A large segment of the practicum is focused on the integration of technology into the thematic units. Because of this, our students are required to use software with the children that enhances their units. One requirement is to have the children write a story related to their unit theme, using designated software. As software has become more advanced while also becoming more user friendly, the designated software has changed several times since the inception of our project. As the university has begun to put more money into technology and this project has received some warm accolades, more software and hardware is available to our students, and the university instructors are seeing the students use more than the required software.
Scaffolding is another strategy used with our students.
Since scaffolding is a teaching concept that is promoted in their methods courses, the application of the concept is crucial to the students' growth. The university students are required to use a teaching model whereby they address critical thinking and problem solving strategies . Questions the IUS students formulate, stories the children write, and study strategies the students employ, all rely on higher level thinking skills. In MicroWorlds there is more than one way to perform many tasks, but a user must logically think through the steps. When working with small groups, the Galena teachers believe their students benefit, thanks to close guidance, trial and error, and close adult supervision.