Syllabus

EDUC 30113: Introduction to Educational Technology

Spring 2010

Description:

This course will provide an introduction to using educational technology for professional productivity and instructional purposes. During the semester you will develop familiarity and operational skills with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, desktop publishing, multimedia, the Internet, and instructional software. You will also gain experience using a Promethean board.  Discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on practice will be provided throughout the course. In addition, you will spend time observing, interacting with, and/or tutoring individuals who are learning with computers.

Goals:

At the completion of this course, you should be able to meet as many of the Texas Technology Applications Standards as possible.

Standard I. All teachers use technology-related terms, concepts, data input strategies, and ethical practices to make informed decisions about current technologies and their applications.

Standard II. All teachers identify task requirements, apply search strategies, and use current technology to efficiently acquire, analyze, and evaluate a variety of electronic information.

Standard III. All teachers use task-appropriate tools to synthesize knowledge, create and modify solutions, and evaluate results in a way that supports the work of individuals and groups in problem-solving situations.

Standard IV. All teachers communicate information in different formats and for diverse audiences.

Standard V. All teachers know how to plan, organize, deliver, and evaluate instruction for all students that incorporates the effective use of current technology for teaching and integrating the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) into the curriculum.

Books and Supplies:

Readings will be assigned from handouts distributed in class and from the following book:

            Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (5^th Edition) by M.D. Roblyer

You will also need 1-2 CD-R disks that will be used to turn in assignments.

eCollege:

Online resources for this course can be found at www.tcuglobal.edu. This web site contains the syllabus, assignments, online quizzes, discussion questions, and links to various resources that will assist you in learning about the topics covered in this course. For assistance with eCollege, you may e-mail helpdesk@tcuglobal.edu or call 1-800-826-1665.

Computer Lab:

Many assignments, especially those utilizing Microsoft Office software, can be completed at any computer lab on campus. Other assignments, such as those involving software such as Inspiration, KidPix, and other educational software will need to be completed in the computer lab in Palko 223.  Hours when the lab is open will be posted next to the door.

Disability Services:

Texas Christian University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding students with disabilities.  Eligible students seeking accommodations should contact the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities in the Center for Academic Services located in Sadler Hall, 11.  Accommodations are not retroactive, therefore, students should contact the Coordinator as soon as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations. Further information can be obtained from the Center for Academic Services, TCU Box 297710, Fort Worth, TX 76129, or at (817) 257-7486.

Academic Misconduct:
Any act that violates the academic integrity of the institution is considered academic misconduct. Academic misconduct will adversely impact your course grade. At minimum, you will not receive credit for any assignment in which you have cheated, plagiarized, or fabricated work.  Specific examples of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:

·   Cheating: Copying from another student’s test, paper, laboratory report, other report, or computer files and listings; using, during any academic exercise, material and/or devices not authorized by the person in charge of the test; collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test or laboratory without permission; substituting for another student or permitting another student to substitute for oneself.

·   Plagiarism: The appropriation, theft, purchase or obtaining by any means another’s work, and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of that work as one’s own offered for credit. Appropriation includes the quoting or paraphrasing of another’s work without giving credit.

·   Fabrication and falsification: Unauthorized alteration or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.

Yellow Flags:
Students must maintain high academic performance (a minimum 2.5 GPA overall and a grade of C or better in education courses), as well as high professional standards in order to advance in the education program. The College of Education is dedicated to identifying and intervening to assist students who demonstrate difficulties maintaining these standards.  A faculty member who has a concern with a student's performance and/or professionalism may initiate the Academic Performance and Professionalism Warning process, otherwise known as the “Yellow Flag” system. Any student receiving three “Yellow Flags” through this process may be considered for dismissal from the program.

Expectations: 

Assignments contribute to your final grade in the following manner:

Grade Equivalents:  

Engagement:
Your grade for engagement (21 points) is based on indicators such as regular and punctual class attendance, paying attention, actively participating in class activities, turning in assignments on time, and ethical behavior.  Cell phones should not be use in class.  Written (i.e., e-mailed) explanations for absences will be considered in determining their effect on your grade.  More than 3 absences could lead to additional point deductions (which could result in a negative score) for this component.  If you have an extended illness, provide documentation to the office of campus life. 

Discussion:

Online discussion questions can be found on eCollege (www.tcuglobal.edu) and will be due approximately every two weeks.  The last 2 discussions will occur on a class blog.  Each discussion is worth 3 points.  Maximum credit for this component will be given to thoughtful responses that refer to resources and to classmates' comments.  

Competencies/Projects:

These assignments are designed to give you hands-on experience and practice with the computer applications covered in class. Competencies are worth 10 points and are graded on a pass/fail basis.  Unsatisfactory assignments may be revised and resubmitted.  Projects are worth 20 points and will be graded based on the quality of your work.  In addition, the storyboard for project #2 and the Searchpath quiz associated with competency #1 are worth 5 points each.

Presentations:

During the semester you will have two opportunities to make brief (approximately 5 min.) presentations using the Promethean board.  Each presentation is worth 5 points.

Fieldwork:

You should spend at least six hours observing and/or interacting with individuals who are learning with or about computers. Fieldwork may include a combination of technology-related school visits, tutoring, and using VisionQuest software.  Submit a detailed record of your reactions to your experiences, including the date/time that each occurred.  The fieldwork journal is worth 30 points.

Portfolio:

This multimedia portfolio (40 points) will provide an opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency with technology and to reflect on your technology skills and knowledge. It should contain a lesson plan, work samples, reflections, resources, and a position statement about using technology in education.  A portfolio template is available on eCollege in Doc Sharing.  In addition, you should create a portfolio plan (5 points) using the template provided on eCollege in Doc Sharing. This plan will allow you to complete your portfolio in an efficient and timely manner.

Final Exam:

A final exam (40 points) will be given to verify your understanding of the information in your textbook, handouts, and class presentations.  The quiz will be timed (90 min.).  You may use your book, handouts, notes, and web sites during the quiz. Practice multiple choice questions are available at the textbook web site (www.prenhall.com/roblyer).

Tentative Course Outline

* Please see eCollege for a calendar of due dates.

**In addition to assigned chapters, you are responsible for reading any handouts distributed in class.