EDU4113 – Course Syllabus

Instructor

Colin Quinton [colin.quinton@gmail.com]

Meeting Dates and Times

Thursday Evening: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
PC Lab – St. Mary’s Hall

Course Description

California has adopted Technology Standards that define computer-based technology use in classrooms. This course ensures that all teacher candidates understand and are able to use appropriate computer based technology to facilitate the teaching and learning process. In addition to the California Level I Standards, the course covers issues surrounding technology use by society in general and education in particular. Also, several Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs) from the California Standards of Quality and Effectiveness for Professional Teacher Preparation Programs are addressed in this course.

Grading Guidelines

The course will assign grades according to the following guidelines (the percentages are approximate and the actual point distribution will depend upon the assigned work):

• Attendance (25%)
• Technology Checklist (25%)
• Reflections (25%)
• Final Project (25%)

Course Grading Scale

Course Approach

It is a unique challenge to offer a course that helps classroom teachers grow in their abilities as technology facilitators and innovators. First, it is important to acknowledge the wide range of technology skills that are present in the students and the inherent range of needs as a result. It is also necessary to recognize the unique characteristics of teaching at the primary, middle, and secondary levels. Finally, we must consider different types of skills in our journey: those that facilitate interactions between teachers, those that assist teachers working with students, and those that help each teacher grow as an explorer-innovator. The course is an attempt to provide a framework for students to grow in their abilities in each of these manners.

Course Assignments

There are three types of assignments in this course. More detail will be provided for each type of assignment

• Technology Checklist – This is a list of assignments to be completed by each student outside of class. Each is an example of a skill that is potentially useful in the current life of a teacher. These assignments are to be completed individually and evaluated in person by the teacher during class. For those students that have already mastered a specific skill, it is acceptable to bring in the file to show the instructor. For those that need assistance, time will be provided during class for group or individual instruction. All completed assignments will be posted on the student blog, except where noted on the checklist item.

• Reflection Writing – These writing assignments will be posted as part of an ongoing effort to foster self-reflection in the students. These will be submitted for peer review and you are expected to read and comment on the writing of others. All completed reflections will be posted on the student blog, with each post being the equivalent of at least a typed page of content. The assigned reflections are those indicated in the weekly agenda postings.

• Final Project – Each student will complete a final project to be submitted and presented to the rest of the students. The project should detail how you will use technology tools to work with your students. All of the requirements for the final project are posted on this course blog.

Attendance

This is a one-unit course that only meets a total of five times. As a result, attendance, punctuality, and active participation at all class meetings is important.  Any absence will negatively affect your final grade in the course. Please notify the instructor in advance of an expected absence. Should you be absent, it is your responsibility to catch up on content missed (please consult the course blog).

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is a cornerstone of our values at NDNU. If any words or ideas used in an assignment do not represent your original words or ideas, you must cite all relevant sources and make clear the extent to which such sources were used. Consult the NDNU Student Handbook regarding consequences of misrepresenting your work.

Students with Documented Disabilities

If you have a learning disability or other condition or circumstance that may affect your work in this class, please bring it to the instructor’s attention as soon as possible so that appropriate adjustments can be made. Note that individual instructors do not give accommodations to students – students who require an accommodation must make an appointment with the Academic Success Center. Please contact Dr. Peggy Koshland Crane at (650)508-3670 or mcrane@ndnu.edu for further information.