EDU 215: Technology for Educators

Fall 200

Catalog Description. This course prepares students to integrate technologies in teaching, learning, assessment, and the school curriculum. Students develop competence in planning and designing learning environments and experiences that use technologies. Students will also use technologies to aid in professional growth and productivity. The course addresses social, ethical, legal, and human issues and assists students in developing a Christian perspective on the use of technology. Three credits.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

(1)   demonstrate an understanding of commonly used classroom technology

(2)   produce lesson plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology

(3)   use technology to enhance productivity and professional practice

(4)   understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in schools and apply that understanding in practice

(5)   develop and use criteria based on a Christian worldview, current learning theory, appropriate pedagogy and other resources to select and evaluate instructional technologies.

Textbooks

Roblyer, M. (2003) Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (3^rd

ed.). Upper Saddle river, NJ: Merrill/Prentice Hall. http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_roblyer_integratin_3

Georgia Department of Education. (2003). Georgia Quality Core

Curriculum. Online: http://www.glc.k12.ga.us/homepg.htm

ISTE. (2002) Technology standards for students. Eugene. OR: International

Society for Technology in Education. Online: http://cnets.iste.org/students/s_stands.html

Schultz, Q. (2002) Habits of the high-tech heart: living virtuously in the

information age. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

College LiveText! edu Solutions. 

Instructional Methods

Classroom activities include, but are not limited to: teacher demonstrations, students performance of skills, database searches, internet resources, student presentations, video instruction, reflective writing, research projects, group activities and class discussions.

Use of Technology 

The course will involve an extensive use of technology, software and the internet. Students will develop lesson plans that incorporate technology and will access the Internet to complete multiple assignments. All written work should be completed in a word processing program, follow APA 5^th edition format and be submitted via email.

Diversity

Students will examine teaching methods and strategies appropriate for diverse learners.

Course Requirements and Assignments

1. Tests. Four scheduled tests are listed on the course calendar. Tests will primarily assess your knowledge of the content in the Roblyer text. Material covered in class may also be included on tests.
2. Teacher Interview. Using the interview form provided in this course, interview a teacher regarding the use of technology in the classroom.
3. Think Papers. Write three 2-3 page papers in response to topics assigned and covered in class.
4. Classwork/Homework. Completion of homework and in-class assignments is essential for success in this course. Homework is due at the beginning of class on the due date.
   • Lesson Plans. Each student will prepare two lesson plans that integrate technology into the lesson for a grade level and subject area of interest. One lesson plan will be prepared individually and a second lesson plan will be prepared collaboratively with one or two other students and presented to the class in a PowerPoint presentation. Format and standards for the lesson plans will be discussed and distributed in class.
   • Newsletter. Use MS Word to create a classroom newsletter. Requirements for this assignment will be discussed and distributed in class.
   • Software Evaluation. Identify an instructional software program you would like to evaluate for a grade level and subject of your interest. Free trial versions of software are available for download on the Internet, or you may locate one through a school, library, etc. An evaluation form for this assignment will be distributed in class.
   • Self-Tests. You will take three online self-tests on the content from selected chapters in Roblyer.
   • Excel Project. You will create a spreadsheet with appropriate graphs using data from a survey you create.
   • Gradebook Project. You will use excel to create a mock gradebook appropriate to a grade and subject of your interest.
   • Textbook Activities. You will complete two textbook activities as assigned in class.
   • Website Review. Locate a web site providing information that would be useful to students in a class at the grade and subject of your interest. Write a review of the site using a review form distributed in class.
   • Other assignments. As announced and assigned
   • Website. Create a mock website for a class of a grade and/or subject of your interest.

Attendance

It is expected that you will attend all classes and be on time, except in the case of an emergency. Except in special circumstances, absences will be excused only if you contact me ahead of time, and only if you furnish written documentation for the emergency. In the case of excessive absences you may be required to retake the course. Arriving 10 minutes late or leaving 10 minutes early constitutes ½ an absence.

Assessment and Grading

Tests                                                                      20%

Teacher Interview                                                   10%

Think Papers                                                          20%

Classwork/Homework                                            50%