Journal #2 - Preparing Teachers for Digital Age Learners (PTDAL)

The article goes over the PTDAL as it appears in H.R. 4137 (The College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007 a.k.a. the re-authorization of the Higher Education Act). It also includes the Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology (PT³) that was established under the Clinton administration and was done away with under Bush. The main goals are to establish a relationship with those implement programs for pre-service teachers and "transform the ways schools of education teach classroom technology integration to teacher candidates". This goes to the end that teachers who are aware and proficient in educational technology, as well as technology as a whole, will better serve the students they teach. The Department of Education as well as the Secretary of Education would implement this proposed Bill as well as offer funding to supplement the program. The Bill still has to be voted on and signed by the President. As of February 7, 2008 the bill passed the voted in the House of Representatives. I feel that the timing of the revisit to this proposed law is directly linked to the upcoming election and subsequent installation of a new President. The proponents of the PTDAL and PT³ hope that a new President will be more open to the idea of technology and education.

1. Why was the PT³ program eliminated under the Bush administration?
I can't really find any published items that explain what happened to the program. I searched news, blogs, etc. I would assume that the administration had other "needs and priorities" that superseded the benefits of this program. If anyone has an insight to this, I would appreciate hearing about them.

2. How does this actually effect pre-service teachers in credentialing programs?
One doesn't have to look very far to see the effects and advantages of such a program. CSUSM very apparently takes technology in education seriously enough to make a prerequisite out of it. EDUC 422, as we know, has to be completed and passed before an application to the COE is even considered. The ability of teachers to understand technology has many aspects to it. It is crucial for communication with students (and parents for that matter). It is a tool that allows education to continue outside the classroom. Federal programs that facilitate and help fund such initiatives only serve to further this aspect of education. The bottom line is we, as teachers and pre-service teachers, need every advantage to allow us to do our jobs effectively. With all of the distractions and barriers that exist in education between teachers & school and the student, endorsing and implementing the use of technology, as it is associated with education, is now a necessity!