EME 5403 Instructional Computing 1
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Brief Description: Instructional Computing I is a course about using common software packages (word processors, spreadsheets, presentation tools, graphic organizers, web site creation, etc.) in teaching in learning. However, we understand that many teachers are already familiar with these tools, so this course is less about specific skills and more about application and integration into the classroom setting. More importantly, it provides an opportunity for teachers to explore deeper questions about the use of these tools
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Expanded Description: Does PowerPoint make you stupid? Some people believe so! Some argue that PowerPoint (and presentation technologies like PowerPoint) is ‘evil’, is debasing society, and with the use of it, one has the potential to “do very bad things.” Wow! You don’t hear that in many PowerPoint training sessions, do you? (see http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/12/30/byrne.powerpoint.ap/ for the full story!)
Those of you reading this that love PowerPoint and spend countless hours adding sound, animation, and transitions to your slides, take heart! PowerPoint isn’t evil (at least the last time we checked!). But, like all technologies, it has the potential to either be very useful or very unhelpful in teaching and learning.
Jamie McKenzie, who created “From Now On” (http://www.fno.org/) suggests that emphasizing ideas and logic, designing artfully, and delivering dramatically can count counter some of the potential pitfalls of PowerPoint. Read more about Jamie’s ideas at: http://optin.iserver.net/fromnow/sept00/powerpoints.html.
Instructional Computing I is a course about using common software packages (word processors, spreadsheets, presentation tools, graphic organizers, web site creation, etc.) in teaching in learning. However, we understand that many teachers are already familiar with these tools, so this course is less about specific skills and more about application and integration into the classroom setting. More importantly, it provides an opportunity for teachers to explore deeper questions about the use of these tools, much like asking whether PowerPoint makes us stupid.
This class is a great stand-alone course for any teacher who wants to become more proficient with common software tools as well as learning how to better integrate them into the classroom. However, Instructional Computing I is also one of the core courses in the new UF Online Master’s Degree. Thus, although there is not enough time to apply to the Master’s program before the September 20 start date, if you applied and were accepted at a later date, this course would count towards your degree. As such, this is a great opportunity for teachers to try a UF course and see if they want to apply for the Master’s program.
Teachers often ask if they need a certain kind of computer or certain software. The class is set-up for Mac or PC users. As far as software, it is true that we focus on the Microsoft Office Suite because it is one of the most popular software packages in K-12 schools. However, if you do not have MS Office, we still encourage you to enroll. You can download a trial version of Office and you can also download a free “open source” version. We will discuss both of these options in class. Again, because the class is less about skills and more about integration, the type of data management tool or spreadsheet tool is less important than our focus of how it gets integrated into the classroom.
Topics covered include implementing word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and graphic organizers (i.e. Inspiration) into the classroom. We will also be covering mail merge, data management, copyright, effective educational technologies, mindtools, and design. The course ends with an introduction to web page design. This course will be a great resource for any teacher, a great stand-alone for any level from beginner to experienced, and a great start towards your online Master’s degree!
In this course, students will explore the use of educational technologies in their own teaching and learning. Students will gain a foundational understanding of the research and practical implications of using technologies such as word processors, databases, spreadsheets, presentation tools, graphic organizers, and web pages in the classroom. We understand that many teachers are already very familiar with the use of these tools. Thus, rather than a series of lessons on ‘how to use these tools’, this course is comprised of 8 weeks of instruction on ‘how to use these tools effectively in the classroom.’ There is also a major focus on creating materials that can immediately be used in the classroom.
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Explore and create materials for using word processors, spreadsheets, databases, graphic organizers, and presentation tools in the classroom.
- Explore and use web pages in the classroom.
- Review basic research related to the impact of technology on teaching and learning.
- Explain various perspectives on using technology in the classroom
- Describe ‘copyright’ and its implication for using materials from the Internet
