- This course is designed to help teachers (and those who prepare them)
to enhance classroom teaching by using information technology.
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- The course combines hands-on work at the computer with discussion
of issues among ourselves and with visiting experts.
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- Each student will develop skill with one particular technology such
as multimedia authoring for the Web with PowerPoint, Dreamweaver, Photoshop,
or similar programs. Students may also choose to learn other application
specific to their teaching such as graphing calculators in mathematics
or probeware in science.
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- We will consider four main challenges that all teachers face in learning
about any new technology:
- Orientation - What is this technology? How do I understand
this technology well enough to make informed decisions about learning
and using it? What alternative technologies are available? What are
these technologies good for? What technologies should I be able to use?
How well do I need to use them? What do I need to learn about technology?
- Vision - What are the best ways for me to teach with technology?
What are the most empowering ways to teach with IT? What ways of using
IT are possible for my students and me? Which ways of using IT fit with
my present teaching style and philosophy? Which ways of using IT would
take my teaching in desirable new directions?
- Planning - How can I get ready to use IT in my teaching? What
applications of technology will help me to realize my vision? How can
I learn these applications? How can I integrate them into my curriculum?
How can I plan lessons and units that gain the maximum benefit from
using these applications?
- Proficiency - How can I function in a truly professional way
with IT? How can I experiment with adventurous new teaching modes? How
can I use my students' expertise to enhance teaching and learning in
my class? How can I guard against the risks of using IT? How can I participate,
contribute, and continue to grow professionally in teaching with IT?
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Class work will center on a series of short projects that taken together
add up to a personal portfolio of plans and resources for using technology
in teaching. Projects include:
- Personal philosophy about teaching with technology
- Profile of technology resources in my teaching environment
- Biography of technology experience
- A vision for using technology in my present teaching
- A vision for using technology to enhance my teaching
- A curriculum plan for using technology in a course I teach
- Sample lessons or units that use technology
- Response plan for guarding against risks from using IT in your teaching.
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| Students who want to focus on research and scholarship on these issues
rather than on developing technology or teaching skills may do projects
that involve reporting on studies and carrying out case studies with the
teachers. |