Effective Instructional Technology (EIT) Online Course Series

Louisiana Department of Education

Baton Rouge, LA
 

Introduction/Overview
Organizational Change
Budget & Finance
Professional Development
Technology Infrastructure
Outcomes
Evaluation
Contact Information
 

Introduction/Overview

The Effective Instructional Technology (EIT) online course series is designed to support teacher technology proficiency and knowledge. The courses are aligned to the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) and the Louisiana K–12 Educational Technology Standards. The first course, Effective Instructional Technology: An Introduction, focuses on the ISTE NETS-T and includes an introduction to educational telecommunications, networks, and the Internet. The second course, Effective Instructional Technology: Building a Portfolio of Exemplars, focuses on building a portfolio of teacher and student work that demonstrates understandings and skills as they relate to the ISTE NETS-T and the Louisiana K–12 Educational Technology Standards. The courses are available to teachers and administrators for use at the state, regional, and local levels as part of the statewide online professional development initiatives. They can be used in multiple applications including, but not limited to, the following: meeting the state goal that teachers receive appropriate and effective instruction in the use of educational technology; meeting the national goal that all teachers become qualified to use technology in instruction; meeting the 6-hour instructional requirement for teachers with a lapsed teaching certificate; and meeting a portion of the Educational Technology Facilitation certification requirements. The courses were implemented in fall 2003.

Organizational Change

Policies relative to the use of these courses were adopted by the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to assist in meeting the state goal that teacher receive appropriate and effective instruction in the use of educational technology; meeting the national goal that all teachers become qualified to use technology in instruction; meeting the state’s 6-hour instructional requirement for teachers with a lapsed teaching certificate; and providing an alternative path toward meeting a portion of the state’s Educational Technology Facilitation certification requirements.

Budget & Finance

Courses are free to LA educators. To date, the estimated cost for offering these courses is approximately $60,000. This initiative is support through EETT and state funding. Annual costs include salaries for full-time personnel, instructor contracts, and course updates.

Professional Development

During its first year of implementation, over 20 individuals have been trained as online instructors. In addition, over 200 participants have completed the first course; over 50 have completed the second course.

Technology Infrastructure

The two online courses utilize the Blackboard (Bb) learning system. Participants are required to have access to an Internet-connected computer for coursework.

Outcomes

It is anticipated that these courses will increase the number of teachers meeting the national goal relative to technology proficiency, and increase the number of teachers obtaining the Ed Tech Facilitation certificate.

Evaluation

The effectiveness of this initiative will be determined by the LA Center for Educational Technology external evaluator. Evaluation will be conducted on an annual basis and include the following data elements:

• Instructor evaluation.
• Pre- and postsurveys.
• Formative evaluation questions (end-of-course evaluation).
• Followup inquiries.

Data on teacher technology proficiency will also be used to determine the effectiveness of these courses in addressing and enhancing technology integration in the classroom.

Contact Information

Nicole Honoré
Nicole.honore@la.gov
225-763-5575