In addition to kindergarten through middle school computer applications, graduating teachers will have state credentials to teach databases, web design, and entrepreneurship. Business applications for core subjects like English, math, and accounting are part of the curriculum.
Dr. David D. Carbonara, director of the program in instructional technology in the school of education at Duquesne, calls students born after 1984 “digital natives.”
“They are teaching themselves,” he says. “What we want to offer is a different approach to integrate technology into the curriculum for 21st century learners.” The BCIT curriculum grounds teachers in three basic areas: communication, collaboration, and analysis. He suggests the example of an acid rain survey.
“As weather moves across the country, students input data into a Google forms database, then analyze. They use data to make decisions. We want students to become comfortable to work with people around the world.”
Duquesne becomes one of 15 institutions in the state to offer the instructional certificate, with courses taught by faculty from Duquesne schools of business and education. Carbonara expects to enroll ten undergraduates and ten graduates in the program this fall. Duquesne now enrolls 400 undergraduates and 800 post-graduates in its school of education.
Source: David D. Carbonara, Duquesne University
Writer: Chris OToole