robert fitzgerald, phd

Recently I was looking for examples of the work I have done over the years around the application of computer and internet technologies to education. From 1990-2004, I regularly taught a core first-year subject to teacher education students on the application and integration of technology to education. In the early 90's this unit was "Computers in Education" and introduced students to computer software (e.g. both productivity and curriculum software) and required them to consider ways of integrating specific applications into their classroom teaching. Common assignment tasks involved students evaluating computer software and developing (and teaching a model lesson) that integrated a particular piece of software into a subject area. There was the obligatory Logo work all of which I enjoyed even if the students didn't always share my enthusiasm.

As the internet began to develop that core unit developed into "Information Technology and The Classroom". Around about 1993 (my precise memory fails me here) I had the opportunity to upgrade our Campus' small Apple IIe network with 20 brand spanking new Mac LCIIs. Later in 1994 I added a GatorBox, a Mac webserver (http://signadou.acu.edu.au) and with AppleTalk had a lovely little internet-connected network. Anyway, the point of my story is that looking for examples of this work in my CD collection proved fruitless so I thought I'd give the internet archive a go. The archive was a bit patchy but I found a couple of records from Dec 23, 1996, Jan 10, 1997 and Apr 12, 1997. Delving deeper I found my old unit PTE101 Information Technology and the Classroom. I plan to write more about this particular unit and the changes (or not as the case may be) I see between what is taught to first-year's today, but I must admit reading through it I thought we did some good things with those students back then.