Preparing educators in rural Hawai’i: Student reflections on technology-mediated programs

Conclusions Technology-mediated delivery strategies have recently proved successful for the University of Hawai’i-Manoa’s College of Education. The success of these strategies is manifested by programs enrolled to capacity, the financial stability of these programs and the establishment of a consistent schedule of offerings. It is, however, clearly a challenge for students to become comfortable with technology-mediated instruction. Hawai’i students have risen to the challenge, expressing appreciation for support structures such as a technology orientation and troubleshooting support. Based on students’ reflections, they view the challenge of increasing their own technology literacy as one that benefits their future teaching endeavors. While technology-mediated delivery changes the level of direct social interaction within the programs, students appear to appreciate the flexibility it provides. They also value the improved access to programs that such delivery has provided to Hawai’ is neighboring islands. Student feedback and reflection confirms that the College has improved its ability to serve the island state of Hawaii and affirms technologymediated delivery as an appropriate solution for addressing geographical challenges. These reflections should encourage the College’s continued exploration of new strategies for technology-mediated delivery.