corporate Partner:

TaskStream (A Web-based Toolset)