There are mixed and varied opinions on what universities have done to impact preservice. Some of the most effective universities are developing partnerships with public schools where preservice faculty and students are learning with teachers in the field. Second, these same universities are using the Internet and emerging technologies to collaborate on electronic teaching and curriculum projects that mutually benefit the university and public schools. Without a doubt, higher education institutions must do more or risk becoming irrelevant to the success of beginning teachers. There is a virtual university, so teachers may experience how to become a student in a high-tech virtual environment.
Teachers can take courses to fulfill their degree or teacher licensing requirements.
Ann Grady, Ed. There is no direct accountability, inadequate budgets and an ill-prepared higher ed staff expected to teach what they have not necessarily personally experienced with kids. Unfortunately many of the courses being offered are still focused on literacy skills rather than embedding technology within the context of instructional methods courses. It is also critical that student teachers be assigned to technology-rich classrooms to learn skills in curriculum linking, classroom management and assessment strategies. Master's degree programs in education technology are presently having the most success in teacher preparation efforts.