All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

New technology helps WVU Online train much-needed teachers

New technology is helping pre-K teachers studying online at West Virginia University to complete their student teaching in their home communities.

With a new “virtual” system, professors are using video to observe student teachers in the classroom and computer technology to meet with them remotely to discuss their teaching.

WVU professor Ashley Martucci, program coordinator for WVU Online’s Bachelor of Science degree in child development and family studies, said it is helping the program train much-needed teachers.

“This new technology is for students who are studying to become public school pre-K teachers,” she said. “For certification, they are required to have a minimum of 12 weeks in the classroom.”

“Because our program is online, the only way to observe their teaching is to use a virtual observation system.”

Martucci worked with instructional designers at WVU Online, Literacy Education and the WVU Teaching and Learning Commons, to figure out the best way to set up the new system.

The student teachers are recorded in the classroom with a smart phone and the video is run through a program called VoiceThread, a cloud application that is already part of WVU eCampus and that can be used from any computer or web browser.

With this technology, Martucci can watch the students and make written comments as things are happening.

For the virtual, face-to-face meetings, they use Collaborate Ultra, a real-time conferencing tool, that is now embedded into eCampus.

WVU student Taylor Mazelon, who grew up and currently lives in the small town of Rohrersville, Maryland, was one of the first student teachers to use the new observation system, while completing her student teaching at a school in Hagerstown.

“We do a video observation every other Friday, so every other week, I record myself teaching, upload it, send my written lesson plan to Dr. Martucci, and then a few days later we virtually meet,” she said. “I enjoy observing my own teaching because I notice things that I never would have noticed before. By watching yourself teach, you can play it back and catch things that you can do differently.

“The main part that helped me improve my teaching was when I virtually met with Dr. Martucci and she gave me feedback. She was able to point out things that I needed to change or add, which helped me to change my teaching strategy for the better.”

Martucci said the WVU Online bachelor’s degree program has students from all over the United States.

“I have one student who is doing her student teaching in Georgia and another who will do her student teaching in Texas. Students are finding our online program because it’s convenient for them. They can go to college, but stay in their communities, and that’s a real asset for a lot of people who can’t uproot their family or who already have a job.”

She noted that there is a shortage of pre-K teachers right now, especially certified teachers, not only in West Virginia, but around the country.

“Research tells us that if we can impact the lives of children early, we’re better off in the long run,” Martucci said. “Educating quality teachers is part of that. In pre-K, the children learn through play. These children, even at ages four and five, are able to manipulate stories, create cartoons and even make mini movies.

“In the videos we can see development happening in the classroom during this time. Our teachers are leading them to do extraordinary things and to explore the world. It’s exciting to watch.”

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Moon Flower opens first satellite store at Delmonte Market in Elkins

Moon Flower Hemp, a woman-owned craft cannabis shop, is opening its first satellite location inside Elkins’s Delmonte Market, offering exclusive products, infused drinks, educational support and special perks for early customers.

Buckhannon Community Theatre’s ‘The Lion King Kids’ set to roar at Colonial Arts Center this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present Disney’s The Lion King Kids on June 20 and 21 at the Colonial Arts Center, showcasing young local talent in a family-friendly production directed by Ella McNeish.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: June 26, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board has released the agenda for its upcoming June 26, 2025, meeting.

B-U’s Landon Marple earns All-State baseball honors

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Landon Marple, who led his team in multiple offensive categories, was named to the West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State Baseball Team as an Honorable Mention.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Kelly Povroznik earns certification in integrative and functional nutrition

Kelly Povroznik, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned certification as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, bringing advanced holistic nutrition expertise to her patients and community.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman says numerous community complaints led to vape shop raids

Community complaints about Upshur County vape shops selling to minors prompted a months-long investigation that led to multi-agency raids, seizure of $500,000 in illegal products, and an ongoing probe with arrests likely.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 19, 2025

Argo Books is launching a community co-op, the Upshur County Library has won a grant for new computer classes, Meals on Wheels needs volunteers, and Fish Hawk Acres has resumed ‘grab & go’ service but paused breakfast.

Weese family legacy burns bright as Brandon coaches Flame 304 to new growth

Brandon Weese is continuing his family’s Buckhannon-Upshur basketball legacy by coaching the Flame 304 girls travel team, which now features players from multiple counties and emphasizes both athletic and personal growth.

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.