EDCI 489/490 Telecommunications for Teachers



Quality of work that I expect from you---- 
 Always be extraordinary, not ordinary!!
Do not turn in work that is just providing what is asked for;
go beyond in creativity, reflection, ideas!
Ordinary work earns an ordinary grade of a C. 
I expect that you will earn an A by going beyond expectations.

Link to a form to print to keep track of your points in this class.

Weeks
 Resources
 Assignments
NOW!
 I have ordered a copy of the text from Amazon $6 plus shipping) and will share with you if you cannot get a copy. I have placed other materials for your use in the bottom drawer of the desk in the computer lab (Reid 425).  Please use the books in the lab and return it to the drawer.  If you use it overnight, please return it the next morning.

ORDER THIS NOW!!  
1. Virtual Architecture: Designing and Directing Curriculum-Based Telecomputing. Judi Harris, 1998. ISBN 1-56484-130-8 About $6 plus shipping at amazon.com

Create an EDCI 489 webpage.  Link from your electronic portfolio >  st6.html  (the same page from which your linked your EDCI 320 page).
A table of contents: Effects of Technology on Teaching and Learning
See Joan for help if needed.

Choice for you!  Choose one of the following on which to work on through the semester.
Online Course Design and Online Learning or Action Research for the Teacher.

1.  Online Course Design and WebCT
Later in the semester you will learn about online course design.  However, during the semester the Burns Telecommunications Center offers workshops on using the tools to design in webCT.  The website below provides dates and topics.  You will need to register.  I have a practice course set up already.  Keep in touch with me as you decide to attend a workshop, so I can coordinate with BTC.  You must attend one of the WebCT Intro workshops.  Please talk to me if you cannot possibly get to one of them.  Attend one that is soon so you can attend component workshops later. You are a TA (Teaching Assistant) for me.  That is how you can be invited to learn to use WebCT.  Share the tools with me--I don't know them all!  Post a brief reflection on your learning after attending a workshop.  WebCT Discussion labeled "WebCT Workshops."

PLAN AHEAD>>> PLAN NOW!
http://eu.montana.edu/btc/tlt/training/

WebCT intro- attend one as a prerequisite to all other workshops!
Tuesday Oct. 9  2:10-4:10
Thursday, Nov. 1  9:00-11:00
You must sign up before attending. 
See the dates for other workshops and attend what you can.  We should try to meet several times to share what you learned.  Set up a practice course to practice and learn in. Remember, you are at TA for me. 

2.  Action Research for the Teacher
Later in the semester (Week 14) you will write a paper on what you have learned about action research. 
You can use any resources you find as you research the topic.  I have placed three Action Research textbooks in the bottom drawer in the computer lab for your use.  Return them immediately so others can use them.

Reflections
each week!
 See the rubric and explanation for evaluation of your reflection. Write concisely and to the point with your thoughts. Spend time understanding the topic and what it means to you. Do not just summarize your reading.  Reflection is 1 page only; not 1/2 page and not more than 1 page.  REFLECTIONS ARE DUE ON THE SAME DUE DATE AS THE PROJECT.  COMMENTS TO OTHERS ARE DUE BEFORE WEDNESDAY OF THE FOLLOWING WEEK.

Week 1

August 27

Week 2
Sept. 3

Week 3
Sept. 10



 Research Evaluating the Impact of Technology on Teaching and Learning

  Research Paper- Effects of Technology on Teaching and Learning
 In Action Research this would be your Literature Review.

Weeks 1, 2, 3      Research Paper  Due Sept 14 or before.

#1a.   Research Question:  What is the impact of technology use on teaching and student learning?
Look at: 
1. The effect on teaching. 
2. The effect on learning.

Research report:
1. Clarify your findings on the effect of technology on teaching. 
2. Clarify your findings on the effect of technology use on student learning.
3. Document your philosophy on use of technology in your teaching and student learning activities.
4. Place your paper in your EDCI 489 web page. 
5. Send me the url to your electronic portfolio.

Assignment #1a: 15 points:  Due September 14th. This allows an extra week so late-comers to the course will have time. Notice that the assignment for Week 3 is due soon after in order to keep things on schedule.
Research the topic then write a 3-4 page paper to document the effectiveness of technology on teaching and student learning. What are teachers doing with technology? How are teachers learning what they need?   How do students use technology? How are they learning these things? What effect does it have on learning?   Answer your questions too.     Research using a minimum of five good resources (research articles, other educational technology articles) and properly site your resources in APA style.
Also include your philosophy on technology use in the schools.


The following sites are good places to start.
a.  International Society for Technology in Education http://www.iste.org/
“ISTE is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the use of information technology to aid in learning, teaching of K-12 students and teachers.”

b. http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/ “The Regional Educational Laboratory Program (REL) consists of a network of ten laboratories that serve the educational needs of a designated region by providing access to high quality scientifically valid education research through applied research and development projects, studies, and other related technical assistance activities.”  Go to this site, type in Educational Technology in the search box, and you will see a number of resources.

The Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory http://www.nwrel.org/index.php

c.  Northwest Educational Technology Consortium   http://www.netc.org/ “Supporting school reform and increased student achievement through technical assistance and research for educators in technology applications, integration and evaluation.”

Assignment #2b 3 pts-  due Sept 12.   Reflection in WebCT discussion labeled "Technology and Learning."  What do you think about the research you are finding on technology's affects on learning and teaching so far?  Does it enhance student learning?  How?  Please read and respond to others in class after posting your reflection.   Reflection is 1 page only; not 1/2 page and not more than 1 page. 

Week 3

Sept 10

 Boosting Teacher Motivation

  Boosting Teacher Motivation
#3a:  10 points Due Sept. 17th.

Using the paper and resources above (#1a), create a web page that can be used as a presentation to teachers at your school.  The presentation is to help teachers understand the need to use/learn educational technology and integration strategies and to tell them about the effectiveness of technology use on teaching and learning, so they are motivated to learn and to get the technology into the hands of their students.  If you want, you can design a PowerPoint presentation and try turning it into a Web page. I have not had much success, but sure would like you to teach me how!

Please read:  http://www.compstrategies.com/staffdevelopment/tensteps.html
Ten Steps to Effective Technology Staff Development

Assignment #3b- 3 pts  Reflection in WebCT discussion labeled "Boosting Motivation."  Comment on your new learning this week, even on trying to save a PowerPoint as a web page (if you tried it)! Please read and respond to others in class after posting your reflection.  Reflection is 1 page only; not 1/2 page and not more than 1 page.

Week 4


Sept 17

 Design a Technology Needs Assessment Instrument
Due Oct. 1
 Technology Needs Assessment Instrument
In Action Research this would be your data collection instrument.

Assignment #4a 10 points  Due Sept 24.

As the technology leader of your school, you need to develop an instrument to assess technology attitude, use, skill level, needs for professional development, etc. of the teachers at your school.  This will be used for a needs assessment tool so you can determine the topics on which teachers are most in need of training.
1. Develop a survey (you can find one that is already made as long as it is GOOD and you can use it legally).  The survey should fit on one piece of paper, double-sided, so teachers can complete it quickly and hand it back during a staff meeting.  Examine the design and content of assessment tools as you create yours.
2. Also, create a list of possible surveys to use for teachers and students. This should be put into your web page.
We will try to give your survey to teachers at an elementary school and you will analyze the data and create a professional development plan for the school.
The survey should not have a place for a teacher name, the data will be analyzed on the whole rather than individually.  You do want grade level, number of years teaching,  school name, male/female, confidence in using technology, in addition to finding out skill level, attitude, topics needed for professional development, etc.

Watch WebCT or your email for additional information on giving the survey.

One source to help you start.
http://www.sun-associates.com/eval/sample.html
“Performing an effective technology evaluation may seem like a daunting task, but with some guidance and a step-by-step approach, it's a task that can be managed by most school systems.”
….to develop effective evaluation and assessment procedures for their educational technology technology plans.
Is It Working? Designing a Technology and Assessment Plan
A Presentation on Technology Evaluation
Sample Online Teacher Surveys
A 3-Step Evaluation Process

A Google search turns up many resources.
This one has many links, but I found that many of the links did not work.  Keep searching.  At least you can get the idea of what to look for from this page.
http://www.tcet.unt.edu/START/assess/tools.htm

Put your survey on your web page so it can be printed and used.

Assignment #4b- 3 pts  Reflection in WebCT discussion labeled "Needs Assessment."  Comment on your new learning this week.
Please read and comment to the surveys of others in class. How can each become a more effective tool?

Week 5

Sept. 24



 Harris text: pages 1-14.   Chapter 1: The Foundation:  Lesson Plans or Not?  Is it Worth It? Telecomputing Activity Structures and  more.


Harris text:  Chapter 2: pages 15-30.   Design for Telecollaboration and Telepresence--
Interpersonal Exchanges: Keypals, Global Classrooms, Electronic Appearances, Telementoring, Questions and Answer Activities, Impersonations.

 Telecollaboration 
Due Oct. 1
First: understand the topic.
Second: Design an activity for each structure. 
Place in your EDCI 489 web page where you will collect and add many activities.

Assignment #5a- 3 pts  Reflection in WebCT discussion labeled "Chapter 1 Telecomputing."  Comment on your new learning this week.
 Please read and respond to others in class after posting your reflection. What is going on with this topic in the education field? 
What are your suggestions?   Please read and respond to others in class after posting your reflection.

#5b: 10 points Chapter 2:  Design an activity for each structure.  List these in your EDCI 489 web page. This is not a whole lesson plan for each, only a description of the activity for use in your future classroom. You can be creative and design your own or use activities you find and modify them to fit your style and content area. Provide links to sites from which you get your ideas and sites that you would use to accomplish the project.  Provide enough information about the activity so others can do it too!

Week 6
Oct. 1


 Harris text: Chapter 2…pages 33-40.   Information Collection and Analysis---Information Exchanges, Database Creation, Electronic Publishing, Telefield Trips, Pooled Data Analysis Information Analysis 

#6a:  10 pts  Due Oct. 8
First: understand the topic.
Second: Design an activity for each structure. 
Place in your EDCI 489 web page.
Post reflection in WebCT.

Design an activity for each structure.  List these in your EDCI 489 web page. This is not a whole lesson plan for each, only a description of the activity for use in your future classroom. You can be creative and design your own or use activities you find and modify them to fit your style. Provide links to sites from which you get your ideas and sites that you would use to accomplish the project.  Provide enough information about the activity so others can do it too!

#6b:  3 pts  Chapter 2 Reflection:
Post a reflection in WebCT Discussion labeled "Chapter 2 Info/Analysis"  What is going on with this topic in the education field?  What do you think about the activites? Comment on your new learning this week.
 Please read and respond to others in class after posting your reflection.

Reminder:      Online Course Design   
#15a: 5 pts each workshop
Attendance at the WebCT Workshops as they come up through the semester.
http://eu.montana.edu/btc/tlt/training/
Practice numerous components using the WebCT practice course.

Give your Technology Assessment Survey to a school this week.  Joan will provide you with information.
Week 7
Oct. 8
Harris text: Chapter 2…pages 40-54.     Problem Solving--Information Searches, Peer Feedback Activities, Parallel Problem Solving, Sequential Creations, Telepresent Problem Solving, Simulations, Social Action Projects.  What Makes Them Work? Problem Solving 
#7a:  10 points  Due Oct. 15
First: understand the topic.
Second: Design an activity for each structure. 
Third: Place in your EDCI 489 web page.
Last: Post reflection and comments.

Design an activity for each structure.  List these in your EDCI 489 web page. This is not a whole lesson plan for each, only a description of the activity for use in your future classroom. You can be creative and design your own or use activities you find and modify them to fit your style.

#7b:  5 pts  Chapter 2 Reflection: Research TRUTH.
Post a reflection in WebCT Discussion labeled "Chapter 2 TRUTH of the Matter"  What is going on with this topic in the education field?  Do some research by reading several articles to find out what is really happening in the classroom with these topics!
 Please read and respond to others in class after posting your reflection.
Week 8
Oct. 15



 Harris text:  
Chapter 3 pages 55-77.  Teleresearch Information vs Knowledge, Telehunting, Telegathering, Information Seeking, Information Synthesis.		 Teleresearch 
#8a:  10 points  Due Oct. 22
First: understand the topic.
Second: Design an activity for each structure. 
Place in your EDCI 489 web page.
Post reflection in WebCT.

Design an activity for each structure.  List these in your EDCI 489 web page. This is not a whole lesson plan for each, only a description of the activity for use in your future classroom. You can be creative and design your own or use activities you find and modify them to fit your style.

#8b:  5 pts  Chapter 3 Reflection: Research HAPPENINGS.
Post a reflection in WebCT Discussion labeled "Ch 3 Research HAPPENINGS"  What is going on with this topic in the education field?  Do some research by reading several articles to find out what is really happening in the classroom with these topics!
Please read and respond to others in class after posting your reflection.

We may be doing the following-----

#8c:  15 pts.  Analyze your survey results.  Write a report that includes the results and your suggestions for professional development. This report will be given to the school. Due in two weeks (Oct. 29).
Week 9
Oct. 22
 Bissell text:  Chapter 8 or 9 on Student Diversity & Exceptionalities

Harris text:  Chapter 5 Telecollaborative Projects.  Standards and Structures, Evaluation of Student Learning, Assessment of Project Designs.		 Student Diversity & Exceptionalities 
#9a: 10 points  Due Oct. 29
Read this chapter.  Find or create four good activities that you could use for this topic in your classroom.   Place in your EDCI 489 web page.

#9b:  5 pts  Diversity and Technology.
Post a reflection in WebCT Discussion labeled "Diversity."  What is going on with this topic in the education field?  Do some research by reading several articles to find out what is really happening in the classroom with these topics and technology.
 Please read and respond to others in class after posting your reflection.
Week 10 Oct. 29




WebQuests


 WebQuests  
#10a: 10 points    Due Nov 5.
 Design a very good WebQuest on a topic that you will teach in the future.  If you can, ask a teacher if he/she has a topic to design. Follow the correct form of a true WebQuest--Bernie Dodge work. Keep your WebQuest simple- you only have a week to create the whole thing!  A place to start:    http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/webquests/index.html

#10b:  3 pts  WebQuests.
Post comments in WebCT Discussion labeled "WebQuests."  Share the url to your WebQuest.  Do the WebQuest of a peer in class and provide helpful comments, suggestions, likes/dislikes, etc.
Weeks 11 & 12
Nov 5 Nov 12
 		Technology Grants
Research
 Research Technology Grants 
#12a: 15 points  Due Nov 19.
Place the following components in your 489 web site.
    1.  Develop a list of grant sources for technology and technology projects- where are they? A talk with MSU's grant person, Audrey Thurlow, might reveal excellent resources. She is amazing in finding grants for the university.

    2.  Understand the differences between foundations and other types of grants. In your list, provide the title of the granting group and the types of grants most likely to be funded. Also make sure that the funding agent specifics fit the Montana location and educational groups in which you will be involved.

    3.  Describe the main components of most grants (not NSF
    grants).

    4.  Talk to principals and teachers to determine the kinds of
    requests that are needed today by schools. Reference whom you spoke to (at least two people in the schools).  Write at least three
    ideas for which you would like to have funding  (educational technology projects) at the school in which you will be
    employed.

    5. Take your favorite idea above and format like a grant- use a basic grant format discovered above.  3-5 pages is sufficient.  Be concise, but include all pieces.
       
I will place an actual National Science Foundation (NSF) grant in the drawer for you to look at. These are extensive- do not use this format.

Assignment #11a- 3 pts Due Nov 9th  Reflection in WebCT discussion labeled "Grants & Funding."  Comment on your new learning this week. What is going on with this topic in the education field? Where do you find good sources? What kinds of projects are being funded? 

Assignment #15a: 15 points.  Action Research Paper is due week 14! For those choosing this option rather than distance learning in the beginning of the semester.
Week 13

Nov 19
Research:   Online Teaching and Learning and Distance Education
Choose ONE below!

#13b:  10 points  Research Report on Distance Education    Due Nov 26.
Research what is going on right now in Distance Education for students in high school, middle and elementary schools. Include some discussion on the types of courses being offered.  Two pages is enough evidence of your research on the topic. Include your references cited properly in APA style.

or

#13b:  Research Report on Online Training for Professional Development for Teachers  10 points  Due Nov 26.
Research what is going on right now with online training for professional development for teachers.  See Online Training: What's Really Working? in Technology and Learning, May 2004, Vol 24, Number 10.  I will place this magazine in the drawer.  You can also get to it by going to TechLearning    Notice that this page has many resources for online learning at the bottom.   Click on Printable View to see the whole article on what's working. 
Check other resources for your research- site properly using APA style. 
Write your research results, 2 pages is sufficient to share your understanding.

Place this research report in your 489 web page.

Assignment #13b- 3 pts  Reflection in WebCT discussion labeled "Distance Learning."  Comment on your new learning this week.
 What is going on with this topic in the education field? 
What are your suggestions/thoughts.  Please read and respond to others in class after posting your reflection.
Week 14
Nov 26.
 Action Research
 Action Research for the Teacher.
Assignment #15a: 15 points.  Action Research Paper is due Dec. 3
Write a 4-5 page paper on your research on Action Research for Teachers.  Answer the following questions:
1.  What is action research?
2.  Why is it so very valuable to the classroom teacher?
3.  Basically, how is it done?  How is data collected and analyzed?
4.  How is the resulting report used by the teacher?
5.  Describe one action research project you could do in your classroom to assess the affects of technology use on learning.
Available in the lab:
A Short Guide to Action Research
Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher
Week 15

Dec 3
 Educational Technology

 1.  Online Course Design for those choosing to investigate online learning in the beginning of the semester.
#15a: 5 pts each workshop attended during the semester.
Attendance at the WebCT Workshops as they come up through the semester.

# 15b- 8 points. Post in WebCT discussion Labeled "Week 15-The End!" Choose one chapter or article of your choice on technology in the classroom.  Share you new learning.

Assignment #15c 5 pts.  Course evaluation. Come to the computer lab to fill out a course evaluation before Friday!!
Week 16

Dec. 10
Showcase your projects and portfolio.
Talk to Joan about meeting Monday all together!
Post your times to meet in WebCT discussion labeled "Week 16- Showcase!"

Updated Sept. 6, 2007
Dr. J. Cook