Constructing knowledge networks in middle school classrooms: an integrated approach

Providing opportunities for K-12 educators to further their use and understanding of current technologies in the classroom has never been more important than it is at present. This paper explores ways that university faculty members can work with K-12 educators with relevant information and hands-on experiences to develop and enhance their use of technology in the middle school classroom. An interactive workshop for 15 middle school teachers provided for a model by which participating teachers could experience constructivist teaching and learning strategies first-hand. Throughout the workshop, teams of teachers worked to prepare an integrated, technology-based lesson using materials from science, mathematics, as well as the language arts. Highlights of the curriculum developed for the workshop are presented and results of a questionnaire given to the teachers are shared. Finally, observations made by the workshop leaders are discussed in order to assist other university faculty interested in modeling a similar program for K-12 teachers