Student Technology Mentor
(STM)

Preservice education students are eligible to participate as Student Technology Mentors (STM). This is an opportunity for education students to develop a professional relationship with a faculty member at Loyola or at a partner school around technology implementation. The STM will increase familiarity, comfort and skills with technologies in instructions. The STM will also increase knowledge and application of technology standards in instruction.

In order to achieve this and much more, the student makes a commitment to participate for one year, beginning January and finishing up before exams in December. During the first semester, the STM spends 6 hours a week in one of the partner schools: Isidore Newman, Audubon Montessori, or Terrell. The STMs work closely with the classroom teachers to deliver classroom instruction while integrating technology.

At the end of the Spring semester, all STMs attend a 10-day technology institute held at Loyola University. At the institute, the STMs are exposed to many new technologies such as working with an LCD projector, digital cameras, digital camcorders and video editing. The STMs also attend hands on break out sessions over various educational software's such as PowerPoint, Hyperstudio, Inspiration, and so much more. Practicing teachers from various school in New Orleans present and share how they use technology in their classroom and also offer a number resources and educational websites. All the participants create projects during the institute using their new technological skills which many use for portfolios and job interviews. Also the STMs walk away with binders full of prepackaged lesson plans and units to incorporate into their classrooms. Year 1 STMs reported that the institute was priceless and by far the most beneficial part of the entire experience.

The STMs spend the summer and fall semesters either back in the classroom or coupled with a Faculty Technology Participant (FTP). If the STM is paired with an FTP, then the pair works 6 hours a week together on technology integration into the FTPs Loyola courses. If the STM is placed in a partner school, then he/she works with the classroom teacher on technology integration into the curriculum.

All STMs keep weekly journals and sign in sheets for documentation. In the journals, the STM describes what he/she did during the week in the classroom or with FTP in regards to technology. The journals and sign in sheets are due at the end of each month.

Throughout the year NOCTIITE will offer many technology mini workshops on topics of interests such as "How to Create a WebPage", "How to Write a Grant." STM are invited to attend.

Finally, one other benefit of participating is the STMs have access to any and all equipment and software funded by NOCTIITE. Currently, STMs have access to 24 Dell computers, 2 Mac computers (including one Titanium), 4 digital cameras, 2 Digital Video cameras, 4 Zip drives, 3 LCD projectors, 1 CD-writer, 1 PC Microphone, and also may use the SMART Board. The STMs may select from a wide variety of software such as Timeliner, Storybook Weaver, Kids Pixs, Microworlds, Hyperstudio, Inspiration, Map Quest, Encarta Encyclopedia and many many more applications. NOCTIITE encourages the STMs to check out the equipment and software for constructing lessons in their college classes. The students who work in the partner schools are encouraged to utilize the technology so the goal of integrating technology in the partner schools is attained.

STMs receive a stipend of $1500 for completion of all aspects of the research grant. The stipend is paid out in 6 segments during the year. If you are interested in participating as an STM or would like more information, please contact

Dr. Dermody, Co-Director , at mdermody@loyno.edu or Tricia Ruf, graduate assistant., at truf@loyno.edu