UNLV's College of Education recently was named the winner of the 2002 Best Practice Award for Innovative Use of Technology, given by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).

UNLV was recognized for its commitment to improving the teacher education program so that teacher candidates are well prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Neal Strudler, UNLV professor of educational computing and technology, said this achievement has been accomplished through the efforts of a federal grant titled Project THREAD (Technology Helping Restructuring Education Access and Delivery).

"Project THREAD has been instrumental in preparing faculty to integrate technology in the courses they teach, in making the necessary technological resources available to both students and professors, and in working with the Clark County School District to ensure technology-rich field experiences," Strudler said.

Gene Hall, dean of the College of Education, said that he has been very impressed with Project THREAD's accomplishments. "Project THREAD has made a significant impact on our teacher education programs," Hall said. "Through this initiative, a large number of faculty in the College of Education, as well as other colleges across campus, have had the opportunity to learn how to model best uses of technology in learning. There is no doubt that Project THREAD has greatly contributed to our faculty using more technology in their teaching, and that the grant has contributed a significant dimension of added quality to all UNLV teacher education programs."

President Carol C. Harter shared Dean Hall's enthusiasm for what has been accomplished by the College of Education and its partners in the grant. "This award demonstrates how a partnership between superb faculty and a forward-thinking grant program can result in collaborations that elevate the preparation of teachers and enhance their understanding and use of technology in spectacular ways," Harter said.

Professor Strudler, who also serves as director of UNLV's Project THREAD program, said that he is extremely pleased with winning the award.

"The award committee was particularly impressed with the comprehensive nature of our project and the degree to which UNLV's College of Education has created a model worth replicating by other universities across the country," Strudler said. "I am proud of the many ways that the grant has helped to make necessary technology available and how the project has offered important opportunities to develop faculty's technical and instructional skills through the use of technology - elements that are essential for creating effective change. This has been an incredible team effort and I'm excited with what we've accomplished thus far, and look forward to continued collaboration with the school district and partners within UNLV as we move forward with this important work."

The AACTE sponsors several awards to recognize excellence in schools, colleges, and departments of teacher education. In identifying notable programs, practices, activities, writing, and research, these awards encourage all member institutions to strengthen the profession of teacher education through innovation, high standards, and leadership.

For additional information about the Project THREAD program, call Strudler at 895-1306.