10/01/12 ema

HAYS, Kan. -- Dr. Beth Walizer, associate professor of teacher education, will represent Fort Hays State University at the launch of the national Technology and Teacher Education Initiative (TEI) in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

The event will showcase innovative uses of technology in teacher education. Leaders from teacher educator associations representing science, mathematics, English and language arts and social studies will discuss emerging and innovative technologies in each area.

"I am just so honored to be able to attend this event and be chosen for one of the 12 reading and language arts spots," said Walizer. "I can't wait to pick up new ideas and come back and share with teacher candidates at FHSU."

In her application, said Walizer, "I told them about my blended reading and language arts methods course at FHSU using Adobe Connect Pro. CTELT and CTC have been phenomenal in getting the room ready and that may be the reason I was chosen as one of the educators to go."

Virtual students can join in live or watch recorded sessions of her classes on Adobe Connect Pro. Other technologies used in Walizer's course include iTunesU, Skype, iPad activities and online blogs, among others.

"This is a professional development opportunity for me and, when doing this, we have to discuss how it ties into the university mission or our department's conceptual framework," said Walizer.

Microsoft Partners in Learning, a $500 million initiative aimed at helping educators and students reach their full potential, and the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education join the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education as hosts of the event.

The event offers a unique opportunity to join a small group of education leaders who are exploring innovative uses of technology in teacher education.

Walizer plans to gather information and share with colleagues across campus. "We can always improve and make things better," she said.