Carla Zembal-Saul

My name is Carla Zembal-Saul. I have been a professor at Penn State since 1997. My research interests are aimed at understanding teacher learning and development. I work with both preservice and practicing teachers at the elementary level (K-6). I have specific interests in knowledge and practices associated with giving priority to evidence and explanation in science teaching. Three strands assist me in organizing my work: (1) school-university partnerships, (2) science content learning opportunities developed in collaboration with scientists, and (3) applications of technology to support learning and teaching. Most recently, I have been focused on video analysis as a vehicle for scaffolding preservice and beginning teacher learning.

Some of the learning technologies that I have incorporated into my research and practice include electronic portfolios, scientific simulations connected to large and complex data sets (World Watcher, Galapagos Finches), blogging and podcasting, multimedia development, and electronic teaching resources (e.g., video cases).

I am currently part of the leadership team for the EDUCATE at Penn State initiative (Exploring Directions in Ubiquitous Computing And Teacher Education). At the foundation of this project is a required common digital toolset, which has been integrated into professional methods courses and field experiences for Elementary Education and Secondary English majors beginning in Fall 2008. The program is not merely about technology integration, but rather educating the next generation of capable professional educators who are equipped to support meaningful student learning in 21st century learning environments.

Why the magic wand as a metaphor? To be truthful, there is nothing magic about making this work happen. My magic wand is more of a mascot than anything else. Look for it in some of my blog entries and photographs. The story of how it came to be my mascot will unfold over time.