GAS / FRAMINGHAM AUGUST SESSION

Welcome to “Computers in Education 14.920”! I very much look forward to working with you over the next two weeks as we explore together ways in which education can be enhanced and enriched by using technology as a tool.

COURSE METHODOLOGY:

This course will be student-centered and carried out in an open-ended environment. I will serve as your facilitator / provocateur.
It is expected that, while some may bring to the course considerable prior knowledge and experience in both the use of computers and the use of computers in education, others will have little knowledge or experience. Lack of knowledge and experience in the use of technology will not be important to your success as the course will be both multi-level and collaborative.
What you bring to the course in terms of your prior knowledge and experience in education will be far more important as we will be using a problem solving approach in which you will be challenged to find ways of using technology in support of what you already know about what works in the constructive learning process.
When we meet together on Monday for our first session we will explore together and agree upon a context for our exploration of the use of technology in education.

COURSE CONTENT:

In our two weeks working together we will be exploring (N.B. THIS LIST IS NEITHER EXHAUSTIVE OR FINAL, AND YOU ARE INVITED—IN FACT URGED—TO SUGGEST AMENDMENTS WHICH WOULD MORE SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS YOUR QUESTIONS OR TEACHING SITUATION.):

∑ Models for computer integration
∑ Appropriate technology and appropriate use of technology
∑ Issues of classroom management
∑ Issues of security
∑ Use of computers in support of teaching for understanding
∑ Problem solving based instruction
∑ Showcasing student achievement
∑ Facilitating risk taking
∑ Internet resources for students
∑ Internet resources for teachers
∑ Internet resources for parents
∑ Searching the web
∑ How computers work
∑ Html and web documents
∑ Using the internet is support of collaborative learning
∑ Online courses and distance education
∑ PLANNING

GRADES:

10% of the grade will be determined by a daily reflective journal.
20% of the course grade will be determined by class participation.
30% of the course grade will be determined by formal work (reflective paper, technology enriched lesson plan, and a technology plan) which you will produce.
40% of the course grade will be determined by your planning and participation in a group presentation of a lesson enriched by the use of technology. This lesson will be presented to the entire class on the last day of the course.

TEXT:

The text for the course is Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom by Morrison & Lowther.
Although this course will not be text based, this text has been selected because it is current and approaches the question of integrating computer technology into the classroom from the standpoint of sound education goals and practices. The text will also be useful to you after the course as a reference.

PRECOURSE ASSIGNMENTS:

Read chapters 1, 2, and 13 of the text. (You may want to first carry out a quick read of the entire text in order to get a broader perspective.)
As you read, begin a list of questions (either general or specific to your own situation) which arise as you reflect on how computers might be used to positively impact learning.
Write a short reflective paper on your vision for the use of technology in the classroom.

--Thurston