Nuestra Tierra: A University/Public School Technology Integration Project

Abstract

This article describes a two-year university/public school project to integrate technology with teaching and learning in a Southwest border school district. The research began by asking, “What would happen if teachers were fully supported in integrating technology in their classrooms; if the curriculum was culturally relevant and meaningful to students; and if the computer was used as a constructivist tool rather than an electronic workbook?” The article describes how goals were developed in alignment with these questions and how the project was collaboratively designed, implemented, and evaluated by university faculty and public school teachers and administrators. Findings demonstrated the potential of university researchers working closely with teachers in classrooms as related to changes in teaching strategies and student learning. The authors also suggest several barriers to technology integration in classrooms that may result from the current organizational structure and culture of schooling.