Teaching Teachers Technology via Technology
Monday, February 27, 2006
By Jan Jackson

Past school district investments in computers, software and auxiliary equipment have provided K-12 classrooms with substantial technology. Our students are learning not only how to use computers but also how to glean information - and, subsequently, knowledge - from online reference resources. Further, use of technology can keep pupils engaged in the learning process.

The challenge, however, is to find ways to keep educators ahead of the technology wave. Not only do teachers need to know how to work the equipment, they must learn to optimize their use of technology in their curricula and to consider the larger issues that access to the Internet might pose for their students and themselves.

To address this unmet training need, which is driven in part by the No Child Left Behind legislation, the State has created the California Supplementary Authorization (CSA) program. It requires that educators complete 20 semester or 10 upper division semester units at a regionally accredited institution. Until now, no institution in San Diego County offered a CSA in Computer Concepts and Applications program. Moreover, no institution in the state offered an online option, which would enable educators in rural areas or with scheduling conflicts to complete the program.

This semester, Cal State San Marcos Extended Studies, in collaboration with the College of Education , is introducing the state's first and only online "CSA in Computer Concepts and Applications" certificate program. Made possible by a CSU Commission on the Extended University grant, the program is being developed and coordinated by Katherine Hayden, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Cal State San Marcos College of Education.

The program includes four three-unit, graduate-level courses. The first, "Current Issues and Research in Educational Technology," is designed to prepare educators to critically examine major issues, current research and future trends in educational technology. Course assignments will include an analysis of the impact of emerging technologies on learning and teaching; strategies for using emerging technologies for conducting research; and opportunities to make informed decisions on critical issues of equity, ethics and copyright. It will be accessible March 20 - May 26, 2006. The remaining courses in the program, "Software and Web Site Evaluation and Tools," "Hardware Operations and Function to Support Teaching and Learning," and "Instructional Technology Planning and Management," will be offered in the summer semester. The fee for each course is $540 plus university fees.

One key Extended Studies' objective is to reach out to teachers in its geographical area-north San Diego , southwest Riverside and southern Orange counties-who have no access to an institution offering this CSA. The expectation is that 50 percent of the students will access the program from out-of-area. Extended Studies is working with the San Diego County Office of Education's credentialing office, the North County Professional Development Federation, California Computer Using Educators  and the San Diego County Superintendents Technology Advisory Committee to identify and notify classroom teachers who may be interested in the program. Anyone seeking additional information is encouraged to contact Extended Studies at (760) 750-4020 or visit www.csusm-es.org.

Jan Jackson, PhD, is Dean of Cal State San Marcos Extended Studies, a leading provider of professional and continuing education in the San Diego North County region. Offering more than 150 classes, including academic credit and noncredit professional enrichment courses and career-based certificate programs, Extended Studies helps individuals and organizations achieve their educational and training goals.

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Cal State San Marcos Extended Studies Reschedules and Offers Added Session of First Class in State's Only Online CSA for Computer Concepts and Applications Certificate Program