Interaction of Technology Based Classroom Innovations and Administrative Systems.

This paper explores the challenges that South Mountain Community College (Phoenix, Arizona) faced in order to take advantage of the opportunities computer technology offered in its teacher education program. Three issues are examined which were critical to the effective use of computer technology: (1) the technology itself, including the college's emphasis on open-ended computer tools and the benefits of this technology for students; (2) the classroom learning environment in which the technology was used, i.e., the Dynamic Learning teacher preparation program, a classroom learning environment that invites students to mindfully engage in their studies, particularly when using computer technology; and (3) the administrative changes and challenges needed to facilitate instructional innovations, including budgeting, network infrastructure requirements, administration of the Dynamic Learning computer laboratory, training, off-campus access to technology, and course scheduling. The paper emphasizes how these factors led faculty and administrators to a dialectical process of discussion and action across campus to meet the needs of students. (AEF)