Syllabus
Advanced Online Teaching in the K-12 Environment
EDTECH 597 - Fall 2007
Section 4172 - Online

Instructor Information:
Kerry Rice, Ed. D.
Boise State University
Phone:  208-426-2050
Email:  krice@boisestate.edu
Websites:
http://edtech.boisestate.edu/elearn
http://edtech.boisestate.edu/eresearch  
http://edtech.boisestate.edu/krice
Office:  E306
Office Hours:  I'm usually around but these are my designated office hours...
Monday: 9:00 - 11:00
Tuesday: 10:30 - 11:30
Wednesday: 1:00 - 3:00
or by appointment

Virtual Office Hours: Feel free to IM me or visit my virtual office in Breeze when I'm online anytime before 5 pm Monday through Friday.
http://breeze.boisestate.edu/kerryoffice/ 
MSN Messenger:
  krice100@hotmail.com
(Please do not send email to this address)

Course Schedule

Course Description:

Participants in this course will develop, analyze and evaluate the tools, methods, and environments in online teaching and learning of younger learners. Emphasis is placed on the development of content specific instructional strategies in the use of synchronous tools, particularly Macromedia Breeze (Adobe Connect) and methods to achieve the desired learning outcomes. Students will also incorporate the use of data analysis application tools to assist in developing strategies to inform instructional decisions and will examine structures for improving communication among diverse stakeholders.

It is recommended that participants have prior experience with web-based video/audio communication tools (i.e. Macromedia Breeze).

Course Goals:

This course is designed to allow students the opportunity to interact and collaborate in the development of effective instructional strategies to teach in a K-12 virtual school setting using the Internet as a conduit for instruction. Much of the work will be self-directed and situation specific. The outcome will be the development of a set of "best practices" and materials for use in individual teaching practice but with potential for broad applications to others teaching in K-12 virtual schools and programs.

Course Objectives (AECT Standards Addressed):

At the end of the course, each participant will be able to:

  1. develop an online community of learners,
  2. develop content specific instructional strategies for various asynchronous and synchronous online teaching tools (i.e. threaded discussions, Breeze products, etc.),
  3. develop effective ways to manage the virtual student caseload.
  4. incorporate constructivist teaching strategies for engaging learners in a virtual environment,
  5. develop data analysis techniques designed to assist in individualizing instruction,
  6. develop additional strategies to differentiate instruction (i.e. learning styles, adaptive/assistive technologies, pacing, supplemental activities and remediation.),
  7. develop and deliver lessons suitable for asynchronous and synchronous delivery that use appropriate and effective multimedia design elements.
  8. develop strategies for involving, communicating, and connecting with diverse students and parents.

Source: AECT Accreditation Standards for Programs in Educational Communications and Instructional Technology (ECIT) http://www.aect-members.org/standards/

Required Textbooks:
 
Finkelstein, J. E. (2006). Learning in Real Time: Synchronous Teaching and Learning Online. San Franscisco: Jossey-Bass.
ISBN: 978-0-7879-7921-8
 
 
 
 

Optional Textbooks:

 

Moore, M. & Kearsley, G. (2005). Distance education: A systems view. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.
ISBN: 0-534-50688-7

 

 

Pallof, R. M. & Pratt, K. (1999). Building learning communities in cyperspace. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
ISBN: 0-7879-4460-2

Texts may be ordered through one of the following:

Equipment:

This is an online course requiring a computer with speakers and an Internet connection.  Minimum hardware requirements for the EDTECH online courses may be located at: http://edtech.boisestate.edu/EquipmentNeeded.htm

Software for This Course: (Many of these are free.)

  • Internet Explorer 6 (or latest version):  It may be downloaded for free at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp
    IE6 will yield the best results in this course.
  • Word Processor: Microsoft Word is the best choice.  If you use another word processor please make sure it can be used to save documents in rich text format.
  • Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet Software: This is also part of the Office suite and will be used in the data analysis portion of this course.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint: PowerPoint is an important tool for online presentations and will be used extensively in this course.
  • Flash Player: This is a free player that may be obtained at: http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash
    You will need the Flash Player to view the video tutorials created for this course.
    Follow the directions to download and install the QuickTime player on your machine.
  • Adobe Reader: Many of the downloadable files used in the course require this free reader to open and view them.  It may be obtained at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Optional

Please note that the BSU bookstore offers great academic discounts on software purchased by students.  Please check there before purchasing Microsoft software (you can purchase online). You can save hundreds of dollars.  Check out the price comparison chart at: http://www.boisestatebooks.com/outerweb/compare.asp?mscssid=480GBE4XF1MM8KG98VVHS24MMP9S9714


Important Dates (This information is provided for your convenience only. Please check the BSU Fall 2007 Calender (http://registrar.boisestate.edu/Calendars/Fall%202007%20Academic%20Calendar.pdf) for official dates and deadlines and/or the Edtech Website at http://edtech.boisestate.edu. See also: Deadlines for Graduate Students

August 31 -Last day to file "Completion of Graduate Degree or Certificate" for graduate degrees awarded in December.
September 4 -Labor Day Holiday
September 10 -Last day to register; add classes; add thesis credit; add independent study or directed research.
-Last day to drop without a "W"
-Last day to apply for written comprehensive examination.
September 21 -Last day to file application with department for final master's written exam.
October 1 -Last day to submit "Application for Admission to Candidacy" for to Graduate Admissions for graduate degrees to be awarded in May.
October 5 -Last day to withdraw completely
-Last day to add an internship or practicum.
October 19 -Last day for final oral thesis or project defense for December graduation.
October 19 & 20 -Scheduled written comprehensive examination date (No alternate dates will be allowed). If you plan to take the CE, you may apply online using the Application for Written Comprehensive Exam found on the following page: http://edtech.boisestate.edu/forms.htm
November 9 -Last day to submit final signed copies (2) of thesis or project to Graduate Dean's office for December graduation. The department of Educational Technology requires submission at least two-weeks prior to this date for review and revisions.
November 19-25 -Thanksgiving Holiday
December 17-20 Finals week
 

Course Policies:

Time Management: An online course can take a considerable amount of time. Expect to spend at least 8-12 hours per week on your work in this course. The time required may be more depending on your knowledge and skills in using specific technologies. For this reason, I would strongly suggest beginning each assignment early.  Work on it regularly over the week rather than waiting until the last day or two.  This will allow you to have the chance to work out problems or get help if needed.

Participation: You are responsible for completing weekly assignments, participating in discussion groups, and checking in to the course site on a consistent basis. You should check your email and Blackboard at least a couple of times per week for assignment changes and other notices.

Assignments:
I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE ASSIGNMENTS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS POLICY AND SUBMIT YOUR WORK ON TIME.

Reliable computer/Internet access: You will need to have a reliable computer, with Internet access and a knowledge of how to navigate the Web. We will be using different methods of file transfer and many resources will be available online. Therefore, high-speed Internet access is desirable, although not necessary.

Backing up your files: You will be offered several ways to save your work online. However . . . and this is important, you should always save your work on another storage device on your own computer. I cannot stress this enough . . .

 


Closing Comments and Cautions

Keep in mind that I follow the university guidelines regarding an incomplete grade which reserve this for unforeseen circumstances or emergencies, not merely a failure to complete the work on time. I am confident that those who heed this warning will be able to complete the course with sufficient time to produce a high quality product while gaining personal and professional satisfaction.

If the cost of this course is being reimbursed by your district or school, please review the policies regarding the minimum grade required for a complete reimbursement. It is not the responsibility of the instructor to assure a grade that meets those requirements.

Also, all students of the University should abide by Boise State University's Student Code of Conduct on academic dishonesty. You can find the University's Policy at http://www2.boisestate.edu/studentconduct. This web address also outlines disciplinary measures for those who violate this code. This can be found under the Conduct Sanctions section. Please spend some time reviewing this site so that you are aware of your academic responsibilities.

All work that you submit must show your own ideas and current understanding. Assignments completed for our courses must be original documents developed by yourself (finding applicable lessons on the Internet or from some other resource and claiming them as your own is not acceptable). You are welcome to get ideas from other sources, however you must revise the activity significantly and cite your source. Also, an assignment you have designed for one course in our program cannot be used in its exact form for another course that you are currently taking. Contact me if you have any questions regarding this issue.


Boise State University’s conceptual framework, "The Professional Educator,” establishes our shared vision in preparing educators to work effectively in P-12 schools. It provides direction for programs, courses, teaching, candidate performance, scholarship, service, and accountability.

The Professional Educator
Boise State University strives to develop knowledgeable educators who integrate complex roles and dispositions in the service of diverse communities of learners. Believing that all children, adolescents, and adults can learn, educators dedicate themselves to supporting that learning. Using effective approaches that promote high levels of student achievement, educators create environments that prepare learners to be citizens who contribute to a complex world. Educators serve learners as reflective practitioners, scholars and artists, problem solvers, and partners.

The Department of Educational Technology contributes to this vision by emphasizing the following:

The Department of Educational Technology supports the study and practice of facilitating and improving learning of a diverse population by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources. Believing technology is a tool that enhances and expands the educational environment, we promote the use of current and emergent technologies for teaching and learning in a dynamic global society. Educational technologists are leaders and innovators, serving in institutions of higher education, public or private school settings, federal, state or local educational agencies, community organizations, and the private sector.

Grading

Grades are based on assignments, projects, and participation in online discussions.  Point values are specified when the assignments are posted.  You can check your grades in Blackboard to track your progress.  Grades are updated regularly throughout the semester.

Grade Scale—Based on percentage of total points attained:
A: 90% - 100%
B: 80% - 89%
C: 70% - 79%
D: 60% - 69%
F: Less than 60%

How to Get Help:

If you have questions or need help please contact your instructor by phone, email, or by posting a note on the class discussion board. I will do my best to respond within 24 hours on weekdays. Weekend messages will be answered on Mondays by the end of the day.

Modification of the Syllabus and Schedule

I reserve the right to modify the syllabus and schedule at any time. Notice of any change will be emailed and posted as an announcement.