As we've developed the program for this group we have placed an emphasis on using electronic resources. We realize that it is unrealistic to expect students in our program to be completely electronic. We have provided opportunities to experience teaching and learning which incorporate the use of electronic media in conjunction with traditional instructional resources. Pairs of our preservice students have formed teams with teachers working in schools throughout Oregon. Team members have been asked to share information about themselves and their educational programs, then explore the Internet and share their findings.
Similar teams exist at each of Oregon's state colleges and universities.
One unexpected benefit of this program has been that the teams link cohort members living in a metropolitan setting with practicing teachers working in rural Oregon. This has given our students a much broader perspective of teaching in general. During this course, students are introduced to many of the technologies they will encounter in schools, as well as some which are still on the horizon. They learn how to use these technologies to both create and present media. In addition, students learn the fundamentals of developing instructional units, designing lessons, and creating assessment tools.