This course provides background knowledge of basic educational technologies with particular emphasis on the applications of instructional technology in K-12 curriculum. The technologies included are: microcomputers, input/output devices, storage systems, telecommunications software, productivity tools, CD-ROM, educational software, information presentation software. Students explore the history and direction of instructional technologies, the ethical and social issues, the importance of media literacy, as well as new forms of assignments and assessments with the new technologies.
Learning Theories, Motivation, and Relationship to Technology - Dr. Shamburg
The principal theories of human learning are surveyed including behaviorism, cognitive information processing, and constructivism. Additional theories which have been shown to affect learning are examined, including motivational, developmental, biological, sociological, and physiological factors. Special emphasis is given to alternative educational approaches, methods, strategies, and technologies that increase instructional effectiveness.
An integrated software package is one that integrates word processing, data base management, paint, draw, spreadsheet and telecommunications capabilities into one package. The package is the starting point to use as a resource-based curriculum. New types of learning and assignments across the curriculum are explored. The goal is to develop students who know how to access resources to maintain state-of-the-art technological literacy. Each student will design an instructional project as part of this class.
This blended course focuses on the use of math/science technology (hardware, software, and peripherals) to find new ways to provide mathematics and science instruction. The goal is to develop students who know how to access resources to maintain state-of-the-art technological literacy. Each student will design instructional projects as part of this class.
This on-line course includes in-depth modules presenting various models that can be used as the structure for on-line courses, program seminars, and other virtual classroom needs. Module topics include models of learning theory, models of teaching theory, the application of generative learning theory to on-line education, and distance learning assessment theory. The course is designed to provide students ample opportunities to apply on-line teaching and learning theory to their particular areas of interest in curriculum development. Students also explore the ethical and social issues of information technologies and their impact on learning styles in the information age. All students use all types of distance education as complements to the practical application courses offered in the program.
Technology Facilitator: Issues and Challenges - Dr. Twomey
This course prepares graduate students to be technology leaders. The organization, design, and evaluation of computer systems for educational settings will be presented. An analysis of district-wide and school-curriculum needs, personnel roles, and services will be conducted through the use of case studies. Budgets, physical facilities, and in-service activities will be examined and the problems of implementing computer systems will be explored. In addition, students will study a wide range of software packages to determine strong and weak points and will be required to write documentation and evaluation reports on the packages studied. The administration of educational technology programs in urban school districts will be emphasized.
Research Applications in Educational Technology is a seminar aimed at integrating knowledge of research methods and basic statistics with computer based data analysis skills. The course emphasizes the interpretation, synthesis, evaluation and analysis of research in the area of educational technology. Course topics are presented from the perspective of the student as both a consumer and a producer of research. Students analyze numerous instructional datasets via a statistical data analysis package, produce statistics and graphs, and report and discuss results. During the course of the semester students critically analyze, review, and interpret two research-based articles in the field of educational technology, and develop a research proposal in an area of interest to them.
This course prepares in-service and pre-service teachers to use the Internet as an educational resource. Through the creation of a web project, students gain insight into using new technologies to create an active learning environment that encourages critical thinking and collaboration. Students learn to do research on the World Wide Web, correspond using e-mail, participate in Usernet bulletin boards and LISTSERVE mailing lists, and create web pages. Students are introduced to working with graphics, digital sound, and video. The controversial issues of censorship, intellectual property rights, security, source validity, and the impact of multimedia technology on education are studied in the course.
Research Applications in Educational Technology II - Dr. Twomey
The purpose of the practicum is to integrate the student�s program of study into a practical manifestation of �educational change and technology innovation.� Students may elect to write either a project proposal, project case study, or to develop a multi-media course. Working independently, with the project advisor, students gather data, analyze results, write a report, and support recommendations. Students are encouraged to create an implementation plan for their practicum.
This course will explore a variety of authoring tools. Candidates will conduct a comprehensive survey of authoring tools and create documents applying design elements in order to create an e-book tailored for different learning styles. Candidates will examine the way that hypermedia can be used to improve student achievement in the classroom and library/multimedia centers by using a course, candidates will reflect upon the capabilities of authoring tools that are available to educational multimedia designers.
Seminar: Current Trends in Educational Technology - Dr. Zieger
This upper level seminar is designed to explore the latest trends and research in educational technology. The course involves intensive study and discussion in specialized areas.
