Introduction to Educational Technology -

EDTECH 571 Fall Semester, 2006

Course Description

This course provides students with an overview of the field of Educational Technology with an emphasis on K-12 education. Students will identify helpful resources and standards, discuss ethical, legal, and human issues involving computing, and find and summarize major research findings and trends related to the use of technology in education.

There is no textbook for the course.

Course Goals/Objectives:

      _    describe the historical development and important trends affecting the evolution of technology. 

      _    analyze and discuss current issues affecting the evolution of technology.

      _    discuss ethical, legal and human issues involving the integration of technology. 

      _    identify current technology resources including professional organizations, publications, grant sources, and on-line sources of information that support and enhance the curriculum. 

      _    examine, critique and develop a technology use plan

      _    gain an understanding of the role of technology in teaching and learning.  

      _    summarize major research findings and trends related to the use of technology in education to support integration of technology in a K-12 environment.

      _    describe resources and strategies for staff development based on differing audiences including school and district decision-makers. 

      -     analyze and synthesize research in educational technology

ISTE TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP STANDANDS

Addressed in Edtech 571

Standard TL-I.  Technology Operations and Concepts.  Educational technology leaders demonstrate an advanced understanding of technology operations and concepts.  Educational technology leaders:

A. Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology (as described in the ISTE National Education Technology Standards for Teachers).Technology Use Plan Project

Standard TL-II.  Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences.  Educational technology leaders assist by planning, designing, and modeling effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology at the district/ state/ regional level. Educational technology leaders:

B. Locate and evaluate current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.  Research Synthesis Paper

Standard TL-III. Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum.  Educational technology leaders model, design, and disseminate curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning. Educational technology leaders:

E. Investigate major research findings and trends related to the use of technology in education to support integration throughout the curriculum. Research Synthesis Paper

Standard TL-VI. Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues.  Educational technology leaders understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and develop programs facilitating application of that understanding in practice throughout their district/ region/state. Educational technology leaders:

A. Model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use. Case Studies

B. Apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.  Case Studies

Standard TL-VIII. Leadership and Vision.  Educational technology leaders will facilitate development of a shared vision for comprehensive integration of technology and foster an environment and culture conducive to the realization of the vision.  Educational technology leaders:

A. Locate and disseminate current research in educational technology. Research Synthesis Paper

B. Describe social and historical foundations of education and how they relate to the use of technology in schools. Discussion Responses

D. Lead in the development and evaluation of district technology planning and implementation. Technology Use Plan Project; Needs Assessment Instrument; Technology Use Plan Evaluations

Grades

In order to meet the above goals, you will be participating in a variety of activities throughout the semester. Each week's assignment (located in the assignment area of Blackboard) will outline the activity required for that week.  The final grade will be assigned based on the following weighted averages:

Late assignments may be reduced in grade by 10% for every day they are late.

 Weekly assignments - 30%

 Synthesis paper - 40%

 Technology Use Plan Presentation - 30%