Dr. Connie Jones

cjones@mtsu.edu

Dr. Connie Jones

Elementary & Special Education

Smart Classroom

Jones Hall 223

New Technology

N/A

Elementary and Special Education classes are beginning to use video case studies as a component of their classroom instruction. The requested equipment will be used by approximately 2400 students seeking licensure in grades preK-4, K-6, and 5-8 in the Department of Elementary and Special Education and Early Childhood Education. The case-study approach provides pre-service teachers with the opportunity to view a situation, work collaboratively on a possible solution, present their solution, and be able to see the consequences of their decisions. This approach does not lend itself to the traditional master classroom configuration as it is best used when students work in groups no larger than two to three. The requested TAF funds will facilitate student participation in rooms such as a seminar room or an off-site classroom at a cost less than that of a comparably equipped master classroom when all costs are considered. The requested TAF funds will also enable the Department to more adequately address the needs of the pre-service teacher and the demands placed upon the elementary and special education program by state, national, and professional accreditating agencies.