CSE610 - Syllabus

Course: CSE610 - Computers in Education
     CRN31091 - Thursday- 5:00-7:50PM

------- This schedule is a template for the real thing which will come later-----

     (expect some modifications to this course before it's over; that's the way technology works)

Instructor, office hours: Denvy Saxowsky - Spring 2014
     see at the bottom of the page for more details

Course Description:
   This course will analyze the use of computers as a tool in education. Students will examine strategies and techniques for using computers in the delivery and management of instruction. Activities will include hands-on development of skills in the use of available hardware and software.

Course Goals:

   Students will:

  • Survey the historical, philosophical, and theoretical background of technology and uses of computers by
    • reading the textbooks, periodicals, and other handout materials,
    • participating in classroom or online discussions.
  • Survey the instructional uses of computers in the classroom by
    • reading the textbooks, periodicals, and other handout materials,
    • participating in online discussions.
  • Learn to use the computer as a teaching tool by
    • becoming familiar with both hardware and software,
    • using application software to develop word processed documents, a graphics design, and a spreadsheet,
    • demonstrating the educational uses of software in classrooms,
    • participating in discussions around the use of the computer in classrooms,
    • acquiring skills in the use of computer networks and telecommunications,
    • using a authoring program to create a short content lesson,
    • presenting the lesson online.
Activity Summary:
   During this course, the student will:
  • Read, discuss and summarize several readings
    • Read three times professional journal articles about computers in education (student's choice)
      • Review and summarize two articles in modified APA format using Microsoft Word
      • Present a summary of another article with a powerpoint presentation
      • Submit a review of a third article informally in hardcopy and class discussion
    • Read and discuss several articles from the Internet:
      • Young Children and Computers
      • Young Children and COmputers (Australia)
      • Fool's Gold
      • Children and Vision
      • Media Literacy: Eight Guidelines for Teachers
  • Explore and advance basic skills in several computer applications
    • Explore seldom used advanced features in Microsoft Word
      • Write article review in modified APA format
      • Discover and discuss seldom used features, i.e. table of contents, indices, different formats
    • Explore Excel for common and advanced uses
      • Explore the Internet for educational applications using Excel
      • Create an Excel document using formulas and advanced features
      • Create a classroom activity using Excel
    • Explore the greater potential of using Powerpoint
      • Discuss design of visual layouts
      • Create a Powerpoint presentation for one journal article
      • Create a Powerpoint featuring advanced processes i.e. sound, links, video
    • Create educational tools using hyperlinking and navigation
      • Explore Photoshop and its basic features including suing flickr.com
      • Explore creating a website using Web2.0 tools
      • Create a basic educational website using the authoring program Dreamweaver including images, CSS and features chosen by the students
  • Explore recent web and media applications
    • Explore Web2.0 tools
    • Explore podcasting resources through iTunes
    • Explore and discussion social networking including establishing a blog
    • Explore iPod and iPad technologies and their uses in education
    • Explore the processes of developing apps for iPod/iPads using Xcode
    • Explore media productions through iMovie, podcasting (Garage Band) and screencasting (Jing)
    • Use a Central Performance System (CPS) for class participation
    • Use a SmartBoard presentations and classroom activities
Readings:
   Readings will a collection of sources including professional journals, Internet resources, and blogs.

Assignments:
   Assignments will parallel the objectives and activities and will be submitted through a variety of media including hardcopy, classroom discussions, online discussions, electronic media and the Internet or public servers. Specific assignments may change to meet the needs of the audience.
  1. Read and review four professional journal articles
  2. Write a review of two articles in APA format
  3. Present one article review using Powerpoint in class
  4. Present one article review through classroom discussion and an informal writeup
  5. Create a blog with weekly entries
  6. List uses of Excel in education
  7. Create an Excel worksheet using formulas and advanced features
  8. Create an Excel worksheet for teaching in one's discipline
  9. Create a Powerpoint using advanced media and navigation and good design
  10. Create a short educational movie from camcording to editing
  11. Create a short podcast teaching a lesson
  12. Create a website using online tools
  13. Use online websites to exchange information and assignments
  14. Participate in the use of Smartboard and CPS in class
  15. Submit responses to final opportunities to demonstrate one's understanding
Grading Criteria:
Grading and deadlines are used for monitoring students progress. Western Oregon University requires a grade for each course reflecting the student's performance. It is also my opinion that first and foremost is the education of the student and so If a student completes all activities and assignments with a conscientious effort, and with my support and supervision, all students will achieve the highest level of recognition. Therefore the student should focus on learning and not on the score or grade.

The following will serve as a guidline for an ongoing assessment of the student's efforts. These values are only approximations and will change.
  • Classroom participation and discussion - 10%
  • Journal reviews (5% each) - 15%
  • MS Word document: booklet, brochure (5% each) - 10%
  • Powerpoints (5% each) - 10%
  • Excel assignments (5% each) - 10%
  • Blogging - 5%
  • Mobile learning products - 10%
  • Movie production - 5%
  • Smart board technologies - 5%
  • Website design and usage - 10%
  • Final opportunity- 10%