College of Education

Research on Online Learning and Developing Teacher Knowledge for Teaching with Technology

Oregon State University’s Science and Mathematics Education faculty (SMED), in conjunction with Ecampus, uses an extensive design-based research effort to design, develop and implement an online Masters of Science program in both Science Education and in Mathematics Education.  These programs support the College of Education’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) focus, with an overall emphasis on interdisciplinary teaching and learning with current and emerging technologies in the K-12 classroom. This dynamic cutting edge educational experience guides K-12 mathematics and science teachers in developing a robust Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (called TPACK) that supports them in meeting 21^st century educational standards. The TPACK framework is internationally-recognized as a result of our faculty research leading to the identification of teachers’ knowledge levels essential for the integration of technology in teaching mathematics and science. The design-based research program at the core of the K-12 Masters program focuses on identifying and refining critical instructional strategies.   The strategies have been found to successfully facilitate an online community of learners in supporting TPACK development where shared and individual knowledge are key components in the learning.

Contact PI Maggie Niess, Margaret.Niess@oregonstate.edu