2012 UCEA Convention

School Improvement in the News: Utilizing a Classroom Blog in the Preparation of Educational Leaders. Melissa Ann Martinez, Texas State University-San Marcos; Sonia Rodriguez, Texas State University-San Marcos
In this study, survey results and blog entries were analyzed through a social justice lens to assess whether a classroom blog utilized in a school improvement course was effective in increasing future educational leaders’ awareness of school reform issues and enabling students to develop as social justice advocates. The blog proved useful, with students most often critiquing the “marginalizing behaviors and predispositions of schools and their leadership” (Marshall & Oliva, 2010, p. 23).

Teaching Leadership Courses in a 3D Web-based Learning Environment: Philosophical and Pedagogical Underpinnings of Practice. Roma B. Angel, Appalachian State University This paper examines principles employed in designing instruction for and teaching principal and teacher
leadership courses in a 3D web-based learning environment. The virtual world distance education delivery venue described in this paper provides for a sense of presence similar to traditional face-to-face instruction. Social constructivist learning and Presence Pedagogy (P2 Model) principles are examined, as are purposeful pedagogical decisions concerning content, delivery, presence, community, discourse, and reflection. Research specific to this endeavor is included.

Technology Innovation in Leadership Preparation - New Online Branching Simulations for Principals, Part 2. Nancy Ann Staub, University of Toledo; Michael Johanek, University of Pennsylvania
The nature of the work principals and superintendents do is intricate and multi-faceted. Two universities collaborated to develop a pilot for computer-based simulations to allow graduate students in school leadership preparation programs an opportunity to practice processes and skills learned in leadership courses. To increase the number of simulations and involve practitioners, two different models were piloted. The experiences and observations of the facilitators of the design models will be presented.