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Course Description
Overview of classic and contemporary theories of learning and their applications in educational technology and emerging orientations; implications for practice. Explores foundations, history, perspectives, and literature in the field. Enables students to think more critically about their efforts and career goals

Course Objectives (AECT Standards)
After completing this course you will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast notions of past, present and future theories of educational technology.
2. Distinguish between the theoretical positions that underlie current approaches to educational technology.
3. Define and identify epistemological principles.
4. Identify major theoretical schools of thought.
5. Differentiate between epistemological beliefs and theoretical schools of thought.
6. Describe and account for the origins of major theories that influence educational technology.
7. Show how perceptions and approaches to educational technology have been influenced by prevailing educational theories.
8. Explain how systematic approaches to educational technology differ from traditional classroom-based approaches to teaching.
9. Apply educational technology theories to practical development contexts

Learning Outcomes
How traditional theories influence implementation and how new technologies are influencing emergence of new theories on learning.

Important Dates: Academic Calendar, Spring 2009

Required Textbook
Theoretical Foundations of Learning Environments
Author (Eds.): Jonassen, D. H., & Land, S. M.
Date: 2000
Publisher: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
ISBN-10: 0-8058-3216-5

Software & Hardware Requirements
Current software/hardware requirements for the EDTECH program: http://edtech.boisestate.edu/web/hardware.htm

Please do not pay full price for your software!!! An academic discount is available for students and teachers with proof of eligibility. The academic price shaves hundreds of dollars from the original cost.

Here are two places where you can obtain the academic (lower priced) versions of the software:

• Boise State Bookstore: http://www.boisestatebooks.com (Click Technology/Software)
• Academic Superstore: http://www.academicsuperstore.com (Search for titles)

Antivirus Software
Please make sure to have up to date antivirus software installed and running on your computer.

Popup Blocker
This is highly recommended. Google has one built into their free toolbar if you want to try it: http://toolbar.google.com/T4/index_pack.html

Free Software
Please make sure that the following are installed and up to date on your computer.

• Adobe Reader: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
• Flash Player: http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/
• QuickTime Player: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
• Firefox Web Browser: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
• iTunes Browser: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Internet Connection
Of course, an Internet connection is required to participate in this online course. If you have a high speed connection it is preferable to dial-up access. If you only have dial-up access you can still get by, but patience is a virtue when waiting for files to download.

Grading
Grades in this course will consist of three major components:

1. In-class projects/preparation/participation (approximately 40%)
2. Reflection (approximately 20%)
3. Major paper or web pages (approximately 40%)

Point values are specified when the assignments are posted. I reserve the right to adjust these percentages, either collectively or individually, as necessary.

Grade Scale—Based on percentage of total points attained:
A: 90% - 100%
B: 80% - 89%
C: 70% - 79%
D: 60% - 69%
F: Less than 60%

If the cost of this course is being reimbursed by your district or school, please review the policies regarding the minimum grade required for a complete reimbursement. It is not the responsibility of the instructor to assure a grade that meets those requirements.

Technical Difficulties
On occasion, you may experience problems with accessing Moodle, with your Internet service, and/or other computer related problems. Do make the instructor aware if a technical problem prevents you from completing coursework.

Time Management
An online course can take a considerable amount of time. For this reason, I would strongly suggest beginning each assignment early. Work on it regularly over the week rather than waiting until the last day or two. This will allow you to have the chance to work out problems or get help if needed.

Participation
Depending on the class activities, you are responsible for completing weekly assignments, participating in discussion groups, and checking in to the course site on a consistent basis.

Assignments
You will always be given explicit instructions on where to send your assignments. Assignments are generally due on Tuesdays, with new weeks beginning on Wednesdays. If you wish to complete an assignment prior to the due date, you may (however, a group assignment must be completed during the week assigned OR upon approval of every member of the group). I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE ASSIGNMENTS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS POLICY AND SUBMIT YOUR WORK ON TIME.

Faculty Initiated Drop
Please be advised that if you do not attend class at least once during the first week, I will drop you from class.

Incompletes
Please be advised that I strictly follow the rules for incompletes. In order for me to give you an incomplete in this course, the following two criteria MUST be met:

1. Your work has been satisfactory up to the last three weeks of the semester.
2. Extenuating circumstances make it impossible for you to complete the course before the end of the semester.

In order to receive an incomplete, we must create a contract stipulating the work you must do and the time in which it must be completed for you to receive a grade in the class. The contract time may not exceed one year. If no grade other than incomplete has been assigned one year after the original incomplete, the grade of 'F' will automatically be assigned. The grade of 'F' may not be changed without the approval of the University Appeals Committee. You may not remove the incomplete from your transcript by re-enrolling in the class during another semester. A grade of incomplete is excluded from GPA calculations until you receive a final grade in the course. If I assign a grade of incomplete you will received an email notification that you have "Registrar To Do Items" on BroncoWeb.

Student Code of Conduct
It is expected that students in this class will create original works for each assignment. We will follow the BSU Student Code of Conduct. In the event of academic dishonesty a complaint is filed with the BSU Student Conduct Office with supporting documentation. This complaint remains on file and actions may be taken against the student (e.g., loss or credit, grade reduction, expulsion, etc.).

We will also observe U.S. copyright laws in this course. Several great links to copyright information are available on the BSU Academic Technologies site at: http://itc.boisestate.edu/resource.htm. Also, please be aware of the Creative Commons licenses and how they can be used to protect, share, and distribute materials.

In addition to the above, please respect the following guidelines:

• Please submit original work for each project. Projects that were created for other classes may not be submitted for credit in EDTECH 504. Each project may only be submitted for credit one time by the person who created it. The BSU Student Code of Conduct states: "Academic dishonesty also includes submitting substantial portions of the same academic course work to more than one course for credit without prior permission of the instructor(s)."
• All project text should be original text written by the student who is creating the project. The exception to this is the use of small amounts of quoted material that is properly cited. Copying and pasting from other Web sites or projects (including the instructor's examples) is not allowed.
• Images and sound clips used in projects should be original, or used with permission of the owner, or come from the public domain. Please check “terms of use” on sites containing these items.
• Please cite the source(s) for materials that are obtained for your projects unless they are created by you. If permission is granted for use of copyrighted materials please post a statement explaining that near those materials. occasionally use Blackboard "Safe Assignment" and other plagiarism detection utilities to test random assignments.

Thank you for abiding by the Course Policies.

Reasonable Accommodations
Any student who feels s/he may need accommodations based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. You will also need to contact the Disability Resource Center at 208-426-1583 located in the Administration Building, room 114 to meet with a specialist and coordinate reasonable accommodations for any documented disability.

College of Education - The Professional Educator
Boise State University strives to develop knowledgeable educators who integrate complex roles and dispositions in the service of diverse communities of learners. Believing that all children, adolescents, and adults can learn, educators dedicate themselves to supporting that learning. Using effective approaches that promote high levels of student achievement, educators create environments that prepare learners to be citizens who contribute to a complex world. Educators serve learners as reflective practitioners, scholars and artists, problem solvers, and partners.

Department of Educational Technology Mission
The Department of Educational Technology supports the study and practice of facilitating and improving learning of a diverse population by creating, using, managing, and evaluating appropriate technological processes and resources. Believing technology is a tool that enhances and expands the educational environment, we promote the use of current and emergent technologies for teaching and learning in a dynamic global society. Educational technologists are leaders and innovators, serving in institutions of higher education, public or private school settings, federal, state, or local educational agencies, and educational organizations in the private sector.
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Modification of the Syllabus and Schedule
I reserve the right to modify the syllabus and schedule at any time. Notice of any change will be emailed and posted as an announcement.