EDIT 302 Sec. B M | W - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Room 2604
EDIT 302 Sec. C T | Th | F - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Room 2604 Course Outline Fall 2010
Instructor: Brad McDiarmid Office: 2606E Office Phone: 403-342-3356
Education Program Asst.: 403-342-3206 (Drena) Office Hours: By Appointment Email: brad.mcdiarmid@rdc.ab.ca
Background: This course will take you beyond learning specific software and expose you to ways you can integrate technology into your K-12 curriculum. Modules include Internet strategies, digital media, desktop publishing, multimedia, and webpage design. The objectives of the course are directly related to the Alberta Learning ICT Curriculum. Basic to intermediate word processing, internet and e-mail skills are required for all students. Credit will not be granted for EDPY 302 and EDIT 302.
In September of 2000, Alberta Education implemented the Information and Communications Technology Program of Studies, a new curriculum designe d to integrate technology into all areas of the curriculum. In September of 2001, this curriculum became mandatory. Teachers, regardless of their grade level or subject, are expected to integrate technology use as a regular component (just like math or science or any other program of studies) in their teaching and, more importantly, in their students’ learning. This means the classroom teacher must learn how to use computers in their everyday lesson planning to facilitate enhanced learning for their students. The Ministerial Order called Teaching Quality Standard states that, "As situations warrant, teachers who hold an Interim Professional Certificate are expected to demonstrate consistently that they understand the functions of traditional and electronic teaching/learning technologies. They know how to use and how to engage students in using these technologies to present and deliver content, communicate effectively with others, find and secure information, research, word process, manage information, and keep records" (TQS Document Ministerial Order #016/97) The ICT program goes beyond having a computer sitting on the teacher’s desk. It is nothing less than a new way of thinking about the use of technology in the classroom and in learning. As Alberta’s future teachers, it is essential that you not only possess the computer skills to handle this new reality, but that you can effectively use technology to enhance student learning and understanding.
Introduction: " Know where to
find the information and how to use it - that's the secret of success
"
~ Albert Einstein ~ This course teaches undergraduate Education students who possess intermediate computer skills to strategically integrate technology into the K-12 curriculum as related to the ICT curriculum. The course is designed to go beyond software literacy to full curriculum integration as illustrated in the ICT Program of Studies. The projects and assignments will be pedagogically and professionally applicable and through sharing with classmates, you will gain a whole repertoire of useful, workable classroom ideas by the end of the course. EDIT 302 will be taught on Windows XP machines using Office 2007 although many schools use Mac computers. Fortunately, the gap between the two platforms is barely evident with today’s available technology. All of our work will be platform-independent. The emphasis will always be on the learning possibilities of the TOOLS, not the tools themselves. To quote from the ICT Program of Studies, “Technology is about the ways things are done; the processes, tools and techniques that alter human activity” (Alberta Education, 2000).
Prerequisites: This course is designed for students with an intermediate working knowledge of PC or Macintosh computers and their respective operating systems. Intermediate word processing, Internet and email skills are essential.
Basic Assumptions: Students are assumed to have developed the following skills: Basic knowledge of computer operation (Boot-up, file transfer and saving, floppy disks, USB flash drives other media recognition of the major hardware and software components of a computer system). Basic operational knowledge of any operating system (Windows Vista, XP and/or Mac OS X). Intermediate knowledge of Windows and word processing. RDC uses Office 2007. Basic exposure to the Internet and some of its services like email and searching.
Resources Required: Textbook: Available at the RDC Bookstore as a digital book. Descy, D. & Forcier, R. (2006). The computer as an educational tool: productivity and problem solving (5th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
Online Resources: http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_forcier_computer_5/68/17647/4517682.cw/index.html ICT Document http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/program/ict/programs.aspx Students are required to have a copy of the ICT Curriculum document. The 49 page document is available at the address above.
TQS Document http://education.alberta.ca/department/policy/standards/teachqual.aspx Students are required to have a copy of the Teaching Quality Standards document. This document really helps put everything together regarding the "why" are we learning this. The seven page document is available at the address above.
USB (Doober) HD It is advisable for students to purchase a USB Hard Drive. They are available in different sizes and at different costs. An 8GB HD will cost you between $10.00 - $30.00 and should last through your time here at RDC. Please ensure that the USB HD you purchase is one that requires no drivers.
NB. You will need the program Acrobat Reader (available online as a free download) in order to read the online documents related to this course and to copy appropriate portions of it for use in your assignments. I recommend downloading and saving both the ICT and TQS documents to your hard drive as well.
General Course/Learner Objectives: Students will by the end of the term be able... to integrate a variety of technologies into curriculum designed activities. to use a variety of technologies, learning styles, instructional and assessment methods. to use a variety of Web 2.0 tools to attenuate teaching and learning. become familiar with the use of an interactive whiteboard. to use technology to problem solve classroom situations. to seek, utilize and discuss information regarding the use of educational technology in the classroom. to use communication technologies to interact with others and develop collegiality. to begin to acquire a repertoire of technology related resource materials. to understand the requirements for "interim certificated" teachers as set out by the Teaching Quality Standards. to say that their personal level of competence in computers, technology and its relation to teaching and learning has increased.
Course Format (Delivery): This course is designed to be a module-based course based on current theoretical and real world applications in Educational Technology. A lecture will be part of each module and its individual parts. Lecture times and Lab times are one in the same. I use both time slots to deliver the course. Students are expected to attend both Lectures and Labs. Lectures will not be posted to Blackboard in a paper-based format. During lecture and lab times, an introduction to the module and/or assignments will be discussed and demonstrated, textbook readings will be discussed, project ideas shared, issues in technology integration discussed, deadlines reviewed and any other issues dealt with. This method of delivery will ensure that all students participate in the course work and discussion regarding technology issues in the classroom. All assignments and pertinent assignment information will be provided online and can be accessed over the internet from the class BLOG.
Course Content: The content, readings, activities, presentations and assignments of EDIT 302 will mirror the curricular goals of the ICT Program of Studies. Again, please ensure you have a personal copy. A copy is located on Alberta Education's website and on the main Blackboard page for the course. As many of you are in different program strands – elementary, secondary or general studies – a variety of projects/assignments will be available to make your learning more specific and relevant. It is advised that you share your ideas with other students through class discussion both formally and informally.
All of the reading materials for the presentations will be available on the Internet, even the textbook readings! You may choose to complete some of your work from other stations around campus or off-campus. It is imperative that you submit all of your assignments in an easy and accessible manner. The instructor will be marking and grading your work on a Windows XP computer using Office 2007, so if you use a Mac or an older PC, you will need to ensure you’ve saved your documents in a compatible format.
For more information on each project and their grading rubric, please visit the module chart. Classroom Learning Resources may be available to students in alternate formats.
Instructor Assistance and Availability: The instructor will be available for assistance during the scheduled class time following the introductory lecture and discussion periods during each module. The instructor will be available by appointment only. At this time, the instructor will be able to assist students with one-on-one tutoring if needed. You are welcome to set-up an appointment anytime by emailing me at brad.mcdiarmid@rdc.ab.ca. Further help may be available through our assigned Lab TA's in the labs. You are also encouraged to seek help from your classmates who may have already solved the same problem you are encountering. Part of your Professionalism mark is based on your willingness to help each other out. Note: The instructor is not required to attend the LAB portion of the class. That is what the Lab TA is there for. However, I will attend most Labs to deliver course materials, help out or to deliver lectures as needed. So please ensure that you are available for all Labs.
Assignment Completion: Assignments will be completed on a daily and weekly basis, but handed in near the end of the term in a "Portfolio". The website assignment will be due two weeks after the instructor has demonstrated the basic elements. The assignments will be submitted in one portfolio submission. Be prepared to submit all course assignments to the point of the portfolio submission date. Items to be marked for the portfolio submission will be determined by the instructor on the Portfolio due date.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the instructor will be able to open your assignments using compatible software. All deadlines are to be adhered to. Because of the advanced notice of when the Portfolio is due, late Portfolios will not be accepted. You should ensure that you never delete an assignment file until well after the mark has been returned to you, and that you keep a copy of all messages to the instructor in your "sent folder." This simple action will save you time and hassle in the event of lost or misplaced files. The subject line of your emails and
any files attached must have: the name of the assignment and your name. For example: "Portfolio - Brad McDiarmid" – This ensures that I sort your assignment to the correct folder for marking.
Grading Criteria: In EDIT 302 students will be evaluated as follows: Assignments (your Portfolio submission) – 20% The website assignment will be due two weeks after the instructor has demonstrated the basic elements. The Portfolio will be due Nov. 23 @ the beginning of this class. Presentation – 12.5% Quizzes - 15% Mid-Term - 15% Final Exam - 30% Participation and Prof. - 7.5%
The above points will be transferred to a letter grade consistent with the 2010/2011 Academic Calendar. Since this course is project-based and has mastery learning components, be aware that the grade standard is slightly different for this course. Grades are assigned as follows:
Assignment grades are assigned according to the specific assignment instructions from the Module Table and the assignment's checklist.
Superceding any of the rubrics, the following applies for every assignment in this class. One mark will be deducted for every instance of spelling, grammar or punctuation that is incorrect to a maximum of 25% of the assignment value. Work submitted with more errors than this maximum will be handed back to the student for editing and resubmission.
Student Evaluation/Feedback: All marks and grades will be posted to Blackboard once the student's work has been marked. It is in the best interest of the student to save copies of their assignments until after the feedback has been received and processed. If there is any clarification needed on mark allocation or written feedback, it is the responsibility of the student to arrange an appointment with the instructor.
Core and Enrichment Activities: Each of the modules requires students to complete all related assignments and activities and then submit the work in a Portfolio on the required date. For the Portfolio, students must submit, based on instructor choices assignments from
each module. The activities, which are project-based, are designed for students so they can demonstrate that they can apply the software, technology and curriculum concepts of the module to educational situations. Refer to the Blackboard instructions for the details for each module. Students must successfully complete all the enrichment activities (where applicable) from each different module. Late Portfolios will not be accepted. If a student is unable to complete a Portfolio by the due date, I recommend handing in whatever portion of the Portfolio that is complete to receive at least partial marks. All assignments (unless otherwise specified) must include a footer within the assignment that includes: the student's names, and the student's id number. There is a three mark deduction for omitting this for each assignment submitted. As students enter this course with a wide range of skills, it is imperative that all students complete the required assignments. Students who are more comfortable with their computer skills and/or those who have more experience in computer use are expected to assist other students – that is another principle of using technology in education! It is also expected that you will challenge yourself and learn new skills, rather than just sliding by with minimum effort. Even though not all assignments are collected for grading, all skills related to each assignment builds skills that will be required to complete the hands-on portion of the mid-term and final exam. All assignments (that are K - 12 student related) must quote the ICT Program of Studies and/or the regular Program of Studies to justify the correct outcomes that would be satisfied by your project and any project you would have your own students create. The instructor will let the class know which assignments require ICTs or not, and how many per assignment.
Presentations: A component of this course involves the discussion of technology and related instructional methods in the field of education. It can be highly controversial and as a future teacher you need to be aware of the issues you could face from industry, parents, staff, students, and the community. In most cases, you will need to be certain of your own beliefs, understandings and expectations in regard to technology and learning. Every two weeks or so, we will be discussing an issue of relevance through in-class student presentations. These presentations are to be done using a SmartBoard. Some examples of potential topics might be: Lesson Planning / Questioning Techniques Self-Directed Learning Curriculum Integration Project-based & Mastery Learning Challenge-based Learning Multiple Intelligences Rubrics / Assessment Methods Other Choices... New and Emerging Technologies Blogs and Wikis A choice of yours (approved by instructor) All resources from your presentation will be posted on the class blog. It is the group’s responsibility to log on to the Discussions in Blackboard, look at the marking rubric, formulate a well thought out presentation (that follows the guidelines of the presentation handouts) and that argues both sides of the issue, and then of course present it on the groups' presentation date. All groups must post a Study Guide for their presentation in the format outlined in the Study Guide hand-out on the class blog. Details on the presentation and all its elements will be discussed in class. It is the responsibility of all students to do the readings for all of the presentations as the readings and the information contained in them are a big part of the final exam. We will discuss the presentation in more detail in class.
LOOP & Blackboard : To Log-in to BlackBoard, you must log into the LOOP: Enter your User Name and Password and click Login. If this is the first time using The Loop - your Password is set to your date of birth in a 6 digit YYMMDD format e.g. May
31, 1984 would be 840531. If you receive a message indicating that your User Name and Password are not a match, you would need to contact IT Services at 403.342.3580 to get your exact User Name. This happens in cases where there is more than one common name in the system (e.g. jsmith).
Student Dispute, Appeal and Misconduct: Please be familiar with what constitutes academic misconduct, as well as the consequences. Plagiarism involves submitting work in a course as if it were the student’s own work. Plagiarism may involve the act of submitting work in which some or all of the phrasing, ideas, or line of reasoning are alleged to be the submitter’s own but in fact were created by someone else. The complete RDC policy is available at: http://www.rdc.ab.ca/about/standard_practices/documents/student_dispute_appeal_and_misconduct_processes_policy.pdf
Email: In this course, students will communicate using their RDC email accounts (your.name@rdc.ab.ca). Only emails from RDC student email accounts will be read and accepted by the instructor. Yes, this is my attempt to get you to use your FREE RDC email account. If you don't regularly read your RDC email, you can forward it to your regular email account.
Final Exam: The final exam is a two part exam (3 hrs. long) consisting of a multiple-choice exam based on the readings from the presentations by students, in-class discussions and from the technical areas relating to the software we've learned. All links to these reading are located on the class blog. The second part of the exam is a hands-on exam where the student creates at least two real-world teaching related documents using the skills learned in class during the term. This is why it is important to complete all core and enrichment activities. The final exam is scheduled by the Registrar and the exact dates and times will be posted on Registrar's Bulletin Board (North wall of the Forum).
Missed Classes/Assignments/Projects Etc.: It is the responsibility of the student to attend all lectures, labs and to hand-in assignments on the due dates scheduled. If for some reason, the student misses a class (lecture/lab), it is his/her responsibility to find out what was missed by checking Blackboard, the Class blog, Brad's website, talking to fellow students, talking to the Lab Assistant(s) or lastly, talking to the instructor..., and in that order!!
Attendance: “Attendance may take many forms. Lack of attendance may impact the students’ ability to successfully complete the course.”
IMPORTANT DATES! September First day of classes for Winter Term Wednesday 08 Thursday 16
Last day to register or add/drop Winter Term courses. Last day to withdraw from Full Year courses and receive a WD. Last day to have tuition refunded for Winter Term courses.
October Monday 11
Thanksgiving - College Closed
November Thursday 11
Remembrance Day - College Closed
Tuesday 16
Last day to withdraw from Fall Term courses and receive a WD.
Dec Tuesday 07
Last Day of Fall Term Classes
Saturday 11
First day of final examinations for Fall term classes.
Friday 17
Last day of final examinations for Fall term classes.
Student Services: Students should be aware that Personal Counseling, Career, Learning and Disability Services are provided by RDC. Inquire about locations at Information Desk. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss their specific learning needs with the appropriate service provider. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with the information contained in the Course Outline and to clarify any areas of concern with the instructor. Any changes in this course outline will be made in consultation with students in attendance the day of the proposed changes. A majority vote on the day of the vote (51%) is sufficient for a change.