======================================================================== || Electronic Proceedings of the Ninth Annual || || International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics || ======================================================================== CONTRIBUTED PAPER: 9-C16 Distance Learning Technology Applied to Pre-Service Teacher Preparation Judy Beauford, Ellen Szecsy and D. R. Traylor University of the Incarnate Word 4301 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209 Phone: (210) 829-3152 E-mail: beau@tenet.edu, csy@tenet.edu and traylor@universe.uiw.edu ABSTRACT This paper presents the evolution and development of an innovative integrated science/mathematics course for pre-service teachers. It provides an example of how distance learning technology can be used effectively to teach pre-service teachers and how distance learning technology can be used to cause innovative curriculum development. In 1993, faculty at University of the Incarnate Word and Driscoll Middle School, of the Northeast ISD, began experimenting with interactive video in the preparation of elementary and middle school teachers. For the first time in San Antonio, technology made possible the experience of university students observing and interacting with middle school students and their teacher, while both populations were in their respective classrooms. The experience of that year convinced the faculty of both the university and the middle school that much could be accomplished with the technology of interactive video. The first year, the university course was taught by Roman and Traylor and the middle school class was taught by Szecsy, assisted by a student teacher from the university. The second year, the university course was taught by Roman and the middle school course was taught by Szecsy, again assisted by a university student teacher. Now, in 1996-97, the university course has evolved into an integrated mathematics/science course partially funded by a National Science Foundation SSI grant. University faculty teaching the course are Roman (mathematics) and MacKinnon (biology). Driscoll Middle School faculty are Szecsy (mathematics) and Waller (science).