Software Applications in Education (EDLF 546) is a graduate-level course that

• introduces students 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 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 the uses of and other important information regarding computers in education; and
• develop a personal 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 include

• Weekly competencies - Each week for the first several weeks of the course, a competency corresponding to the skills learned in the previous class will be due. A general, problem-based assignment will be provided. However, with prior instructor approval students may tailor the project to fit their personal goals as long as all the requirements of the competency are met.
• Digital narrative project - Each student will create a digital narrative that tells a personal story from the student's perspective.
• Digital video project - Students can work individually or in groups of two to create a digital video project. The topic of the video must be preapproved by the instructor.
• Field visits - Two on-site visitations are required by each student. [more]
• Personal Project - Students will complete a personalized project that incorporates at least two of the software tools discussed in the course. [more]
• Portfolio - As students develop and refine the weekly competency projects, they 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 development 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 (2-5)
Mini-DV tape (1-2)

Expectations and Grading

To do well in EDLF 546, students should come prepared to all class sections and actively participate in them. Students must complete the 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 one point 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 the student has earned.

Component	#	Points	Total Points
Attendance	14	5	70
Weekly Competencies	5	15	75
In-class particpation & lab assignments	14	5	70
Reading reactions & Homework	12	5	70
Field visits/papers	2	20	40
Projects	3	25	75
Final portfolio	1	100	100
Total			500

Grades will determined using the scale below.

(Graduate students must earn a B- or better to pass the course)

Section 0001
Wednesdays, 4:00pm-6:45pm
Ruffner 209