COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Below are Technology in Education course descriptions for:

• required core courses for Master's program
• required core courses for Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies and Educational Specialist programs
• elective courses

Required Core Courses, Technology in Education Master's Degree

ECOMP 5100 - Computers, Technology, and Education | This course presents an overview of computers in education including productivity tools such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and graphics. Students survey examples of educational software, explore the Internet, conduct online learning, and practice APA writing style.

ECOMP 5106 - Designing Curriculum that Integrates Technology | Participants will gain practical experience in curriculum planning that takes specific advantage of technology to enhance and extend learning. State academic standards and national technology standards will be used to make decisions about curriculum content and to plan technology-based activities. Participants will use databases and spreadsheets in support of inquiry learning. Writing and presentation software will be used for communication; and multimedia and web-tools will be used to design engaging learning environments.

ECOMP 6008 - The World Wide Web as an Educational Resource | Through hands-on experience, readings and simulations participants develop skills in using the tools of telecommunications to communicate and collaborate with others, access information, conduct research, develop web sites and apply what is learned in schools, classrooms and graduate studies. Responsible use of telecommunications, issues related to educational telecommunications and the changing role and nature of information will be addressed. (formerly: ECOMP 7007 Telecommunications: Curriculum In A Global Context.)

ECOMP 6016 - Teaching and Learning with Digital Media | This course will help educators to harness the power of digital media for teaching and learning. They will learn to use that power to transform traditional teacher-centered classrooms into student-focused learning environments where students use digital media for the acquisition, analysis, construction, and presentation of knowledge. Hands on experiences will also help them develop proficiency with the tools and skills needed for authoring and publishing digital media in a variety of formats.

ECOMP 6100 - Educational Uses of Systems Thinking, Modeling, and Simulations | This course is an introduction to "systems thinking," a prescribed way of thinking about, describing and understanding real world phenomena and its relevance to education. Systems thinking is the art and science of examining real world complexity and understanding patterns in relationships. Through computer-based exploration and discussion, students will develop understanding about this framework and about the use of models and simulations as thinking tools in educational settings.  For professional Master's programs in MA and NC ONLY

ECOMP 6101 - Technology: Impact on Society and the Schools | Through discussions, readings, group work, and class activities, the course focuses on current social and political issues in educational technology, issues of effectiveness, and the process of leading change in educational institutions. Students analyze current practice and evolving issues with varied perspectives. Students lead a seminar on one of the course's controversial topics, and develop a plan for change in their own classrooms, schools, or communities.

ECOMP 6102 - Classroom Assessment With Technology (Previous to Summer 2008: Assessment and Technology) | This course investigates uses of technology in conducting and transforming assessment practices. Participants learn about technologies that support both formal and alternative/authentic assessment (e.g., tests, portfolios, observation tools, self- and whole class assessments). Roles of assessment in student learning and meeting an educational organization’s needs will be explored (including current assessments of technology’s efficacy). Participants design balanced assessment programs that both prove and improve student achievement and use multiple methods to evaluate uses of technology resources in schools.

ECOMP 7008 - Research in Technology in Education | This course engages students in action research leading to development of an appropriate intervention in using technology. Through research, students are expected to more fully understand technology’s role in education. Student research projects will include the development of meaningful research questions, a cultural-historical analysis of context, an appropriate research design, and the application of qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. Students will relate their findings to published research, and plan a research-based intervention using technology. (formerly: Technology and Teacher Research) 

ECOMP 7009 - Leadership in Educational Technology: Systemic Program Implementation (online only) | Using case studies, internet-based sources and publications in the market, and participants’ professional contexts, this course explores and applies key educational leadership principles in technology use. Participants will analyze these principles in their professional settings and develop a product that has significant value to their educational technology leadership role. Course topics include shared vision, planning, access, integration into instruction, assessment and evaluation, support, professional development, community relationships, and ethical legal issues. (formerly: Educational Leadership and Technology: Organizing Change) For professional Master's programs in MA and NC ONLY

ECOMP 7100 - Fundamentals of Computer Structure | This course investigates technical aspects of the computer, balancing between hardware and operating system. Methods of maintenance, troubleshooting and repair are demonstrated and experienced. The goal is to demystify the computer, not create technicians. Students learn basic technical language and concepts to communicate about, prevent, and solve basic technical problems, enabling them to function more effectively in educational settings with computers. This includes being able to make technically informed decisions regarding the purchasing and upgrading of computers.

ECOMP 7101 - Practicum and Seminar in Instructional Technology | Full-semester, full-time practicum; minimum of 150 hours at each of any two of the following levels: PreK-6, 5-8, 8-12, which meets the requirements in MA for an initial teacher license in Instructional Technology. Practicum is accompanied by a seminar addressing issues in the field. Prerequisite: Completion of a 75-hour early field experience, required pre-practicum courses, and MTEL requirements. Permission required.

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Required Core Courses, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies and Educational Specialist Programs

EAGSR 7101 - Quantitative Methods I | Statistics for Research: This course is designed to introduce graduate students to basic statistical methods and involves two broad topics: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. In addition, students are introduced to statistical model building through the technique of regression analysis and correlational analysis. While the course centers on parametric statistical techniques, a brief introduction to nonparametric statistical methods, such as the chi-square test, is introduced.

EAGSR 7103 - Qualitative Research Methods I | The purpose of this class is to learn to conduct qualitative social science research. Participants will read a variety of perspectives on the philosophical bases as well as tools of the practice of qualitative data gathering and analysis. Each participant will engage in a small qualitative study that is consistent with her or his graduate study goals. They will choose a topic and research setting, negotiate research relationships, collect and analyze data, and present findings. Readings, analytic memos, interview transcriptions, and field notes will provide material for the class to work with as co-consultants.

ECOMP 6102 - Classroom Assessment With Technology (Previous to Summer 2008: Assessment and Technology)  | This course investigates uses of technology in conducting and transforming assessment practices. Participants learn about technologies that support both formal and alternative/authentic assessment (e.g., tests, portfolios, observation tools, self- and whole class assessments). Roles of assessment in student learning and meeting an educational organization’s needs will be explored (including current assessments of technology’s efficacy). Participants design balanced assessment programs that both prove and improve student achievement and use multiple methods to evaluate uses of technology resources in schools.

ECOMP 7008 - Research in Technology in Education | This course engages students in action research leading to development of an appropriate intervention in using technology. Through research, students are expected to more fully understand technology’s role in education. Student research projects will include the development of meaningful research questions, a cultural-historical analysis of context, an appropriate research design, and the application of qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. Students will relate their findings to published research, and plan a research-based intervention using technology. (formerly: Technology and Teacher Research)

ECOMP 7009 - Leadership in Educational Technology: Systemic Program Implementation (online only) | Using case studies, internet-based sources and publications in the market, and participants’ professional contexts, this course explores and applies key educational leadership principles in technology use. Participants will analyze these principles in their professional settings and develop a product that has significant value to their educational technology leadership role. Course topics include shared vision, planning, access, integration into instruction, assessment and evaluation, support, professional development, community relationships, and ethical legal issues. (formerly: Educational Leadership and Technology: Organizing Change)

ECOMP 7011 - Bridging Technology Gaps | This course looks at the reasons that there are significant student disparities in performance with and access to technology that are found in race, gender, economic class, linguistic, and cultural differences. In this course, students will investigate existing strategies to redress these "divides," from classroom to community to national efforts. Students will also explore curriculum and teaching techniques to broaden the appeal and engage more students in expanding their learning opportunities by using technology.

ECOMP 7103 - 21st Century Leadership: Supporting All Learners on the Ability Spectrum  | Experiential practice in the design, development, testing, and validation of technology-based solutions for learning-disabled students in complex socio-economic, inclusive/sequestered, low/high technology and reform/traditional educational environments. Students are introduced to pedagogical and technology approaches that address the needs of students across the learning and cognitive disabilities spectrum, and have opportunities for intellectual exchanges with educators and specialists who have implemented solutions. (formerly: Advanced Studies in Technology and Special Needs)

ECOMP 7104 - Technology in Education Thesis Project | The CAGS thesis project course is designed to assist students in developing and implementing a project that will contribute to the field of education. The project also helps to demonstrate that at the end of the CAGS program, students have learned how to conduct research, plan a major initiative, synthesize information and present the work to an appropriate and critical audience.

ECOMP 8000 - Advanced Professional Seminar in Technology in Education |  In this course, students will advance their knowledge of technology in education and examine the students' previously unexplored areas of the profession.

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Technology in Education Electives (these courses are available as electives unless they are part of your required program)

ECOMP 5003 - Technology in the Mathematics Curriculum |  This course explores how technology supported activities can make mathematics both engaging and understandable to students (and teachers). Using simulations, video, web based applets, spreadsheets, visual databases, and software programs, participants carry out mathematical investigations and connect them to standards based content goals through problem solving, reasoning, communications, and connections to the real world. We also consider how experiences supported by technology can help K-12 students make better sense of mathematics.

ECOMP 5004 - Integrating Technology into the Language Arts Curriculum | This course considers current research and best practice in the teaching of language arts using technology as a tool for student writing, reading, and other communication activities. Language Arts includes reading and writing in the content areas. Participants examine how technology can be used at all stages of the writing process-idea generating, drafting, responding, revising, editing, and publishing. Participants explore project-based learning, process writing, literature-based reading, research/writing across the curriculum, and curriculum integration of word processors and other language arts software. Participants explore how the technology, including the Web, can motivate students to read, write, and think critically and to communicate effectively.

ECOMP 5007 - 21st Century Teaching: Supporting All Learners on the Ability Spectrum | This hands-on course teaches the application of technologies to the special needs curriculum. Participants develop the knowledge and skills to support special needs learners with technologies: understanding the learning characteristics of special needs students; developing customized hypermedia; selecting and evaluating appropriate software; experimenting with and using software and adaptive technologies; discussing special needs research and national legislation; investigating the latest issues of using technology for special needs learners; and integrating technology into the curriculum. (formerly: Technology and Special Needs)

ECOMP 5022 - Technology and Social Studies | This course gives teachers a chance to explore a variety of ways that technology can be used to support and enhance the social studies curriculum such as developing student-centered projects, inquiry, communication and "virtual learning." Students in this course will investigate and evaluate existing standards-based social studies curriculum; build resources; use new tools; and create new curriculum materials for their own classrooms. They will learn and use the "transformative" power of technology in the social studies.

ECOMP 5102 - An Introduction to Programming: From Graphics to Microworlds with Logo | This course will introduce students to the educational philosophy of Logo Microworlds, to several Logo supported learning environments, and to using Logo to create student centered projects designed and implemented in the Microworlds environment. Students will be encouraged to find areas of interest to explore using Logo, and will be introduced to some aspects of computer programming.

ECOMP 5107 - Evaluating Educational Technology for the Classroom | This course focuses on the assessment and selection of appropriate educational technology applications for use in instruction in a variety of school settings. The course includes an overview of evaluation techniques for software and other instructional technology resources. National and local standards for subject matter content, thinking processes, and technology, as well as pedagogical approach, will inform the evaluation process. Students will develop their own evaluation tools for their own contexts and uses.

ECOMP 6009 - Web Site Design and HTML: Web Publishing for Educators | This course focuses on web site development by and for educators, students, and schools. Each participant creates an original site, a process that is supported by the class examination of technical issues (design, HTML scripting, digital imaging, web editors, Internet publication, and site maintenance) and real school examples of teacher and student web authoring. Issues of classroom pedagogy and management, student-centered web development, access, defining one's audience, and school-wide participation will be addressed.

ECOMP 6018 - Introduction to Educational Robotics | This course introduces the principles of robotics as a subject matter and as a concrete three-dimensional classroom tool to be used in many educational environments. Various types of robots are optimized to illustrate how these educational assistants can impact the learning environment and problem solving challenges for math, science, language arts, industrial arts, activities for disabled or special education students, and events for the gifted and talented. The course utilizes Macintosh computers, PCs using Windows, and all laptops to work with remote infrared programming which is linked to vision, sonar, tactile sensors, speech, pattern recognition, voice recognition, and problem solving challenges.

ECOMP 6011 - Database Management Systems for Educational Settings  | Today's teachers and administrators use Database Management Systems (DBMS) to a support a variety of purposes, and this is becoming increasingly true as educators adopt data driven decision-making. This course provides the knowledge and experience that educators need to understand, design and implement relational DBMS projects to serve a wide set of goals in educational settings. Course goals and objectives are achieved through group and individual projects that include extensive hands-on experience with Microsoft Access.

ECOMP 6100 - Educational Uses of Systems Thinking, Modeling, and Simulations | This course is an introduction to "systems thinking," a prescribed way of thinking about, describing and understanding real world phenomena and its relevance to education. Systems thinking is the art and science of examining real world complexity and understanding patterns in relationships. Through computer-based exploration and discussion, students will develop understanding about this framework and about the use of models and simulations as thinking tools in educational settings. For CAGS and Educational Specialist students only

ECOMP 7008 - Research in Technology in Education | This course engages students in action research leading to development of an appropriate intervention in using technology. Through research, students are expected to more fully understand technology’s role in education. Student research projects will include the development of meaningful research questions, a cultural-historical analysis of context, an appropriate research design, and the application of qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. Students will relate their findings to published research, and plan a research-based intervention using technology. (formerly: Technology and Teacher Research)

ECOMP 7010 - Emerging Technologies | Educators experiment with leading edge technologies such as streaming audio and video, GIS, handheld devices, virtual reality environments, web based technologies, and applets to determine their usefulness in teaching, learning, integration into curricula, and matching technologies to students' learning styles. They build knowledge, expertise and experience in identifying the efficacy of future technologies in enhancing student learning and enabling students to learn new topics and ideas previously out of reach.

ECOMP 7017 - Teaching Online: Issues and Design |This course is an introduction to concepts and issues related to online education. Students will advance their knowledge of teaching and learning online, including design and implementation of online courses. Issues of pedagogy, methodology, challenges, and current state of the field will be examined. With guided practice, students will engage in leading online seminars and designing course content for a mini-course. (formerly: ECOMP 6017) For CAGS and Educational Specialist students only

EAGSR 6003 - Program Evaluation  | An introduction to systematic, interactive program evaluation with an emphasis on underlying theories, current practices, techniques for collecting and analyzing data, and report writing. For CAGS and Educational Specialist students only

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