Introduction to Computers in Education

Education 301

Term:          Spring 2000:Tuesdays, 6:55 – 9:35
Location:     South Campus Computer Building (SCB) 200A
Instructor:   Carl Hoagland
Office:         Marillac 307 & the E. Desmond Lee Technology and Learning Center
Phone:        (314) 516.5793

Fax:            (314) 516-5348

Fax:          hoagland@umsl.edu

 

Overview

This is an interactive, activity-oriented course designed to introduce students to the computer as an instructional tool. The course will emphasize the integration of technology across the curriculum.Students will investigate the use of (1) content-area software; (2) writing tools (3) Internet tools, (4) multimedia tools, (5) multimedia projects, (6) data analysis tools, (7) computer-mediated communication tools, and (8) ethical issues. Students will become familiar with the theories of learning and practical realities relevant to understanding computers and associated technologies as tools in
learning environments.
 
Requirements
1)Attend class weekly and participate actively

Class sessions will be devoted to discussions of assigned readings, short presentations by students on readings and activities on the computer.Sessions will be led by the instructor, students or a guest instructor.Notify Dr. Hoagland (516-5793, hoagland@umsl.edu) before class, if you will not be able to attend.Missing more than two class meetings will result the reduction of your grade.

2)Participate weekly in an online discussion group

You are expected to read the discussion postings and to post a minimum of two messages per week to the discussion group available on line at http://www.umsl.edu/cww/  One posting must be made before class on Tuesday in response to the discussion topic related to the reading for that class.A second posting must be made after class on Tuesday and will be a follow-up to that class. You are encouraged to post more messages as you have relevant information for the discussion.

3)Work in groups of 2 to 4 to lead class in activities

You will be assigned groups and sign up for a time slot a few weeks into the semester.

4)Complete a design project on an educational activity using computers as a tool

A proposal will be reviewed and approved by week 10.The printed or hypermedia project will be due in lieu of a final exam.The design should be motivated by concepts from the class readings, discussions and/or activities.

Grading

Grade for the course will be based on the following:

 
Description
%
1)
Class participation, short paper and presentations
20
2)
Weekly participation in online discussion group
30
3)
Group project leading an activity during the class
20
4)
Project describing and educational activity using computers as a tool (length:8-10 printed pages or 15-20 computer screens)
30

Textbook and Readings

Class Schedule

Week 1: January 11: Introduction and Orientation, Educational Technology in Context

Assignment, due Tuesday January 25:3 page paper on your most memorable learning experiences in school, one involving computers and one not.The experiences can be memorable for how valuable they were or frustrating they were.If you have none with computers, discuss a positive and negative experience not involving computers.For all experiences, discuss briefly what you think made them memorable to you and successful or not.Please write about experiences that you will be willing to discuss in class on January 25.It is expected that all papers will be completed and printed on a word processor.

Week 2: January 18: Pros and Cons of Computers in Education (Broad and Personal)

Grabe & Grabe pp. 2-22
The class will split into two groups, to divide reading, “The Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom.”
Half will read Pea’s speech, http://www.tappedin.org/info/teachers/debate.html
Half will read Cuban’s, http://www.tappedin.org/info/teachers/debate2.html
Optional historical overview (Cuban can be found at http://www.nyu.edu/classes/murfin/techhist.txt

Week 3: January 25: Learning Theory and Practice

Grabe & Grabe pp.22-75
A discussion will be held on your personal learning experiences.
The class will begin using the software Inspiration to plot your personal learning experiences.
Learning experiences papers due
Assignment due, Tuesday, February 8:An Inspiration diagram of both of your personal learning experiences

Week 4: February 1: Computer Software in Content Areas and for Practice (Simulations and Drill and Practice

Grabe & Grabe pp.78-122

 

Week 5: February 8: Data Collection and Analysis (Spreadsheets and Databases)

Grabe & Grabe pp 172-185
Inspiration diagrams due
Assignment due, Tuesday, February 22: A simple project that involves the collection of data should be represented through the use of a spreadsheet.

 

Week 6: February 15: Data Collection and Analysis (Spreadsheets and Databases)

Review data collected about schools in Missouri at http://www.dese.state.mo.us/reportsummary/ and in groups of 2-4, summarize data in one spreadsheet report.Print the report of the group.

Week 7: February 22: Computers and the Internet for Research

Grabe & Grabe pp.188-221

Week 8: February 29: Process Writing and Newsletter Production

Grabe & Grabe pp. 152-172

Week 9: March 7: Multimedia and Hypermedia Use

 Grabe & Grabe pp. 265-298

Week 10: March 15: Multimedia and Hypermedia Projects I

Grabe & Grabe pp334-381
Final project proposals due next week.You can work alone or in groups (2 or 3).

Week 11: March 22: Multimedia and Hypermedia Projects II

Final project proposals due.
Week 12:March 29
Spring Break:No class

Week 13: April 4: Computer-Mediated Communication (e-mail, lists, ask an expert, virtual field trips)

Week 14: April 11: Ethical and Critical Issues

Grabe & Grabe pp.389-404
Week 15:April 18
Time will be given to work on projects. You are encouraged to seek feedback on drafts/plans

Week 16:April 25:Student Presentations and Wrap-up (last day of class)

Each group will give a 10-15 minute presentation of their project to the class