Software Applications in Education (EDLF 546) is a graduate-level course that introduces the student to various software applications and their educational uses; fosters discussion on best uses and practices of technology in education; and allows the student to produce an electronic portfolio demonstrating his/her technical competencies to current or future employers.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
• demonstrate proficiency on a number of software applications, including spreadsheet, database and desktop presentation programs.
• create and publish content for the world wide web using appropriate design guidelines.
• develop a better understanding of how software can be used in an educational setting, including both instructional and administrative tasks.
• discuss in an informed manner these uses as well as other important information regarding computers in education.
• develop his/her own philosophy on the appropriate use of technology in education.

Course Assignments

In addition to in-class lab and homework assignments, reading reactions and online discussions, the course work will be as follows:

Weekly competencies - Each week for the first several weeks of the course, a competency will be due corresponding to the skills learned in the previous class. A general, problem based-assignment will be provided, however, the student may tailor the project to fit her needs as long as it meets all the requirements of the competency.

Field visits- Two on-site visitations are required by each student. [more]

Project - The student will complete a project of his/her choosing that incorporates at least two of the software tools discussed in the course. [more]

Portfolio - As the student develops and refines the weekly competency projects, he/she will collect them into an electronic, professional-looking web-based portfolio. [more]

Additional software/technology - Over the course of the semester, each student will become familiar with an additional piece of software or technology NOT covered in the class. [more]

To enroll in this section of EDLF 546, you should be familiar with Windows and the basic operations of a PC, including basic word processing, e-mail (including the ability to send attachments), and Web skills. If you are not comfortable with these proficiencies, you will be at a disadvantage in the course.

Textbook

None; articles and other readings will be available via the course web site or on reserve in the education library.

Additional materials:

CD-R or CD-RW media (5-10)
Mini-DV tape (1-2)

Expectations and Grading

To do well in EDLF 546, you should come prepared to all class sections and actively participate in them. You must complete your assignments fully and turn them in on time. Assignments turned in late (i.e., after the beginning of class on the due date) will be penalized for each day late. Unless otherwise noted, all assignments must be completed individually and should be pledged.

The grading structure of EDLF 546 is arranged according to a point structure. You earn points for each component or requirement of the class that you meet, and your final grade is determined by calculating the percentage of the total possible points that you have earned. The tentative point scheme is as follows (assignments may be added, removed or modified during the course of the semester)

Component	#	Points	Total Points
Attendance	14	5	70
Weekly Competencies	5	20	100
In-class particpation & lab assignments	#	--	20
Reading reactions & Homework	#	20	--
Field visits/papers	2	20	40
Project	1	75	75
Final portfolio	1	100	100
Total	#	a	--

 

 

Grades will determined using the scale below.

Section 0001
Thursdays- 1300-1545,
Ruffner 209