Course Description

Technology is reshaping the future of education. Interactive technologies enable educators and administrators to enhance the quality of learning for their students. Integrating Technology in the Classroom (ITC) is a graduate level computer course specifically designed for educators and administrators with activities appropriate for students at both the introductory and intermediate level.  The course curriculum earned the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Seal of Alignment for National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). 

The course begins with an overview on how the integration of technology facilitates student learning. As students progress, their knowledge about evaluating online resources and designing learning activities with new technologies increases. This hands-on experience allows students to customize assignments for their specific grade level and curriculum specialty.  The course begins with participant learning strategies for technology integration, assessment in technology integrated lessons, and teaching cyber ethics. 

Objectives

• Identify and implement methods to teach students, teachers, and administrators computer literacy, information literacy and integration literacy skills
• Combine understanding of cyber ethics, copyright, software piracy, and fair use
• Explain how to use learning theory to teach more effectively.
• Implement a specific Web site into the curriculum and describe how it enhances learning and meets standards
• Demonstrate ability to integrate productivity software into curriculum specific lessons
• Explain various alternative assessment methods to evaluate technology based assignments
• Describe the positive impact of implementing audio and video into class activities
• Compare and contrast a variety of online teaching tools
• Analyze methods to fund classroom technology
• Design and create a class Web site
• Explain and demonstrate learning that occurred during the class with the creation of an electronic portfolio

Participants will create curriculum specific activities for integrating Web sites, word processing software, presentation software, spreadsheets, and online tools.  As a final project, participants will create a class Web site incorporating curriculum specific technology integrated activities.  Participants culminate the course by creating an electronic portfolio demonstrating their growth during the course.

Time Requirements

Integrating Technology in the Classroom is a 13 week 3 credit graduate level or sixty hour professional development course taught online.  Modules 1 through 9 will be completed one per week. Module 10 will be completed over a two-week period so students will have time to revise and complete the final integration project.

Hardware & Computer Skills Requirements

Students may use either a Macintosh computer or a PC with Windows 95 or higher. Students should possess basic word processing skills and have internet access with an active e-mail account. Students also are expected to have a basic knowledge of how to use a Web browser, such as Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer or America Online's (AOL) browser. To download a browser at no cost, visit one of the following Web sites – Netscape.com; Microsoft.com and AOL.com.

Course Materials

The required textbook for this course is Edutopia published by The George Lucas Educational Foundation (2002). The textbook, course materials, and an extensive Recommended Reading List will be provided for all students. In addition, online readings and Web site reviews (including journal articles and best practices from the body of educational research) will be assigned during the course to enhance learning. These readings will be presented as annotated Web sites within the course content.

Session Outline
Module One: What is Technology Integration?
Objectives: 

• Determine how the NETS can integrate with state and local standards.
• Explain the difference between computer, information, and integration literacy.
• Identify a variety of computer components.
• List ways computers can enhance student learning.
• Discuss ways in which a specific Web site can be integrated in your classroom.

Module Two: Teaching, Learning, and Technology
Objectives: 

• Explain how to use learning theory to teach more effectively.
• Define and describe communication networks.
• Outline the history of the Internet and the World Wide Web.
• Explain how to find information using a Web search tool.
• Combine understanding of cyber ethics, copyright, software piracy, and fair use to create an acceptable use policy.
• Discuss ways to integrate a specific Web site into your classroom

Module Three: Word Processing for Everyone
Objectives:  

• Describe what it takes to be a leader.
• Recognize assistive technology to aid diverse learners.
• Create, edit, save, and print a Word document.
• Discuss ways in which a specific Web site can be integrated in your classroom.

Module Four: Alternative Assessment
Objectives:  

• Learn to use alternative assessments in grading.
• Find ways to engage students with authentic learning techniques.
• Use authentic assessment to evaluate students.
• Investigate rubrics and how they can help you stay objective.
• Research the best way to build an electronic portfolio.

Module Five: Using Multimedia Software
Objectives: 

• Learn how to use multimedia software.
• Explore the impact of audio and visual effects on projects.
• Brainstorm different ways for students to show what they know.
• Learn about PowerPoint and how it can inspire your students.

Module Six: Technology Integrated Lessons
Objectives:

• Use graphic organizers to help students learn.
• Evaluate online tools.
• Rethink your role as teacher.
• Create alternative assessment activities.

Module Seven: Spreadsheets In Every Subject Area
Objectives: 

• Learn to ask questions that launch your students on inquiry-based lessons.
• Discover new and dynamic ways to use a spreadsheet.

Module Eight: Online Activities, Hardware, and Software
Objectives:

• Analyze educational uses for various types of computer hardware.
• Use the Internet as a tool to communicate and collaborate with other teachers, parents, and students.

Module Nine: Internet Safety
Objectives: 

• Understand the importance of antivirus and filtering software.
• Analyze various methods and resources to fund technology.

Module Ten: Your Class Web Site
Objectives:  

• Design and upload a class Web site to the Internet.

Culminating Project Your E-Portfolio
Objectives:  

• Design and upload an electronic portfolio to the Internet

Grading

Student Requirements

	1.	Participation: Reflect and record learning from each module
	2.	Complete all class projects.
	3.	Maintain a portfolio of activities, products, readings and learnings.

Student Academic Integrity
Participants guarantee that all academic class work is original. Any academic dishonesty or plagiarism (to take ideas, writings, etc. from another and offer them as one's own), is a violation of student academic behavior standards as outlined by our partnering colleges and universities and is subject to academic disciplinary action.

Register
To register to take TEI's Integrating Technology in the Classroom online graduate course, go to the Course Registration page.