Exploring the Unique Case of a Professional Development Program on Web 2.0 Technologies for Teachers of German

Authors

  • Carolina Bustamante University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Aleidine J Moeller University of Nebraska-Lincoln

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11139/cj.30.1.82-104

Keywords:

Web 2.0, online professional development, teachers of German

Abstract

Literature indicates that the use of technology is beneficial to students’ learning (Berger, 2010; Brabec, Fisher & Pitler, 2004; Krentler & Willis-Flurry, 2005; Learning Point Associates, 2006; Miners, 2009). However, evidence on the integration of technology into teaching and learning suggests technology has not been implemented in effective ways (Becker, 1999; Hart et al., 2002; Keengwe, Onchwari, & Wachira, 2008; Mishra & Koehler, 2006). To address this problem, the purpose of this qualitative case study will be to describe a unique professional development program on Web 2.0 technologies for teachers of German using the TPACK framework (Mishra & Koehler, 2006). To gather data, participants were asked open-ended questions about the process of learning about these tools and integration in the classroom. Documents and audio-visual materials were also analyzed. These data led to the following themes: A hands-on experience; technology, pedagogy, and content together; discussing pedagogy; technology integration; and disconfirming evidence. These themes will be useful in the design of effective professional development programs on the use of technology, benefiting foreign language teachers, teacher educators, and school administrators.

Author Biographies

  • Carolina Bustamante, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Carolina Bustamante is a doctoral student in Foreign Language Education and Instructional Technology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She currently holds a master’s degree in Spanish Education from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. During her years of graduate studies, she has worked as a teaching assistant of Spanish and Methods for Foreign Language Teaching, and as an instructional technology instructor in several professional development programs for teachers of Spanish and Chinese. Her research interests are language teaching methods, instruction utilizing technology, and professional development for foreign language teachers.
  • Aleidine J Moeller, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Aleidine J. Moeller is the Edith S. Greer Professor of Foreign Language Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Her areas of scholarly interests include foreign language teacher education, integration of digital media in language acquisition, distance education and language assessment. She is past president of the American Association of Teachers of German, is President Elect of the National Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations and serves as AP College Board Advisor in German language. She has published widely in professional journals including MLJ, Foreign Language Annals, CALICO and Unterrichtspraxis and is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences.

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Published

2013-01-18

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How to Cite

Bustamante, C., & Moeller, A. J. (2013). Exploring the Unique Case of a Professional Development Program on Web 2.0 Technologies for Teachers of German. CALICO Journal, 30(1), 82-104. https://doi.org/10.11139/cj.30.1.82-104

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