T.H.E. Journal, a 90,000-circulation monthly magazine for K-12
administrators, technologists and educators nationwide, has named Elon
University alumna Melissa Walker one of its 2008 Innovators for her
work as the lead teacher of K-8 technology integration with the
Alamance-Burlington School System.
Walker, a 2005 alumna, was lauded by the magazine for working with Elon professors Judith Howard and Barbara Taylor to bring Elon students into local classrooms as part of their college curriculum. Once there, students would use technologies – iPods, interactive whiteboards, etc. – to teach young children.
At the same time, veteran teachers who hosted the Elon students would learn how to incorporate technology into their own lessons, making the partnership beneficial for everyone involved.
From the profile on Walker: “At the end of one lesson, a host teacher approached the student teacher in tears because of the transformation she saw in one child. ‘The Elon student had reached him like no one had ever done before,’ says Walker. ‘That was the first time he had ever actively participated in class. At that moment, I knew what we were doing was so important.’”
To read the full story on Walker’s work, click on the link to the right of this page.