What This Course Is About

This course explores the use of the computer as a tool for learning. Students experience the computer as a "guide" to communication and research, an "organizer" for the presentation of knowledge, and as a "mediator" in the construction of knowledge. Students explore the internet, evaluate web sites, create PowerPoint presentations, construct web pages, and author interactive programs/lessons. While developing skills in a "hands-on" project-based environment, students experience the computer as an "assessor" in the teaching/learning process and reflect on its implication for education.  Exceptional projects will be featured online as part of DANTE (Dallas Area Network for Teaching and Education).  This course meets and/or exceeds the educational technology foundations for teachers as defined by NCATE and ISTE. 

Because the use of technology and computer networks has become commonplace for competitive professional work in education, this course will utilize and develop materials for the World Wide Web ("WWW" or "the Web") and/or multimedia environments. Time will be devoted to WWW exploration and experience with appropriate multimedia tools both in and out of class. Students should regard Web exploration as part of the research that would support any course. In addition to reading from the Web, more traditional reading will also be used to frame course work and discussion. No prior knowledge of the WWW or computers is presumed, but experienced students should support their less experienced peers in learning the basics of computing and the Internet.

Students will be collectively and individually responsible for class projects. Small team preparations of minor projects and presentations will also be required throughout the course (schedule to follow).

Getting Help: Course Assistance, General Information, Teacher Certification, Access to Campus Resources, Printing

Mrs. Terri Randall, Department of Education Administrative Assistant, is available Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  On Fridays, she is available until 4:00 p.m.  Call her at 972-721-5389, or email her at randall@udallas.edu . Mrs. Randall can help students who have questions regarding access to campus resources, including the Mediacenter.

Mrs. Kay Haaser, Certification Officer, is also available in the Department of Education Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Fridays until 4:00 p.m.  Contact Mrs. Haaser if you have questions regarding teacher certification programs available at the University of Dallas.  Call her at 972-721-5184, or email her a khaaser@udallas.edu 

Ms. Jan Burk, Registrar, is available in the Registrar’s office located on the first floor of the Braniff Building Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students who decide to add or drop classes from their schedule MUST fill out required paperwork in the Registrar’s Office.  Contact the Registrar by calling 972-721-5221 or email her at jburk@udallas.edu

Computer Lab facilities will be available where students may complete and/or practice skills and assignments for the class.  Students may contact the course lab assistant for information regarding both general and assisted lab hours.  Students who would like to use resources in the Department of Education Mediacenter during times when the Department of Education is closed may request access from Campus Safety.  Students who use the Mediacenter after hours must follow Media Center Guidelines.  Click here to see Media Center Access Guidelines.

The University is perpetually in the process of installing, experimenting with, and field testing new network tools and procedures. Some of the tools described in the syllabus/website may or may not be available during the course.

REQUIRED PRINTING AND USAGE FEE:  The Department of Education is charging each student enrolled in any EDU course a printing / technology fee of $20.00.  Only one $20.00 fee is required whether a student is taking one EDU course or several.  The $20.00 fee covers all handouts, use and checkout of equipment, and computers in the Media Center.  Paper and printing for Education course projects/assignments are also covered by the fee.  All other printing (either for personal use and/or for assignments/papers from other departments) is strictly prohibited.  A student who violates this policy will be severely penalized and lose Media Center privileges.  The $20.00 fee is to be paid to Mrs. Randall, administrative assistant to the Department of Education.  Only checks or cash can be accepted -- no credit/debit cards.  The fee must be paid by October 1, 2007.  

There is no required text for this course; however students are required to purchase a Flash Drive  (minimum 256 MB) for transporting and saving materials constructed during the course. Most of the resources that students will need are "hyperlinked" in the course website, or they will be made available as the course progresses. Internet features, protocols and resources change and grow by the minute. For this reason, students may discover that some of the resource links are outdated.  Students may need to search for new URL's or even new resources.

Use of the printers in UD general-access labs is available at a minimal charge.  Students may purchase a printing card in the library.  Printing is $0.10 per page. Printers are located in the general access labs in the Science Bldg.  More information for printing accounts can be obtained in the library.  Printing is also available in the Department of Education in the Mediacenter.  Students who have paid the required $20.00 Education Printing and Usage Fee have access to the printer in the Mediacenter for education-related printing.  All paper and supplies are available through Mrs. Randall.