ConnecTEN: A Case Study of Technology Training for Teachers.

In 1996, Tennessee became the first state to connect every public school to the Internet via a single network, ConnecTEN. This case study examines the staff development opportunities made available to teachers for training in the use of computer-based technology, focusing on teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of the training and their integration of the Internet into their curriculum. The training involved a series of faculty meetings to discuss Internet uses in education, an in-house workshop on how to use the system, and day and evening courses available to address Internet topics. The case study group consisted of 47 faculty members at one urban public elementary school. Data were collected over 7 months using a series of surveys and interviews (via the Internet Experience Survey, Internet Training Evaluation Form, Internet Use Tally, and ConnecTEN Teacher Training Interviews). Results indicated that most faculty members had not received Internet training, and of those who were trained, most felt the training was not adequate. The teachers had four key issues concerning the effective classroom use of the Internet: sufficient access; adequate use and practice time; readily available and effective training; and conspicuous administrative support. (Contains 20 references.) (Author/SM)