COURSE DESCRIPTION

This 4 semester-hour hands-on course will provide pre-service teachers with the skills and experiences necessary for incorporating computer and other information technologies into classroom practice. Students learn through a problem-based inquiry approach to examine, interact with, and evaluate educational software. The social implications of the use of technology are addressed. Instructional materials for use in the classroom are developed.

The course will address:

• technology operations and concepts;
• planning and designing learning environments and experiences;
• teaching, learning and the use of technology in the curriculum;
• assessment and evaluation of resources;
• productivity and professional practice; social, ethical, legal and human issues of technology in education.

Students gain practical experience in the use of various software tools, including Word, PowerPoint, HyperStudio, AppleWorks, Excel, grade keeping software such as Micrograde, concept-mapping tools such as Inspiration, History tools such as TimeLiner, and high school Math and Science software packages such as Geometer's Sketchpad and Drylabs for Biology. Students from different disciplines develop and integrate these and other technological tools into their classrooms through the exploration of authentic problems from teaching practice. They also explore the incorporation of e-mail and listservs into the course structure. In addition, students learn to select and evaluate discipline-based educational software and web sites for use in the classroom. Incorporated into the course are the basics of simple web page design, and the integration of technology into lesson plans.

PREREQUISITES: ENGL 101, EDUC 201, Math 118 or higher and CIS 103 or demonstration of competency by examination; restricted to Education students.