Computer Technology for Educators

ELRC 4507

Fall 2010

Course Description

This course is designed to provide practical, effective ways to integrate technology resources and technology-based methods into everyday practices, both inside and outside the classroom. Topics will be considered in the context of current theories of learning, effective school practices and reflective teaching. Instructional formats for this course will include lectures, discussions, demonstrations, hands-on activities in a lab setting, e-mail, online course information and discussions, and collaborative projects.

General Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Identify and describe the major components of a microcomputer system.
  1. Operate a personal computer and related peripherals, as well as troubleshoot basic equipment problems.
  1. Describe the criteria and considerations for selecting and managing hardware for specific educational settings.
  1. Describe the underlying principles of learning for various types of educationally appropriate software.
  1. Describe applications of technology that are congruent with various theoretical perspectives of learning and instruction.
  1. Describe the criteria for selecting software for use in specific learning environments.
  1. Discuss the rationale for teaching students to use technology to create their own learning resources or build knowledge and demonstrate simple examples of relevant activities.
  1. Demonstrate the application of instructional technology tools and resources such as the Internet, telecommunications, presentation software, and web-based applications.
  1. Discuss issues and ethical considerations related to using computers in education.

10. Create a technology-rich interdisciplinary unit plan.

11. Develop appropriate performance-based assessments.

12. Develop an electronic portfolio representative of the semester’s work.

Required text:Maloy, Robert. Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2011. Pearson.

Required materials and technology: Each student will need a PAWS account, and minimal supplies as requested by the instructor. You will need access to a computer with an Internet connection. Assignments consist of computer-based construction and are sent to the Instructor via the Digital Drop Box within the class Blackboard site via the Internet.

Course requirements, attendance, and evaluation:

Attendance: You are responsible for all material presented or assigned in class. Exams and assignments often require an understanding of material presented only in class, so performance on these indirectly reflects attendance. Roll is taken at each class.

Requirements and evaluation: All examinations and assignments must be completed in order to fulfill the requirements for this course. Late assignments will immediately have points deducted. Special arrangements for “excused lateness” must be made and approved in advance in advance by the instructor. In that the course assignments will be posted on the class Blackboard site in advance, absence does not excuse completion of assignments or the necessity of contacting the instructor concerning the assignment.

Cheating and/or Plagiarism: This will not be tolerated in any form. Always reference anything you “borrow.”

Assignment / Points / Due
Activities (10 @ 20 ea.) / 200 / Depending upon particular assignment:
  1. Due at the end of the class period
  2. Due no later than midnight on Monday following the class period in which it was assigned.

Discussion Reflections / 20 / Thoughtful response to instructor due no later than date specified .
Unit Plan / 100 / TBA
Electronic Portfolio / 100 / TBA
Exams (2 @ 100 ea.) / 200 / Midterm and Final
Total / 620

Accommodations for Disabilities: Students requiring accommodations for learning or physical disabilities should contact the LSU Officer of Disability Services, 122 Johnson Hall, 225-578-5919 (voice), 225-578-2600 (TDD), 225-578-4560 (FAX), .

Assignment Guidelines:

  • All activity files designated to be sent to the instructor must be named in the following format: Your first initial, your last name, and the shortened name of the assignment as determined by the instructor.

An example would be: mjohnsonrefl

This makes for an organized system and ensures that your dropped file is sent to the instructor correctly for grading. Graded assignments are returned with comments via email and attachments.

  • It is essential that you maintain a copy of all assignments on the Peabody class server, within TigerBytes, CD-RW, or on jump drives. This ensures multiple back-up situations provided electronic glitches occur.
  • Rubrics will be provided for graded activities. This should enable you to understand what level of completion and thoroughness the Instructor will be looking for.
  • Do your best work. Simply completing the required assignments will not get you the desired “A” grade. I will be looking for thoroughness, creativity, originality, and evidence of good planning.

Course Activities:

Activities will include some or all of the following:

Lecture/Discussion: Instructor will lead in-class and online threaded discussions using Blackboard regarding assigned readings from text and topics presented in class.

Hands-on activities/assignments: Demonstration and use of a variety of productivity software and technology tools.

Collaborative projects: Several projects may require you to work collaboratively.

Contact Information:

Dr. Debbie

113B Peabody Hall

578-2353

hm. 924-4742