Daniel C. Moos, PhD

Department of Education
Gustavus Adolphus College
(957) 933-7448
Email

Educational Technology: Overview

Professor: Dr. Daniel C. Moos
Email
Phone number: (507)933-7448
Class time: Once per week on either Tuesday or Thursday from 1:30 to 4:30
Class Location: Computer Lab in Mattson Hall
Office Hours: Monday 9:00 am - 12:00 and 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm; Tuesday & Thursday 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm;  Contact the professor to arrange alternative times. Note: My office hours may change through the semester as I am observing and mentoring student-teachers

Teaching Assistant: Christopher Stewart
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Office hours: Wednesday 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Friday 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Description of the course:

This course is designed for students pursuing licensure in elementary and secondary education. Understanding how to effectively use technology in the classroom to facilitate teaching and learning is essential for teachers within all disciplines. In this class, we will investigate use of computer-based technology as a pedagogical tool to improve the teaching and learning process. By exploring productivity tools, educational software, web-based information, and by developing web quests, newsletters, and other projects, prospective teachers will be able to better promote information literacy in K-12 students.

Additionally, each teacher will be exposed to various theoretical frameworks which attempt explain how students learn with computer-based technology. Furthermore, prospective teachers will also develop a professional electronic portfolio designed to showcase personal technology and educational skills, and provide a venue for reflection about what constitutes effective teaching.

Competencies:

Students will be able to...

  • Be able to define "information literacy" and its importance to teaching and learning.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of computer-based technologies through various theoretical frameworks.
  • Evaluate electronic information sources and analyze their impact on student decision making.
  • Practice using personal/professional productivity tools such as word processing, PowerPoint, Excel, and electronic gradebook programs, such as Easy Grade Pro.
  • Develop an online learning module for K-12 classroom use that incorporates quality content with technology.
  • Develop an electronic portfolio that includes examples of teaching with technology projects based on the rubric for the assignment.
  • Explore current software available for teachers, including software that is discipline-specific, and learn how to use the software to enhance teaching and learning.
  • Consider ethical and security issues related to use of computers and the Internet.
  • Satisfy all ISTE/NCATE standards for the preparation of pre-service teachers.
  • Satisfy MN Board of Teaching Standards related to this course

Text:

There is no required text for the course. Readings are online and must be completed prior to in-class discussion.

Assignments:

This course will have a number of assignments - some of which will be completed outside of class, and others that will be included as part of the classtime activities. The course incorporates both lecture/discussion assignments and hands-on technology-based projects to deliver course material. For a complete listing of assignments and grading rubrics, visit the Assignment section of this website.

Academic Honesty Policy:

As college students, and as future teachers who will serve as a model for young people, academic honesty is of paramount importance in this class and all classes at Gustavus. Please review the Academic Honesty Policy and the Honor Code within the General College Catalog.

In this class, assume that all assignments are individual unless otherwise indicated in the syllabus. Students will most assuredly work together on some assignments. Since teaching and learning is a collaborative effort, this is essential. Your professor will be very clear about when collaboration is appropriate.

Of equal importance is giving credit to others (materials, sources, individuals) when you incorporate their work within your assignments. Always use APA format when citing sources.

Be sure to abide by all copyright restrictions when using images, text, or other materials. Pay careful attention to any written statement at the end of a document, whether a journal article or electronic source, and abide by the policy stated.

For assistance in understanding copyright and fair use in academia, visit the Purdue Copyright Management Center for a copy of the Checklist for Fair Use.

Academic dishonesty in any form will result in failure in this course and a referral to the Dean of Students for further action.

Grading System:

A
93-100
C
73-76
A-
90-92
C-
70-72
B+
87-89
D+
67-70
B
83-86
D
63-66
B-
80 - 82
D-
60-62
C+
77-79
F
<60

Please note that late work will not be accepted unless you make prior arrangements with the professor and there is a valid reason for delaying an assignment. You may ask about your grade status in the course at any time.

Reference Materials

There are several quality journals, both online and in print, available on the topic of educational technology in the classroom. Here a just a few:

Learning Disabilities

Please contact Laurie Bickett, Disability Services Coordinator, in the Advising Center if you have a physical, psychiatric/emotional, medical, learning or attentional disability that may have an effect on your ability to complete assigned course work. She will review your concerns and decide with you what accommodations are necessary. I will be happy to work with you, upon receipt of documentation from her. Please contact the professor by the second week of class so that arrangements can be made for necessary accommodations.

Summary Comments

Please note that there may be changes in this course as the semester progresses. As such, you are responsible for material covered in the readings and during class discussions. You are expected to be in class every day and to fully participate in course activities. Each of us has certain knowledge and computer skills. We all have much to learn and share!