CECS 4100.005
Computers in the Classroom
Course Information

University of North Texas

 

 

Instructor
Dr. Gerald Knezek
Office MH 316 H
Office Hours: 1:00 - 4:00 pm on Wednesdays
Phone: 940-565-4195
Email: gknezek@tenet.edu
Course Website: courseweb.tac.unt.edu/gknezek

 

Assistant: Dr. Dana Arrowood
Office: Matthews Hall, 322F
940-565-4632
arrowood@coe.unt.edu


Course Overview/Objectives

This survey course will introduce preservice educators to the extensive field of educational technology. Topics covered in this course will be areas that impact or have the potential to impact educators working in the classroom environment. Special emphasis will be placed on constructing relevant and appropriate instructional environments.

The objectives for this course include the opportunity for students to analyze computer uses in education including simple applications programming in LOGO (MicroWorlds).  In addition students should gain knowledge in the selection of educational software, feel comfortable modeling an educational presentation system, understand the integration of technology into the classroom and the use of other electronic sources for educational classroom resources. Students will develop a unit portfolio on a chosen topic that integrates technology.

This semester we are incorporating the Intel Teach to the Future Preservice program. We are pleased to have received this opportunity and feel it will enhance the course.

Course Topics

  • How are Computers used in the Classroom?
  • Technology Integration in the Classroom
  • Technology Integration
  • Computer Ethics and Equity
  • Technology and Diverse Needs of Learners
  • Educational Software: How should we evaluate it?
  • Telecommunications and the Internet in the Classroom
  • Searching for Educational Resources
  • Copyright Laws and Educational Technology
  • Technology Applications (TA) Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
  • National Standards for Teacher Competencies
  • National Standards for Student Competencies
  • MicroWorlds Project Builder

Course Prerequisites
 

CECS 1100 (may be taken concurrently with consent of department). If you have not taken this course, it is your responsibility to make sure you learn the prerequisite skills to be successful in CECS 4100.

Course Policies

  • Attendance and punctuality are professional behaviors expected of educators. Educational technology is not "doing computer projects"--it is much more. Hence, you need to be here for class discussions and learning activities. Although attendence will not be taken, in-class activities will be given at random and will count for a significant part of your grade. You will not be allowed to make them up.
  • You are expected to conform to all policies of the University of North Texas and work within the honor code.

Requirements/Grading

  • REQUIREMENTS:


You are responsible for the chapter assignments even if they are not covered in lecture.
 

  • Workload for CECS 4100: Like all college courses, expect to spend 2-3 hours outside of class for each hour spent in class. In other words, you should expect to spend 6-9 hours each week outside of class completing readings, assignments, and hands-on computer time in addition to the 3 hours you are in class.

 

  • There will be 3 exams, 6 homework assignments and several in-class activities. I will drop your lowest exam grade.

 

    • The in-class exercises are to be turned in for stamping on the day they are assigned or no credit will be given. It is your responsibility to save and submit these as a batch for credit to be awarded at the end of the course.
    • The homework assignments are due on the dates posted on the schedule.


These requirements will be weighted as follows:
 
 

 

 

 

Exams

 

20%

PowerPoint presentation introducing your unit

 

5%

Finding Resources for Classroom Teachers

Checklist

5%

Student sample - newsletter or brochure

 

10%

Website supporting your unit

Website Rubric

10%

Final Unit Portfolio

Checklist

20%

MicroWorlds Project

MicroWorlds Rubric

15%

Inclass Activities/Homework Assignments/Class Participation/Chapter Quizzes

 

15%


 

Important: Late assignments will receive a maximum grade of 75%. Late assignments are those that are turned in after the beginning of class on the day in which they are due. However, turning in a late assignment is much better than not turning in one at all.
 

  • GRADES


Grades will be calculated by the following scale:
 A = 90% or more
 B = 80 to 89.4%
 C = 70 to 79.4%
 D = 60 to 69.4%
 F = Below 60%


Required Materials

Textbook: Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (3rd Ed.), by M. D. Roblyer, Prentice Hall.
Textbook: Learning MicroWorlds Pro by Tom Lough (Available at the copy center at Kendall Hall)
6 high-density, double-sided computer disks and 1 zip disk - bring at least one floppy with you every week
You will also be provided with the Intel Teach to the Future book and CD ROM. Bring these materials with you to class.

Optional Materials

Optional: MicroWorlds Pro: Tips and Tricks by Gary Stager (Available at the copy center at Kendall Hall)

EEO/ADA Statement

EEO/ADA:  The University of North Texas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or disabled veteran status in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment policies.  Please see me outside of class to make any arrangements involving special accommodations.

Cheating:  Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses which may be punished by any of the following:
 1. failure on the exam, project or paper
 2. failure in the course, or
 3. expulsion from the University of North Texas
 

For more information on EEO/ADA or academic dishonesty, please refer to your current Undergraduate Catalog.

Updated 8-27-2003
 
 

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