In this study, the researcher explores the factors that influence preservice teachers’ acceptance of information and communication technology (ICT) integration in the classroom. A mixed methods design is used, where the qualitative results from two focus groups are used to help explain the initial findings of the quantitative survey. The survey is based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), which was developed by Venkatesh et al. in 2003 and shown to outperform eight preceding models, explaining 70% of the variance in user intentions. The role of the UTAUT variables (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions) are examined in this study and the resulting regression model accounts for 27% of the variance in user intentions to use ICT, with effort expectancy surfacing as the only significant predictor of behaviour intention. Results and recommendations for future research in the application of the UTAUT model are discussed to better understand the factors that influence preservice teachers’ acceptance of the effective integration of ICT into the classroom.

M.Ed. / South Africa needs to spread its available and required competence, skills and educational basis among its broad population (Valchanges, 1992:23). This is reflected in South Africa being rated 43rd out of 47 countries in the human development and skills level, or put differently, 14th out of 15 Group II countries in the World Competitiveness Report of 1992 (Gerber, Nel and Van Dyk, 1995:6). The South African educational system also ranked 14th of the 15 Group II countries in the same report (Gerber, et al, 1995:7). The situation is even worse if the World Competitiveness Report of 1995 is taken into consideration. South Africa ranked. 44th of 46 countries regarding its human resource development (Buffington and Associates, 1996; Rossouw, 1996:3; Pretoria News, 29 May 1996). If the above is taken into consideration it is clear that the start of the National Training Board (NTB) process that began in 1993 was necessary. The initial debates in the process were located within the vocational training context (HSRC, 1995:34). Four stakeholders entered the initial NTB process; namely: The government of the day with official representation by the departments of Education and Labour (called the Department of Manpower at the time); Representatives of different employers organisations; Representatives of organised labour; and Providers of learning. Different concerns from each of the above stakeholders caused a shift in the debate from a concern about vocational training to a broader concept of vocational education and training. This lead to the argument of an integrated approach. Thus: The field of education, training and development should adopt an integrated approach to all activities and systems currently classified as education and training and, unlike the past concentrate on vocational training only (HSRC, 1995:35). As part of such an integrated approach, education, training and development should not be seen as separate entities, but as one unit within the larger field of human resource development, i.e. the development of all those involved in Education, Training and Development (ETD), must be ranked as one of the biggest priorities in South Africa (National Training Board, 1995a:5). In November 1993, Working Committee 3 of the NTB submitted a report on "Trainer Development", under the title of "Education, Training and Development Practitioner" (NTB Annexure A, 1995c:2) thus starting a process of integrating the ETD field. Those involved in ETD were referred to as Education, Training and Development Practitioners (ETDP). The original task given to Working Committee 3 reads as follows: "Develop a South African competency-based model for trainers. Identify requirements for registration, certification, accreditation and recognition of existing qualifications and experience or competency in a national integrated certification/qualification structure." The ETDP competency model must be based on outcomes/outputs as a central focus, that will link the ETDP competency model with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), thus ensuring registration, certification, accreditation and recognition of existing qualifications and experience (NTB, 1995c:21. To ensure that the ETDP Model complies to the requirements of the NQF (NTB, 1995a:5) it must be described in terms of: Roles; Outputs/Outcomes; Quality Standards; Competencies linked to outputs/outcomes; Range variables; and Levels of complexity.

M.Ed. (Tertiary and Adult Education) / Tertiary institutions experience a big influx of adult learners which increases the demand for capable adult educators. A need was identified to train or refresh adult educators in teaching techniques suitable for adult learners. Group methods have been identified as an effective teaching method to use in adult education as it provides the adult learner with the opportunity to use his/her experience and to be selfdirective in his/her studies. Selfstudy modules has been selected as an appropriate training method for adult educators as it is regarded as a cost-effective method to develop adult educators by means of distance education. A study of literature and descriptive research were conducted to determine the structure and requirements of a selfstudy unit as well as the essentials of group work. The information obtained was used to construct a selfstudy module dealing with the facilitating of adult learning by means of group methods. The following issues were addressed in the selfstudy module: 1) The use of group methods in the teaching-learning situation. 2) The essence of group methods and cooperative learning. 3) The characteristics of adult learners and their learning orientation towards learning. 4) Planning of group work by the adult educator. 5) The roll of the educator during group work. 6) Evaluating the group process, group efforts and individual achievements. Each of these topics was succeeded by an assignment to assist the adult educator to work through the module systematically and to evaluate his/her progress at regular intervals. On completion of the module he/she should be more equipped to fulfill his/her role as facilitator of group discussion.

M.Ed. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Using a qualitative case study approach, the purpose of the study was to explore the nature of the practical knowledge about teaching constructed by physical education preservice teachers during their practicum experience, that is, to gain insights into the 'sense making' process in which preservice teachers engage as they learn to teach during this experience. In addition, the study examined the factors which enhance or constrain this constructive process. The data analysis was guided by two research questions: What is the nature of the practical knowledge about teaching constructed by physical education preservice teachers during their practicum experience?; and what factors influence (enhance or constrain) the development of this knowledge during the practicum experience? The study was situated within the everyday experiences of four physical education preservice teachers as they completed an extended (thirteen week) practicum in secondary school settings. The methods used to collect data were those associated with qualitative case studies. They included lesson observations, in-depth interviewing, video and stimulated recall sessions of lessons taught by the participants, and journal writing. Separate cases have been written for each of the four participants, while the final chapter discusses the substantive issues that have arisen from the study. There were a number of conclusions that emerged from the study. With regards to the nature of practical knowledge constructed by preservice teachers the findings include its thematic development, the dynamic transformation of 'knowing that' into 'knowing how', how practical knowledge was evident but rarely heard in the practice of preservice teachers, and the role of each participant's image of himself or herself as a physical educator. A number of factors were identified that enhanced or constrained this process. These factors include prior coaching experiences, the role of sponsor teachers, the impact of university faculty advisors, video and stimulated recall sessions, and the teaching of a second subject by each participant. The study concludes by outlining a number of implications for teacher education. First, it suggests that during their teacher education program preservice teachers need to be taught how to learn from experience and that sponsor teachers have a key role to play in this process. Second, that biography has a significant impact in directing what and how preservice teachers learn about teaching during a practicum and that preservice teachers must be encouraged to examine and look beyond their own experiences when learning how to teach. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

This study examined how technology-mediated distance education is used in special education courses in teacher preparation programs. The data are based on a 30-item survey administered to members of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, who identified themselves as serving in an instructional capacity within institutions of higher education. Technology-mediated instruction was characterized in terms course delivery methods and program attributes. An analysis of instructional design processes revealed that most instructors are largely autonomous and do not rely on a team-based approach. Most make use of course-design and management software. Training is linked to course strategy and evaluation, while experience is associated with implementation. Respondents emphasized communication and student feedback. While both users and non-users of distance education technology foresaw the increased use for course delivery in the future, a notable percentage (13%) of current users indicated a desire to discontinue use.

A well-prepared and qualified special education teacher is crucial to the performance of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). The prominent educators and federal government encourage the use of extended field experiences in preparing qualified special education teachers. The study examined the strengths and weaknesses of extended field experience in terms of the perceptions of the prospective teachers and teachers of students with EBD. Both individual interviews and a focus group were used to collect data. The results revealed that extended field experience benefits prospective teachers in showing the reality of the teachers' world, self-motivation assessment, and professional development. However, there were some improvements that could be made, including more placement selections and more practical knowledge.

The purpose of this project was to identify and examine the elements and skills of cooperative learning for student learning in physical education. This project is intended for junior high and middle school physical education teachers who want to be informed on cooperative learning for student learning in physical education. Cooperative learning is the main topic of this study. This project searched for elements and skills in cooperative learning. The method for this project was a literature review from peer-reviewed articles.

Data were obtained through the syllabi and the questionnaires returned by the head of physical education institutes in India. From a total of thirty-seven questionnaires sent, sixteen were returned representing fourteen different institutions. The programs in India showed some diversity among the institutions regarding the length of time required to complete the courses and minimum qualifications prescribed for admission to the program. The programs did not meet the recommendations of the conference either in length or content. The newer programs more nearly met the recommendations.

This study is an evaluation of the programs in fourteen selected Texas colleges and universities to prepare undergraduates for teaching careers in physical education. The study uses its analysis of current programs as a basis for recommending improvements in them.