EDU 250 INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION

SYLLABUS
 

 
Course Information

Course Overview: 

Teaching is the noblest of all professions.  If it were not for teachers, as a recent television commercial asked, where will the doctors, scientist, and lawyers come from?  Teaching began by one person showing another person how to do something.  One caveman showed another how to start a fire.  A father showed a son how to plant a seed.  A mother showed a daughter how to read the Bible.  As society evolved so did education.  Education was institutionalized.  Classes were formed, schools established and "showing" became "telling".  It has been realized however that maybe the old way was the best way and teachers have responded by developing instructional techniques in which education again became showing, and the learner was again expected to take an active role in the learning process.  This technique is what this course is all about.  How can you as a teacher use visual and audio support to "show" students what they need to know.  You will begin by defining what is instruction and studying the "process" of designing lessons with media.  You will also look at what is perhaps the greatest educational tool ever developed, the computer.  You will study what a computer is, how it works, and more importantly how you can use it in your classroom.  You will look at other forms of instructional media available to you as a teacher, and finally, you will look at how the classroom of the future will be different from today's classroom.  The course will answer the questions: What are the instructional media?  How do I decide which medium is the most effective for the instructional objectives I've identified? and How do I effectively use media in the classroom?

Description: 

An introduction to applications of technology which will assist in efficient management and effective learning within the school environment.  Experience will be gained in the development and use of instructional applications including computers and educational software.

Course Objectives: 

Students successfully completing this course should be able to:

1.  develop a set of principles for the use of media and technology in the classroom.
2.  analyze the instructional process, identify problems and formulate solutions in terms of the processes of communication and learning.
3.  analyze the instructional process terms of the methods and media that would be most appropriate for meeting the objectives of the instruction and adaptation of the materials to the learning styles of the students.
4.  select and use media and technology in light of the elements of effective design of instruction.
5.  describe the physical characteristics, the advantages, and limitations of the common types of classroom media and technology.
6.  develop an appraisal checklist for each of the common types of classroom media.
7.  identify and use appropriate media information sources when selecting media.
8.  identify appropriate presentation techniques when presenting instructional media and develop criteria for evaluating presentations by others.
9.  demonstrate simple production skills used to prepare instructional materials for use in the classroom.
10.  name the steps involved in setting up and operating common classroom instructional equipment.
11.  discuss the implications of recent trends in education and training for the future use of classroom media and technology.
12.  demonstrate a positive attitude toward the use of instructional media and technology.
 

Prerequisites and Co-requisites: 

None

Course Topics: 

The course is organized around 14 lessons organized into five units.  Each unit includes materials presented on web pages, textbook chapter study guides, assignments and a class discussions on your reaction to the materials presented.  Topics for study include:
  1. Using Technology to Improve Education
  2. Technologies for Learning
  3. Instructional Design
  4. Media and Methods
  5. Designing Learning Environments
  6. Visuals
  7. Audio
  8. Video
  9. Computers
  10. Software
  11. Multimedia
  12. Responsible Use of Technology
  13. Distance Education
  14. The Future of Technology in the Classroom

Specific Course Requirements: 

Course requirements are identified below under the topic "Assessment and Grading".
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks: 

 Smaldino, Sharon, et al, Instructional Media and Technologies for Learning, 8/e.  Upper Saddle River , New Jersey: Merrill/Prentice-Hall, 2005  ISBN:  0-13-113682-8

The textbook can be purchased at the RODP Bookstore at http://ropd.bkstr.com

Supplementary Materials: 

None

Hardware Requirements: 

The minimum RODP requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm

Specific hardware requirements for this course include:

PC users - A minimum computer system to successfully access all the tools in this course is a Pentium 166 or better with 32 Megabytes of RAM or better and Windows 95 or higher.  A modem,56k or better.
Mac users - Minimum system requirements are a 604 Power PC processor, preferably a G3 (iMacs are included) or G4 processor computer running Mac OS 8.5 or above.  A minimum of 64 Megabytes of RAM, preferably 128 with at least 25 Megabytes assigned to your browser.  A modem, 56k or better.

Software Requirements: 

The minimum RODP requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm

Specific hardware requirements for this course include:

PC users - Communications software: Internet Explorer version 5 or Netscape version 4.58 or later.  Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat software.
Mac users -  Communications software:  Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape 4.75.  Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat software.

Instructor Information

Name and contact information: 

 Dr.  Charles Cooper
     In-Person:  Jackson State Community College
                        Gymnasium P-17
        By mail:  2046 North Parkway Street
                       Jackson, Tennessee
                       38301-3797
           Voice:  Madison County (731) 424-2520 Ext. 260
                       West Tennessee (800) 355-JSCC (5722)
                       Ext. 260 (Voice mail equipped)
              Fax:  731-422-2365
            Email:  charles.cooper@jscc.edu

Virtual Office Hours: 

 The course will be attended daily

Instructor Response Time: 

 The course will be attended daily.  Most questions will be answered within 1 working day.
Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures: All tests will be taken on-line.  The tests are timed and students are only given one attempt.  For additional information concerning the tests see the Test Review pages.  The deadline for each test is indicated on the Course Calendar.  These dates indicate the last day a test may be taken.
Discussion Procedures: Participation in the on-line discussions is part of your final grade.  Your must participate with constructive discussion on a regular basis.  The instructor will have access to all chat and message board discussions and will periodically monitor the communications in order to assess your participation.  There is a specially designated discussion board where you will have the opportunity to ask and answer questions.  The instructor expects not only questions from students but also attempts to resolve questions through discussions.

Evaluation   Procedures: 

 Your grade in Instructional Technology in Education will be determined by the following procedure.  As you complete activities and class work, submit the assigned materials to the instructor for evaluation.  The instructor will evaluate your materials and assign points.  Points awarded are viewable by clicking on "My Grades" on the left navigation bar Course Menu and evaluations are sent to your course Grade Book.

DISCUSSIONS - 5 topics X 20 pts max. each = 100 pts max.
Class participation will be evaluated as to your ability to participate in class discussions by making relevant postings to the Class Discussion Board and by responding to other student postings to the Board.

ACTIVITIES -  3 assignments X 20 pts. max. each =  60 pts max.
Activities include Chapter Study Guides, Homework and Papers.  Activity assignments will be evaluated as to accuracy, neatness, and completeness.

CASE STUDIES -  3 assignments X 100 pts. max. each =  300 pts max.
Case Studies are in-depth exercises dealing with actual instructional technology issues.  Activity assignments will be evaluated as to accuracy, neatness, and completeness.

PRODUCTION ACTIVITY - 1  activity X 200 pts max. = 200 pts max.
The Production Activity will be evaluated as to the student's ability to perform the activity with accuracy and completeness.

PORTFOLIO - 1 activity x 300 pts max. = 300  pts maximum
The Portfolio will be evaluated as to neatness, organization, and completeness.  The Portfolio is expected to demonstrate the student's ability to summarize the student's work, synthesize the information gained in the course and communicate to the reader an understanding of the course material.

EXAMS - 4 exams X 100 pts max. each = 400 pts maximum
Exams will be evaluated as to accuracy and student demonstration of an understanding of the material.  Exams will be announced in the Class Calendar.  Exam questions will be of the short essay, multiple choice, or completion type.  Exams will cover materials introduced in both the class web pages and textbook.  The second exam will be counted as the mid-term examination and the fourth exam will be counted as the Final Examination for the course.

                                               Total Points =  1360  pts maximum

Grading Scale: 

Grades will be assigned according to the number of points you have accumulated.
                    "A"     1224 to 1360 points
                    "B"     1088 to 1223 points
                    "C"     952 to 1087 points
                    "D"     816 to 951 points
                    "F"     Below 816 points

To help you keep up with the points you have earned print out the Course Outline handout.

Times:

All times show in this course are U.S. Central Time (GMT -6 hours)
Assignments and Participation

Assignments and  Projects: 

Assignments and Projects are identified above under the topic "Assessment and Grading".  Student are expected to read the web pages for each lesson and any related textbook chapters and course assignments and activities.

You are expected to read the entire syllabus before beginning the course and address any questions or concerns about the course to the instructor on the discussion board (Main).

Class Participation:  

 You are expected to participate in all interactive aspects of the course.  For example, you must communicate with other students via emails and discussion board exchanges.  You are expected to communicate with your instructor on a regular basis and check the course bulletin board frequently for announcements.  You must actively participate in threaded discussion events.  Students are expected to work at a pace conducive to collaborative learning, that is, don't work to far ahead or too far behind the group.  The class is designed to support student interaction.

Punctuality: 

You are encouraged to work at your own pace, however deadlines are placed on class activities, assignments, quizzes and exams.  You should become familiar with the Class Calendar to determine when materials are due and adjust your study schedule accordingly.  Once a deadline has passed you will be "locked out" of the material.  
Course Ground Rules

     Assignments will be presented as noted in the Events. 
    You will have until the due date on the calendar to complete each assignment.
    You are expected to communicate with other students, learn how to navigate in the Course Management System (CMS), and stay aware of course announcements.
     You should use your assigned CMS email addresses for all communication.
    You should address any technical problems to your instructor immediately.
    You should observe course netiquette at all times.
    Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited and will result in course and college disciplinary action.
    All work is to be completed by the student enrolled in EDU 250.  Work done by anyone else will be considered cheating and will result in the grade of "F" for the course.
Academic Honesty
  Academic honesty is central to the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty are serious offenses and can result in academic penalty.  Therefore, no student shall:
  • Claim or submit the academic work of another as one's own.
  • Procure, provide, accept or use any materials containing questions or answers to any examination or assignment without proper authorization.
  • Complete or attempt to complete any assignment or examinations for another individual without proper authorization.
  • Allow any examination or assignment to be completed for oneself, in part or in total, by another without proper authorization.
  • Alter, tamper with, appropriate, destroy or otherwise interfere with the research, resources, or other academic work of another person.
  • Fabricate or falsify data or results.
  • Commit plagiarism if you submit as your own work: a) Part or all of an assignment copied or paraphrased from another person's manuscript, notes or talk; b) Part or all of an assignment copied or paraphrased from anything published.
  • Act as an accomplice in plagiarism if you: a) Allow your work, in outline, draft or finished form, to be copied and submitted as the work of another; b) Prepare an assignment for another student which he/she submits as his/her own work; c) Keep or contribute to a file of papers or presentations which anyone other than the author adopts and submits as his/her own work.
Guidelines for Communication

Email: 

When using email keep the following in mind:
     Always include a subject line with the assignment name and number or subject of the communication.  Do not use reply (re:) to start a new correspondence.
     Even if you are submitting your work as an attachment the Course Management System (CMS) requires that something be written in the message panel.
     Remember your reader cannot see you, without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way.  Be careful in wording your emails.
     Use of emoticons :) might be helpful in some cases.
     Use standard fonts.
     Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
     Respect the privacy of other class members.
     Submit only one assignment per e-mail.  Multiple assignments in one e-mail are difficult for the instructor to manage.

Discussion Groups: 

When using the discussion group keep the following in mind:
     Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion.  Be an observer then a discusser.
     Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather than starting a new topic.
     Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group.  Be respectful of other's ideas.
     Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
     Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
     Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
     Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner. 

Chat: 

When using chat keep the following in mind:
     Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
     Be polite.  Choose your words carefully.  Do not use derogatory statements.
     Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
     Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
     Be constructive in your comments and suggestions.

Web Resources:  

Web Resources are embedded in the Unit Materials.
Library

 TBR Virtual Library

To provide access to library and information services to students The Tennessee Board of Regents Consortium of Librarians has established a virtual library that provides online searches, references, databases, journals, book reviews, and library connections to all TBR Libraries.

This Virtual Library can be accessed by clicking here.

RODP Virtual Reference Librarian
(For questions, assistance, and help with online searches)

Home School Library
For additional services and searches: Students may connect directly to their Home School Library online or go to campus for additional services and searches.

APSU ETSU MTSU TSU TTU
UoM CSTCC CLSCC COSCC DSCC
JSCC MSCC NSCC NSTCC PSTCC
RSCC STCC VSCC WSCC Borrowers Forms
 
Students with Disabilities (ADA)

 Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution.  Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at their home institution.  It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Students with disabilities should make the instructor aware of any conditions that will affect the student's ability to complete course requirements.

Services for Students with Disabilities
These services are provided by your Home Institution.  Please contact your RODP Student Campus Contact for more information:  Community College RODP Student Advisor, University RODP Student Advisor, TTC RODP Student Advisor 

Syllabus Changes

 The syllabus located within the course is the official Syllabus and should be reviewed by the student at the beginning of the class.

The instructor reserves the right to make changes in course materials, requirements and content.  Any changes will be made known to you with a email and will be posted on the course pages.

 
Technical Support

 

 AskRODP Help Desk (toll free number 1-866-550-7637) or go to the AskRODP website at:  http://help.rodp.org/

If you are having problems:

  • logging into your course
  • timing out of your course
  • "technical" related issues for D2L (it takes a long time to click around my course)
  • using your course web site tools

If you contact Technical Support by phone please be at your computer and be prepared to provide the following information: (If you do not know the information below please call 1-866-550-7637)

  • Your username
  • Your password
  • The URL, (address, "http://...") you are unable to access
  • Your instructor's name
  • Your course number, section and name (EX:  IT1001N01  Intro to Microcomputers)
  • Are you using a PC or MAC
  • Your operating system (Windows 98, NT, 2000, etc.)
  • Browser type and version (EX:  Internet Explorer 5.5)