AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH ON HOLISTIC ANALYSIS OF INTERVIEW DATA: THE CASE OF IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY’S SIMULTANEOUS RENEWAL OF TEACHER EDUCATION



Betul C. Özkan

Media and Instructional Technology Department

University of West Georgia

bozkan@westga.edu



Niki Davis

Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching

Iowa State University

nedavis@iastate.edu



Natalie Johnson

Department of Teacher Education

Arkansas State University

njohnson@astate.edu



ABSTRACT

In this study, we discuss the use of generative evaluation as an innovative approach in the analysis of qualitative interview data for evaluating simultaneous renewal of Iowa State University’s PT3 grant. Goodlad’s (1994) simultaneous renewal framework forms the basis of our argument. We focused on the CREATER+ model designed to explain the complexities of understanding simultaneous renewal in this multifaceted university/K-12 partnership.


OVERVIEW: GOALS

TechCo (Technology Collaborators for Simultaneous Renewal), Iowa State University’s (ISU) Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) implementation grant project is aimed at developing systemic change in K-12 schools and teacher education programs through simultaneous renewal. A working definition of educational renewal is an ongoing process of self-examination, reflection, and change (Rafferty, 2003). In this regard the project is focused on renewing teacher education programs through the extensive and effective use and integration of technology in student-centered learning environments. John Goodlad’s (1994) theory of simultaneous renewal and constructivist theory in learning and teaching provide the two major frameworks of TechCo.



In order to accomplish project goals, TechCo works collaboratively with many partners: university partners including Curriculum and Instruction Department, Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching (CTLT) and the College of Engineering; three elementary schools from the Des Moines area including students, teachers, principals, pre-service, and in-service teachers, as well as technology coordinators together form the K-12 partners; The Area Education Agency (AEA) an outside educational organization partner and Apple computer as the business partner. Together, these partners form an interconnected consortium needed for simultaneous renewal. In order to accomplish simultaneous renewal in these organizations the research team focused on gathering and analyzing data by engaging all partners in the evaluation process.

http://www.tojet.net/articles/522.htm