Syllabus

** COLLEGE OF EDUCATION/DIVISION OF EDUCATION ** ** COURSE SYLLABUS ** ** Course Discipline: **EDUC/EDUC/EDCP ** Course Name: **Evaluating Software for Instruction ** Course Number: **EDCP 610 ** Credit Hours: **3.0 Instructor: Mrs. Patricia Martin, Phone (630)257-5750 cell (630)544-9164 E-mail: pmartin@d142.org or pattyomartin@msn.com
 * GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY **

Trimester Offered: Fall

Date and Time: Mondays, 8/30/10 – 12/13/10, 4:30 – 7:20PM

Catalog Description: Examines the role and function of computer software in the instructional process. Activities focus upon the development of criteria appropriate for selecting software as part of classroom instruction and management. A curriculum-based decision-making approach is utilized to evaluate the function of software.

Prerequisites: None

Rationale: With the expanding ready access in today’s schools to purchased and online software, it is quite important that the classroom teacher become familiar with many of these educational resources in the instructional process. Upon completion of the course, the students should have a firm foundation of knowledge related to the different types and selection of software for educational as well as administrative applications.

Intended Audience: Graduate M.A. in Education majors with a specialization in Computer Education.

Expected Student Upon completion of this course the student should be able to: Outcomes: 1. Describe the role played by computers in the planning, delivery, and support of instruction.

2. Identify major sources of software production, reviews, and evaluation.

3. Submit advanced queries within search engines to locate educational online software

4. Identify websites on the Internet that are useful for teachers and students as a resource for obtaining freeware, shareware, web 2.0 software, demos, etc.

5. Identify and explain student instructional use and teacher management use of word processing, presentation software, spreadsheets and databases. Produce samples of each.

6. Evaluate software according to its type of instruction and applicability to: a. Drill and practice b. Tutorial c. Problem-solving d. Simulation e. Concept mapping f. Presentation Software 7. Evaluate productivity software including: a. Word Processors b. Database management systems c. Spreadsheets d. Communications e. Paint programs f. Still photo manipulation programs g. Video/audio editors h. Web Browsers i. Electronic gradebooks

. 8. Discuss the implications of computer piracy, copyright laws, fair use, archival copies, and other legal issues related to schools and libraries.

Instructional Modalities: Lecture, discussion, computer projects

Activities and assignments:


 * 1) Download two separate pieces of educational shareware programs from the Internet and make a working copy of each program to be presented to the class. (Use Flash drive or CD to save)


 * 1) Complete two in-depth lesson plans using software from the following groups: 1) drill-and-practice, 2) tutorial, and 3) simulation. Present both to the class.


 * 1) Complete one in-depth evaluation of one of the following types of productivity software: 1) word processing 2) database 3) spreadsheet 4) electronic gradebook, 5) communications 6) paint programs 7) digital video editing systems 8) still digital photo editing programs or 9) web browsers


 * 1) Produce one student application and one teacher management application for a database and/or a spreadsheet. (Total of 2)


 * 1) Produce one student application and one teacher application using 2 different web 2.0 tools


 * 1) Develop an annotated software catalog describing at least 50 different pieces of software applicable to your teaching situation and instructional interests. Forty of these should be drawn from instructional software, and ten should be drawn from programs for management, productivity, or support purposes.


 * 1) Final Examination

Texts/Materials: No text required. The course does require a flash drive with at least 256 MB of memory.

Tentative Topical Outline Week Topic Evaluation

1 Course Overview F

2-4 Types and purposes of Instructional software: Evaluation of drill-and-practice, tutorial, simulation, problem solving, and concept mapping C,E,F

5-7 Types and purposes of teacher management software, Evaluation of word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, web 2.0 and teacher utilities (gradebook, worksheet generator, quiz generator, and  classroom management.) B,D,E,F

8-9 Shareware, Freeware, Web 2.0 tools Legal Issues A,E,F

10-11 Audio, Photo and digital movie production and editing software D,E,F

12-13 Painting and animation software D,E,F

14 Browsers and web-based instructional software D,E,F

15 Final Examination F

Evaluation: Points (Present one evaluation of instructional software to the class demonstrating features via projector) || 100 ||
 * Class Participation/ classroom miscellaneous research assignments || 100  ||
 * Evaluate 2 shareware packages @ 50 points each || 100  ||
 * Present 2 in-depth lesson plans || 100  ||
 * Spreadsheet/Database for teacher management || 50  ||
 * Spreadsheet/Database for student learning || 50  ||
 * Web 2.0 tool for teacher management || 50  ||
 * Web 2.0 tool for student learning || 50  ||
 * In-depth instructional software evaluation
 * Annotated software catalog (at least 50 programs) || 300  ||
 * Final Examination (comprehensive understanding) || 200  ||
 * Total Possible Points ||  1100  ||

Grading Scale: A=990-1100 B=880-989 C=770-879 D=660-769 F=659 and below

Attendance/Lateness Policy
As a professional educator, attendance is expected. More than 2 unexcused absences or chronic tardiness will result in a lower grade. Assignments are expected on due dates. Late assignments will have at least 10% deducted from the scores. All assignments are expected to be completed using computer software. Academic Honesty: Plagiarism is not tolerated at Governors State University. Internet resources easily allow instructors to type in just a brief phrase from an assignment and learn if any part of the assignment has been fully or partially plagiarized. Thus, remember to always submit your own work. If pulling information from any source, the source must be referenced accordingly in APA format. If a paper is found to have any portion plagiarized, the paper will receive a failing grade and possible dismissal of the student from the Education Program and/or University will be pursued. Honesty and integrity are required dispositions for all higher education students. Disability statement: Students who have a disability or special needs and require accommodation in order to have equal access to the classroom must register with the designated staff member in the Division of Student Development. Please go to Room B1201 or call (708) 534-4090 and ask for the Coordinator of Disability Services. Students will be required to provide documentation of any disability when an accommodation is requested.