Computers, Language Arts and Change

AbstractThe Renewal Institute for Practicing Educators at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is a state funded staff development project for teachers in small, rural school districts. One of the Institute’s most popular offerings has been a two-week summer workshop, “Computers in the Language Arts.” In this article we describe the Renewal Institute, including the nature and needs of its participants, and discuss the workshop curriculum and requirements. We examine the short term as well as long-term effects of the program, drawing on course evaluations and feedback from participants during follow-up visits. We conclude with strategies and suggestions for promoting the professional growth of teachers in the area of instructional technology.