Computers in the Elementary Classroom: A University, School, and Business Partnership The Lighthouse Education Enhancement Project The Lighthouse Education Enhancement Project (LEEP) is one of many IBM Programs for Teacher Preparation Enhancement in the Use of Available Technology. Through a $300,000 IBM grant, Kent State University and local school districts are developing a teacher-education program which focuses on incorporating technology into mathematics curricula. In this unique partnership, IBM provides networked labs at each site as well as inservice training for teacher-education programs. The school sites provide field supervision of preservice teachers and working models of computer-enhanced mathematics instruction. Kent State, in turn, offers faculty expertise in the area of computer-enhanced mathematics instruction and prepares preservice teachers to take part in teacher education field experiences and student teaching in the school sites. The members of the partnership work together to provide inservice support for both school- and university-based participants. The classrooms and resources available at Kent State and IBM provide networked computer access to all students and teachers. LEEP is intended to demonstrate: -- how computer-enhanced mathematics instruction can be implemented in elementary school classrooms -- how partnerships among teacher-education programs, public schools, and corporations can improve the technological literacy and instructional performance of both preservice and inservice teachers -- how a technology-enhanced mathematics curriculum can significantly improve student performance on appropriate measures of mathematical achievement -- how to use a support system that enables teachers to incorporate technology into the elementary school mathematics curriculum as described by NCTM in their 1989 "Standards" The initial efforts of this project were focused on computer-enhanced mathematics instruction in kindergarten through sixth grade. Long range plans include expanding computer-enhanced instruction to science and all other curriculum areas. The Lighthouse Education Enhancement Project clearly defines classroom environments (on-campus and in the field) compatible with a constructivist view of teaching and learning enhanced by technology. Technology is viewed as a tool which assists children in their thinking, problem solving and creative efforts. Kent State University students are able to observe and model teachers who are incorporating computers into their classroom environments. Such a partnership offers a good transition between university methods courses and public school practice. The goals and objectives of the grant are also consistent with the guidelines of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The staff development component offered by Kent State University and IBM is designed to be ongoing in nature. A graduate course titled "Computers in the Early Years" was taught in the IBM lab utilizing the IBM courseware and application software. From the Kent State students who took the course, one has already completed her student teaching in one of the LEEP classrooms. Based on an analysis of the LEEP journal entries by made the participating teachers, it is clear that attitudes and practices relating to math instruction have changed for the better. The teachers feel confident and comfortable with the computers and have been offered additional multimedia training in Kent State's IBM Lab. Enthusiasm continues to grow not only among the teachers and children, but among the parents as well, due to the many opportunities for parent awareness of and involvement in the project. IBM offered a staff development component which translated into week-long training sessions in Atlanta, Georgia. These sessions were designed to provide support for faculty members participating in the "IBM Program for Teacher Preparation Enhancement in the Use of Available Technology". The intense week-long training was very provocative. IBM speakers and technicians were on hand to present their hardware and a full line of courseware. IBM personnel also provided support to the participating teachers in the LEEP schools and attended Project Implementation Committee meetings to discuss the collaboration and status of the project. There has been overwhelming cooperation and enthusiasm for Project LEEP. As the teachers gain confidence in teaching mathematics in appropriate ways and enhanced by computers, they are eager to share their triumphs with others. The journal entries by teachers and children indicate a feeling of personal benefit from the use of manipulatives and technology in the classroom. It is clear that the project is off to a productive start. As the teachers continue to follow the plan and as teacher education students are prepared at Kent State to teach in the LEEP sites, more data will be collected. As the project continues many research questions are being explored: What is the nature of the changes in participantsU (preservice and inservice teachers) knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the teaching of mathematics and what is technologyUs role in that process? What is the nature of the mathematical improvements for the children? What is the nature of mathematics curricula changes in the participating school systems? What impacts do classroom methods courses and field observations of methodological approaches to teaching mathematics have on preservice teachers? What impact will computers have on the teaching of mathematics if computers are used as an instructional tool in the classroom on a consistent, regular basis? Project LEEP has been an exciting project for all involved. The children were immediately resonant to the introduction of technology into their classrooms and with such enthusiasm, it is no surprise that the teachers, administrators and parents shared their excitement. As we continue to collaborate, more gains in professional and personal growth will become more evident. Genevieve A. Davis served as Director of the Lighthouse Project from 1989-1991. For more information, contact: Genevieve A. Davis or Michael Mikusa School of Education 401 White Hall Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44242 (216) 672-2477 .