An article is being written for Teacher Success brochure about how Eisenhower project opportunities can aid in professional development for teacher licensure. One of the strengths of gathering together teachers from similar schools is the support and collegiality that is promoted and nourished. The backing of colleagues is an important factor in change and peer support enhances the development of expertise in multimedia production, as well as in other areas of concern to teachers which will promote increased student learning. Another strength of this project is that many teachers who had limited knowledge of computers not only became proficient at using multimedia software, but they also overcame the fear of technology in the classroom. Participants also realized it was all right for their students to know more about technology than they, and that collaboration between teacher and student was just as valuable as that between student and student when involved in multimedia production.
Participants now have their own e-mail, and Internet integration into the classroom is successful.
A weakness was limited technology which was a stumbling block for implementing change. Although technology was purchased with Technology Grants from the State of Indiana by three of the four schools, not all participants have ready access to technology in their classrooms. Scheduling the follow-up meetings for Saturdays was extremely successful. This relieved the teachers of anxieties about being absent from their classrooms.