UTcreate: Using Technology and Collaborative Resources to Amplify Teacher Education
UTcreate is a comprehensive effort within the College of Education’s teacher preparation programs to immerse future teachers in technology rich environments, so that they become educators who are adept at using digital tools and resources that enrich and improve their students’ learning.
The program began in 2002 as the Laptop Initiative for Future Educators and was the first program of its kind at a public university college of education, in which students were required to own a laptop computer for use in their coursework. The program’s success is a result of extensive revision of curricula to integrate technology throughout the teacher preparation coursework, training for faculty and students, and a wide-ranging and responsive technical support system. The program recently changed its name to UTcreate to reflect its maturity, a broadened scope, and the changes in learning technologies that have occurred in the last few years.
UTcreate requires students in the professional development sequence of their teacher certification program to have a laptop computer to use in their coursework, field experiences, and student teaching. Currently, an Apple MacBook fulfills the requirement. The requirement allows students to receive financial aid to make their purchases, and specially priced bundle packages are available for College of Education students at the Campus Computer Store.
A steering committee of faculty, staff, and administrators continually reviews the requirement to ensure that students are working with the best technologies to reach their professional goals. Any changes to the requirement will be announced well in advance, so that students are able to make the appropriate plans.
Please review the information in the links below, to learn additional details about the program and its requirements, how to purchase the required laptop, and the technology support services that are available to students in UTcreate.