CTCH 603 (001):  Teaching with Technology - Fall 2003

Instructor

William M. Pegram, (703) 486-0952 (h), wpegram@gmu.edu

Meeting Times and Location

Fridays 6:30-10PM - 9/12;10/10, 10/31, 11/21
Saturdays 9:45-3PM - 9/13 (9:45-12), 10/11, 11/1, 11/22
Other times and locations to be mutually agreed on.
Location: Friday evenings: Krug 209 on 9/12, Robinson A109 on 10/10, distance ed on 10/31, and West 145 on 11/21; Saturdays Innovation Hall 317 except for 10/11 (Innovation Hall 336)

Course Description

Provides students with an overview of and hands-on experience with technology tools available to enhance classroom and online learning.  Examines issues related to the use of technology in teaching and learning and guides students in the development of effective technology-enhanced learning activities for undergraduate students.

Prerequisites

Basic familiarity with computer operations.  Basic skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and electronic presentation software applications. Basic Internet and electronic database research skills.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be familiar with a wide range of technology options to enhance learning and teaching.
  2. Students will be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of various technologies and be able to choose the options most effective for a particular teaching situation.
  3. Students will be able to design effective learning activities using technology to enhance student learning of disciplinary materials.
  4. Students will be able to assess the effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning activities.
  5. Students will understand legal and ethical issues associated with using technology to enhance instruction, such as copyright, privacy, and security.

Required Texts:

  1. George Mason University Student Technology Guide: Information & Instructions for Computing at Mason (free)
  2. Introduction to WebCT version 3.8 Workshop Guide, available from Johnson Center Copy Center, $7.70
  3. Teaching with Technology, David G. Brown (ed.), Anker, 2000. ISBN 1-882982-34-7

Recommended Texts

  1. Teach Yourself HTML and XHTML in 24 Hours, 6th edition, Dick Oliver and Michael Morrison, SAMS Publishing, 2003, ISBN 0-672-32520-9, $24.99.

General Course Policies

The following grading scale is in effect for this course (Graduate Catalog, 2002-2003). 

A+          99-100
A             93-98
A-           90-92
B+           87-89
B             83-86
B-            80-82
C             70-79
F              69 or less

GMU Honor Code is in full force.  Discussion and support between students is encouraged, but in producing course assignments you are presumed to be working alone unless an assignment specifically calls for group or collaborative work. 

If you have a disability, let me know as soon as possible. Material turned in late is reduced 10% for every week Participation is expected and essential.

Assignments

Web Site Project - Students will create a small web site that is, in most cases, a "learning object", that is, it can be used to help teach a topic. Guidance on Proposal and Project. Due December 12 (25%)

Software Review due December 12 (15%). Guidance on Software Review

Regular Assignments (60%)

Revised: November 11, 2003. Comments to William Pegram, wpegram@gmu.edu