Department of Teacher Education Becomes Education Software Preview Center

Nov. 8, 2007 –  The Department of Teacher Education, Chaired by Dr. Dianne Lawler-Prince, has received educational software from ERJ Associates and Orchard Software valuing over $180,000.  In addition, ASU received software in the amount of $5300 donated by Tom Snyder productions, and $61,000 in materials from Sunburst Software Corporation. 

Dr. Diana Williams, Associate Professor of Educational Technology in the Department of Teacher Education, will serve as the Preview Center Coordinator for pre-service and in-service teachers.  The Education Computer Lab (Education Room 209) will be open and available, monthly, for classroom and pre-service teachers to visit and preview this software valued at over $400,000. 

Classroom teachers, administrators, librarians, and others are invited to visit Education Room 209 the first Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  Mr. Randall Jennings will also provide sessions for ASU instructors in use of the software as a part of the $225,550 donation of software and services in the Preview Center agreement.

Educational software and technology are important tools for teachers of the future.  Dr. Williams, technology expert, says, “Educational software is more than just playing computer games.  In order to select effective software, teachers must be able to preview, interact with, and gain knowledge of, quality software features and components.  This Preview Center will allow all educators to effectively integrate technology into the curriculum and to ultimately, improve the quality of education in our region.”

Dr. Dianne Lawler-Prince, Department Chair of Teacher Education says that, “future teachers, and today’s classroom teachers, need to be on the cutting edge regarding computer techniques, tools and software for use in classrooms, as well as innovative implementation strategies for working with children from preschool through high school.”  The most exciting aspect of this project is the impact it can have on children, teachers, future teachers, and public schools.  The Preview Center is just one way that ASU can partner with public schools and assist them in providing quality education for children.

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