Penn State
EDUC 462:
Computer Literacy
Syllabus
Fall 2007
Course:
EDUC 462
Computer Literacy
Credit Hours: 3
Time:
Monday
& Wednesday: 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM
Location:
Olmsted
Computer Lab C-15
(Note:
NO Food or Drink is permitted in the Computer Lab)
Instructor:
Dr. Robert W.
Coffman
Office: Olmsted
W-331
Office Hours: Monday: 8:00 AM to 9:15 AM and 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday:
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM to 9:15 AM
and 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Other times by
appointment*
* Appointments
are strongly encouraged since at times the instructor will be visiting students
during their field experience and student teaching placements.
Office
Phone: (717)
948-6214
E-mail Address: rwc11@psu.edu
Homepage: http://www.personal.psu.edu/rwc11
Catalog
Description: (From the
“An introduction:
Microcomputers and their educational applications.”
ANGEL Account Information
This course utilizes A New Global Environment for
Learning (ANGEL) which is the
https://webaccess.psu.edu/services/
TaskStream Account
Information
This course
will also utilize TaskStream software, an Internet based program that students can use to create,
organize, and share reflective electronic portfolios that demonstrate learned
competencies. Candidates will submit work for review and evaluation,
collaborate with peers, and receive feedback from the instructor. Penn State
Harrisburg is paying all candidate expenses for this service. Additional
information will be presented throughout the semester as details become
available. Students are urged to “bookmark” the following URL and visit it as
often as necessary.
http://www.TaskStream.com/pub/
Course Description
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to
computer technology for classroom teachers. A major emphasis of the course is
on learning the basic operations of the computer, how to integrate the computer
into the classroom setting, and the integration of technology standards within
the instructional setting. Students are encouraged to develop a positive and
healthy perspective on the use of computers in the educational setting.
Topics include the International Society for Technology in Education
(ISTE) National Educational. Technology
Standards for Teachers (NETS-T); computer systems; instructional software; computer
hardware; productivity software; computer applications; telecommunications;
multimedia; computer presentation programs; and major issues surrounding the
use of technology in the classroom.
Purposes
The major purpose of EDUC
462 is to help the student become technologically literate within the
educational environment. All assignments are designed to integrate knowledge
and skills classroom teachers will need to demonstrate within the context of
their profession. Assignments integrate the International Society for
Technology in Education (ISTE) Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T).
Specifically, students will:
* Demonstrate a high level of competence in the use of technology in the
educational setting.
*
Learn and apply strategies to integrate technology in the instructional
setting.
* Take hi-tech jargon and translate it into a meaningful way students can understand
and use in their careers.
* Demonstrate competence with specific computer applications.
* Demonstrate
a knowledge and experience that provides a foundation for ongoing technological
growth
throughout their professional career.
* Use technology to make daily paperwork a snap, obtaining the maximum benefit
from technology.
* Enhance
the educational program and curriculum through technology.
* Demonstrate
the ability to make intelligent and informed decisions regarding hardware and
software.
* Demonstrate the ability to select technological resources intelligently and
in way that is both educationally
and fiscally sound.
* Learn and apply the International Society for
Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational
Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) and apply
them in a professional manner during their
educational experience at Penn State Harrisburg. (http://www.iste.org/)
* Demonstrate
an awareness of major issues related to classroom use of computers including
how societal trends
in the Information Age have been influenced by
technology and apply that learning to the educational
setting.
*
Demonstrate an understanding of the scope of social, legal, human, and ethical
issues as related to the use of
technology in the educational
environment and then apply that knowledge to appropriate use of
instructional technology.
*
Demonstrate how technology can be used to support a diverse learning
environment for all students; Create
instructional opportunities that
are adapted to meet the needs of diverse student learners; and apply those
resources to address students’
diverse learning needs.
* Demonstrate
the ability to plan and design learning environments and experiences that will
provide effective use
of technology in the instructional setting.
* Use
technology to apply assessment and evaluation strategies.
*
Utilize E-Mail and the Internet for communication and reference.
* Develop a positive and healthy perspective on the use of computers and
technology.
* Embrace technology and use it wisely.
Student
Expectations
Classes will be
conducted in an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect. Professional
behavior is expected of all students at all times. They in turn will be treated
with the same respect and courtesy. It is expected that all students will treat
fellow classmates, students, and the instructor with respect and courtesy.
Students are strongly encouraged to display enthusiasm, interest, and a
positive attitude.
Students
are expected to come to class prepared to participate in and contribute to
thoughtful discussions and activities. Students are expected to participate in
and contribute constructively on a regular basis in small group and whole class
activities and discussions. Attendance will
be taken and students who are unable to attend class must contact the
instructor prior to an absence. All absences must be excused (illness, death in
the family, etc.) with appropriate documentation. A penalty of 5% of the final
grade will be assessed for each unexcused absence. The final grade for the
course will be reduced by a minimum of 1% for each tardy.
Students will be
responsible for the completion of various assignments throughout the
course. Those assignments must be
completed correctly and on time. Requirements for each assignment will be given
as part of the classroom sessions related to those specific assignments and
posted on ANGEL. Assignments will be evaluated based on the requirements of
each specific activity. Students should expect to
spend significant time outside of class in order to complete the assignments
and projects. This work may be done on personal computers or in a Penn State
Computer Lab. There will not be time during class to complete all of the course
assignments.
Students must pre-request permission via
email if they wish to submit assignments later than the due date to avoid
penalty for late work. Unless prior arrangements have been made with the
instructor, students are “on their own” to complete make up work. Credit for
late work is given at the discretion of the instructor. Due dates are posted on
the EDUC 462 ANGEL account. Unless otherwise noted, all assignments must be
submitted to the correct ANGEL Dropbox. Students are
expected to check EDUC 462 ANGEL regularly for information regarding the class.
All written assignments must be
double-spaced using 12 point or larger format. No handwritten assignments will
be accepted. All work must have a typed
cover page indicating the student’s name, date, assignment description, course,
and section on the cover page. All work must have correct grammar, spelling,
format, content, and be completed as assigned.
Students must keep digital copies of all
completed work and “backup copies” of all assignments. (Did you “SAVE” your work?)
Students are required to use their “PASS/Portal” accounts for this purpose.
Assignments
may be customized at the discretion of the instructor. Significant efforts have
been made to integrate the assignments for this course with requirements of
other courses being taken by students this semester. For that reason,
assignments are broad in scope with a heavy emphasis on individualization where
appropriate.
Classes
will always be held at the scheduled time and place unless Penn State Harrisburg
closes due to weather conditions as set forth in the student handbook. Students
should refer to their student handbook or the Penn State Harrisburg homepage
for complete information. (http://www.hbg.psu.edu) Students should check the Penn State Harrisburg BSED
and OTEC Websites at least once a week for updated information. The URLs for
those sites are: http://www.hbg.psu.edu/bsed/
and http://www.hbg.psu.edu/bsed/otec/
Students
are expected to participate in professional educational opportunities to the
greatest extent possible.
Students are expected to participate regularly
in the EDUC 462 ANGEL Chat regarding issues related to instructional
technology.
As a courtesy to everyone, Cell Phones, Pagers, IPods, Blackberrys,
and all other electronic devices must be turned off during class. Students
who need to request a temporary exemption from this policy should confer with
the instructor. Students should not “IM”
anyone during class time. Students who use a notebook or laptop computer during
class must use it only for work related to this course. In case of violation,
the instructor reserves the right to reduce the student’s grade in the course
by up to 10% unless a temporary exemption was granted.
Email
At times, your instructor will send
messages to your PSU Access account. It
is the responsibility of each student to receive all electronic messages from
the instructor. One of the resources available to accomplish this is PSU
Webmail.
https://webaccess.psu.edu/services/
Another option is to have emails
forwarded to commercial or other accounts. Students who choose to have messages
forwarded to services other than the PSU Email account may do so at the following
URL:
https://www.work.psu.edu
Note: The “s” in “https: indicates that the server runs SSL (Secure
Socket Layer) which means that the server is secure and that all communication
with this server is encrypted. In
addition to helping you change your e-mail forwarding address; this server has
other utilities to help you manage your account at PSU.
An additional option for sending
EMAIL is the use of the ANGEL CourseMail under the “In Touch” tab. Please note
that students and faculty will not be required to read Email generated within the
ANGEL Email component since it should be automatically forwarded to their
regular email account.
Required Materials and
Supplies
1. PASS Account Activation:
2. TASKSTREAM
Account Activation
3. Textbook: No textbook is required for this
course.
4.
5. Software: The following
software should be purchased directly from: http://computerstore.psu.edu
A. FrontPage 2002 Student License & CD Media
B. Microsoft Office – choose Student License and
CD Media for one of the following:
Microsoft Office 2003 Pro for Microsoft Office XP Pro
for Windows (Student edition)
Microsoft Office 2007 Pro
for Microsoft Office XP Pro for Windows (Student
edition)
Note:
There
is a limit of one copy per student. Students having questions about this
software
should consult instructor before ordering.
Optional Materials and
Supplies (Select those
appropriate to your own hardware configuration)
Course
Binder/Folder
Educational
Software Package
Digital and print resources of student
choice based on interest, need, and specific assignment.
Classroom
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Note to students with disabilities: It is
Weather Statement: Classes will always be held at the
scheduled time and place unless Penn State Harrisburg closes due to weather
conditions as set forth in the student handbook. Students should refer to their
student handbook hardcopy or online or the PSH homepage (http://www.hbg.psu.edu) for complete
information.
Course
Assignments and Requirements
Complete information regarding assignments will be
posted on the EDUC 462 ANGEL Account. Unless otherwise noted in specific
instructions posted on EDUC 462 ANGEL, all assignments should be submitted via
ANGEL and should be added to your electronic portfolio.
Word Processing
The purpose of these assignments is to assist
students in developing and refining their word processing skills. Many
assignments are word-processing activities and will automatically fulfill this
requirement.
Spread Sheet
The purpose of this assignment
is to assist students in developing, organizing, maintaining, and utilizing
data. The major assignment is the completion of a Class Roster/Grade-book along
with a Mail Merge activity. An additional component related to EDUC 302
involves the development of a Chart in Unit Evaluation for that course.
Internet
The purpose of this assignment
is to broaden the student’s knowledge and understanding of the Internet as
related to their current status as a student and potential as a future teacher.
Components of this assignment include:
*Internet
preview of local field experience school districts (In class activity)
*Analysis
and critique of selected
*Bookmark
URLs for 10 different educational websites on student ANGEL account
*Post URLs for
10 different educational sites on student PSU electronic portfolio/homepage.
*Comprehensive
review and critique one educational website of student choice.
*Integrate
a minimum of five web sites into EDUC 302 unit: Submitted as part of the unit.
Educational Software Assessment
The purpose of this assignment
is to assist students in learning to critically analyze educational software.
Students are to thoroughly evaluate and assess two educational software packages.
One will assess an educational software package reviewed during a class
scheduled visit to the PSH learning center. The other will be the assessment of
one elementary education focused software package using format provided by the
instructor. Software must have educational value and be approved by the
instructor in advance. Failure to obtain prior approval will result in 1%
deduction from final grade. Completed
Electronic
Research: Strategies, Process, and Product
The purpose of this
assignment is to assist students in learning how to use digital resources to conduct
educational research and produce a scholarly document reflecting that research.
Students are required to write a paper for EDUC 315. To support those efforts,
students will utilize available electronic research resources as part of EDUC
462 and use those resources to develop appropriate strategies for completion of
the research project for EDUC 315. Those research papers must be submitted in
digital format to the EDUC 462 ANGEL Dropbox to receive credit in EDUC 462.
Field
Observations of Technology in the Educational Setting
The purpose of this assignment
is to assist students in learning about current practices in
Observations should place
special emphasis on type of software & hardware and appropriate use; how
technology is used by teachers to support learner-centered strategies that
address the diverse needs of students; how teachers apply technology resources
to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and
abilities; and how teachers use assistive and/or adaptive technology to
increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a
disability.
Papers must be submitted in
digital format to the EDUC 462 ANGEL Dropbox to receive credit in EDUC 462. NOTE: The
specifics of this assignment may change depending on Field Experience Assignment.
Web Based Training
The purpose of this assignment
is to assist students in learning how to utilize Internet based training. Students
will make use of one of
Online Standards Activity: International
Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational Technology
Standards for Teachers (NETS-T)
While all assignments have been
designed to support these national standards, the purpose of this specific
assignment is to familiarize students with the National Educational Technology
Standards for Teachers. Students are to complete an online (ANGEL or
equivalent) activity to demonstrate mastery of those standards and apply them
in all assignments to the greatest extent possible.
ANGEL Chat and Message Board
The purpose of this assignment
is to assist students in learning how to participate in “Live” Chat and “Threaded”
Message Board discussions regarding issues related to instructional technology
and associated topics.
Technology in the News
The purpose of this activity is
to assist students in developing an ongoing understanding of the constantly
changing nature of technology as it relates to their lives both as a student
and as a future teacher. Students are to collect, organize, and share
information regarding recent trends in technology and education using these and
other resources. Many periodicals provide information on technology and
education. Penn State Harrisburg offers free subscriptions to USA Today, The
New York Times, and The Harrisburg Patriot News to all students. These, along
with other periodicals, Internet resources, and other forms of publication,
provide information regarding current trends in education and technology. Format for this sharing is via EDUC 462 ANGEL
threaded chat message board.
Classroom Computer Activity
The purpose of this activity is
to assist students in developing a lesson that integrates computer technology
into a lesson or unit of study. The PowerPoint presentation package fulfills
this requirement. This assignment should be integrated with another course.
Presentation Software
The purpose of this assignment is to assist students
in planning, organizing, and developing lessons using presentation software. Using
a computer presentation software program, develop a computer presentation for
use in your classroom. This activity should include the use of text, graphic,
and media to portray an idea or concept. Topic selection is student determined
and may be integrated with EDUC 421, EDUC 302, or other course requirements.
Specific expectations will be discussed in class and posted on ANGEL.
Homepage/Website and Electronic Portfolio
The purpose of this ongoing assignment is to assist students in
acquiring the skills necessary to develop and maintain an electronic portfolio using
available
Cumulative Take-Home Essay (Word Processing Activity Previously Noted)
The purpose of this assignment is to help students
complete their Pennsylvania Common Teaching Application essay question
regarding integration of instructional technology into the classroom. The following
essay question is taken directly from the PDE homepage and is one of five found
on the Standard Application For Teaching Positions in Pennsylvania Public
Schools: “How Information Technology
(i.e., computers, Internet) Can Be Integrated into the Instructional Process
and Curriculum.” (Direct quote)
It is strongly recommended that students wait until the last week of
classes before beginning this essay because it is cumulative and part of the
final examination.
Culminating
Activity
In class activity. (PDE Essay is
submitted separately as a Take-Home Activity)
Graduate Student Projects:
Assignments
will be customized for graduate students as appropriate.
Resources
There are many resources
available to students to assist in the completion of activities required for
this course. Each student is assured the exclusive use of a computer during
class time.
Program Specific Help Screens
Most software today contains
extensive built in documentation and support features through the use of “Help”
screens and other built in resources. The software programs used in this course
have a complete array of help features built into the program. Those features
usually provide adequate assistance to the student in learning to use programs.
Program Manuals
Most computer software programs used in this course
have a program manual that outlines the basic functions and operations of the
program. Additional tech-support is available online.
Online Resources
Most web sites contain a variety
of online resources including HELP, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Site
Maps.
Print Resources:
Amazon.com lists tens of
thousands of books about technology. Currently, there are over 10,000 books
about the Internet available through their web site. Of those, more than 600
have some relationship to education. Their competitor, Barnes and Noble lists
over 30,000 books on the Internet with more than 5000 books relating to the
Internet and education. Students are urged to visit their respective web sites
to browse the various print resources.
Amazon and Barns and Noble may be accessed at:
Amazon: (http://www.amazon.com/)
Barnes and Noble: (http://www.barnesandnoble.com)
At various times during the course, the instructor
will make specific titles available to students as appropriate. Selected titles
have been placed on reserve in the PSH Library. Students are encouraged to visit local
bookstores to view the wide variety of resources available there. A
representative sample list of various publications has been included in the
complete digital syllabus posted on the EDUC 462 ANGEL Account
EDUC 462 Tentative Class Schedule
|
Week |
Dates |
Topic and Comments |
|
1 & 2 |
Aug 27, 29, Sept 5 |
Course
Overview & Expectations; Conceptual Framework; TaskStream; Class
Structure & Format, PSU Access ID, E-Mail, CourseWeb, ANGEL, PASS,
Operating Systems, File Management, Activate PSU Personal Web Space,
Technology in the News, Electronic Portfolios, Education and Technology: The
Historical Perspective |
|
3 |
Sept 10 & 12 |
Electronic
Portfolio, Front Page, Resume, ANGEL Chat: Live & Threaded |
|
4 |
Sept 17 & 19 |
Front
Page, Word Processing |
|
5 |
Sept 26 & 28 |
Mon:
Internet - School District Website Critique (In Class) Wed: Library Resources: Guest Presenter
(Library Computer Lab) |
|
6 |
Oct 1 & 3 |
Internet:
URL Posting, URL Review, Web Based Training (WBT) |
|
7 |
Oct 8 & 10 |
Instructional
Software; Technology & Diversity; Assistive & Adaptive Technology |
|
8 |
Oct 15 & 17 |
Spreadsheet,
Mail Merge |
|
9 |
Oct 22 & 24 |
Presentation
Software |
|
10 |
Oct 29 & 31 |
Presentation
Software |
|
11 |
Nov 5 & 7 |
One
Computer Classroom; Classroom Computer Activities |
|
12 |
Nov 12 & 14 |
Technology
Standards; Guest Presenter |
|
13 |
11/19 & 11/21 |
NO
Class: Thanksgiving/Fall Break |
|
14 |
11/26 & 11/28 |
Student
Presentations |
|
15 |
12/3 & 12/5 |
Student
Presentations |
|
16 |
12/7 & 12/10 |
Student
Presentations |
|
17 |
Week of 12/14 |
Culminating
Activity: Exact Date & Time TBA |
|
|
|
NOTE:
This schedule is tentative and subject to change at the discretion of the
instructor in consultation with the class. |
The above schedule is tentative.
Topics may be modified, added, or deleted from the list of specific activities
and assignments as necessary at the sole discretion of the instructor in
consultation with students.
Classroom
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
Note to students with
disabilities: It is
EDUC 462 Assignments and Due Dates
|
Assignment |
Tentative Due Date |
Total Point Value |
My Points |
|
EDUC
462 Resume: (Final Draft Posted on Electronic Portfolio) |
Ongoing |
10 |
|
|
EDUC
462 |
In Class |
5 |
|
|
EDUC
462 Internet Package |
10/22 |
75 |
|
|
EDUC
302 & 462 Internet Sites in Unit |
** |
10 |
|
|
EDUC
462 Excel Package (Digital Submission Only) |
10/29 |
25 |
|
|
EDUC
315 & 462 Research Project: Strategies & Paper |
*** |
10 |
|
|
EDUC
462 Instructional Software Assessment |
10/15 |
30 |
|
|
EDUC
462 Observations of Technology in the Field |
Ongoing |
30 |
|
|
EDUC
462 PowerPoint: Completed Package |
11/26 |
75 |
|
|
EDUC
462 PDE “Integration of Technology” Paper |
10/7 |