AACTE Recognizes Kansas State University College Of Education with 2023 Best Practice Award for the Innovative Use of Technology
AACTE today announced that Kansas State University’s (KSU) College of Education (COE) is the recipient of the 2023 AACTE Best Practice Award for Innovative Use of Technology. The award will be formally presented to Debbie K. Mercer, dean of Kansas State University’s College of Education, during the AACTE 75th Annual Meeting, February 24 – 26, in Indianapolis, IN.
This award is given annually to recognize the successful infusion of technology in a school, college, or department of education. The AACTE Committee on Innovation and Technology reviews these applications and selects the winning entry. Along with a description of their program’s context, objectives, and duration, applicants must address the program’s outcomes and sustainability.
KSU COE has developed a significant body of work leveraging technologies for innovative remote learning opportunities. Through the use of telepresence robots in conjunction with more conventional remote communications platforms, the COE has developed integrated teaching, research, and service activities that engage teacher education candidates, teachers, faculty, students, and communities. These initiatives, which range from remote field experiences that bring teacher education candidates to high need rural schools, to international service-learning opportunities, to fully remote teaching internships, are both sustainable and scalable.
“Innovative use of technology energizes our faculty and propels us forward to new and impactful pedagogies, allowing us to chart new territory in teaching and learning,” said Mercer. “This technological impact enhances student success.”
“I look forward to recognizing Kansas State University’s innovative application of technology at the Awards Forum during our 75th Annual Meeting,” said Lynn M. Gangone, AACTE president and CEO. “The Kansas State University College of Education’s transformational work in the area of technology leverages robots and remote communications platforms to create remote field experiences serving much-needed areas including rural schools, creating a model for training future educators in sustainable and scalable ways.”
