| 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:
- develop an online community of learners,
-
develop content specific instructional strategies for various
asynchronous and synchronous online teaching tools (i.e. threaded
discussions, Breeze products, etc.),
- develop effective ways to manage the virtual student caseload.
- incorporate constructivist teaching strategies for engaging
learners in a virtual environment,
- develop data analysis techniques designed to assist in
individualizing instruction,
- develop additional strategies to differentiate instruction (i.e.
learning styles, adaptive/assistive technologies, pacing, supplemental
activities and remediation.),
- develop and deliver lessons suitable for asynchronous and
synchronous delivery that use appropriate and effective multimedia
design elements.
- 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.
|
|