Technology and K-12 Educators' Professional Development about Asia

In Fall 2007 InSites began a three-year study for the Freeman Foundation about the use of technology in Asia-focused professional development programs for K-12 educators sponsored by the Foundation.

Our study looks at specific examples of program changes and trends across sites. The study recognizes that the programs’ work with technology applications is exploratory and evolving as they combine tried-and-true professional development methods with breakthrough ideas.

The programs are using technology for purposes such as:

• expanding the available content about Asia;

• deepening the involvement/commitment of program alumni;

• fostering networking among alumni and their colleagues;

• expanding the number of educators who are learning about Asia; and

• building connections between U.S. and Asian educators.

Program leaders are balancing the effects of technology on four aspects of their programs—the availability of rich content about Asia, personalization for the participants, time/money investments, and the overall sustainability of their work.

The study is designed to stimulate ongoing conversations among program leaders and with the Foundation.  We are contributing to this dialogue by providing various reports and resources from our study. See the list at the right to download one or more of the documents from this study. New reports and resources will be added as they become available.

Click on the document name for further information and to download it.

We welcome comments on the documents and suggestions on how to increase the value of the study for all involved. Please send comments and questions to Kathy Wyckoff at kwyckoff@insites.org