T.H.E. Journal, a 90,000-circulation monthly magazine for K-12
administrators, technologists and educators nationwide, has named ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ
University alumna Melissa Walker one of its 2008 Innovators for her
work as the lead teacher of K-8 technology integration with the
Alamance-Burlington School System.
Walker, a 2005 alumna, was lauded by the magazine for working with ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ professors Judith Howard and Barbara Taylor to bring ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ students into local classrooms as part of their college curriculum. Once there, students would use technologies – iPods, interactive whiteboards, etc. – to teach young children.
At the same time, veteran teachers who hosted the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ students would learn how to incorporate technology into their own lessons, making the partnership beneficial for everyone involved.
From the profile on Walker: “At the end of one lesson, a host teacher approached the student teacher in tears because of the transformation she saw in one child. ‘The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ student had reached him like no one had ever done before,’ says Walker. ‘That was the first time he had ever actively participated in class. At that moment, I knew what we were doing was so important.’”
To read the full story on Walker’s work, click on the link to the right of this page.