TCHV 3009 - Educational Technology: Effective Use of Technology in the Classroom

Description

The course, Educational Technology, has been divided into four chapters. The first two chapters, Introduction to Educational Technology and Digital Literacy, provide foundational concepts that must be considered to effectively integrate technology into your classroom. The first chapter encompasses the historical significance, key concepts and components, and benefits of educational technology. Focusing on the transformative role of technology in modern education, the chapter discusses advantages and challenges in teaching and learning. The chapter concludes with an activity that guides learners on identifying professional goals. Chapter two gives learners an in-depth review and discussion on the Digital Age. Understanding the impact technology has had on the world, and specifically education, gives teachers the competence and confidence to navigate rapid change. Practical tips for safeguarding online security, distinguishing between reliable and misleading content, and leveraging technology for creative expression converge to shape a holistic understanding of digital literacy. There are twenty-four subject areas in these two chapters, which are sequential and should be completed in the order in which they are presented in the course. After completing these twenty-four areas you should understand the importance of technology in today’s classroom, including the essential task to learn and teach digital literacy skills. In Chapter three you will learn practical skills to assist you in integrating technology into your classroom. The chapter identifies specific educational technology tools and strategies to increase student communication, motivation, and engagement achievement. Also included are several future trends. Teachers should be aware of the benefits and questions surrounding new tools including how to evaluate new tools. The course concludes with a discussion on the changing landscape of educational technology. Chapter four reviews the impact the pandemic had on student needs and how education is changing in response. One of the biggest challenges for teachers and students during and after the pandemic has been online learning. Recognizing that this technology is here to stay, this chapter focuses on how to minimize stress and barriers of online learning to create quality online experiences. There are twenty-two subject areas in chapters three and four; they are sequential and should be completed in the order in which they are presented in the course. After completing these twenty-two areas, you should be able to compare educational technology tools and strategies and select the most effective ways to enhance your practice and classroom. After completing each chapter, you will be required to take an examination.

Outline

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Educational Technology
• Chapter 2: Digital Literacy
• Chapter 3: Technology Integration
• Chapter 4: Changing Landscape of Educational Technology

Program Objectives

1. Recognize the importance of technology in today’s classroom.
2. Identify key concepts and important components of educational technology.
3. Review the history of educational technology as it relates to current theory and practice.
4. Evaluate your awareness and level technology integration.
5. Discuss the benefits of integrating technology in and out of a classroom.
6. Examine best practices and recognize how technology, pedagogy, and content can enhance learning outcomes.
7. Use self-reflection to propose professional goals to improve your practice in technology integration.
8. Explain the ways in which digital culture is supported and influenced by ethics.
9. Describe the Digital Age and the teacher’s role in it.
10. Recognize concepts and important components of digital literacy.
11. Adapt ethical guidelines and examples that you can apply to your teaching.
12. Recall the ISTE standards and how they are significant to technology integration.
13. Identify types, tools, and strategies that can be used to create innovative products.
14. Acquire educational technology strategies that if used correctly, can increase student communication, motivation, engagement achievement.
15. Apply your learning by creating a lesson plan utilizing a selected technology tool or strategy.
16. Successfully evaluate educational technology tools to enhance teaching and learning.
17. Identify practical ways to elevate your skill set and effectively integrate technology.
18. Examine how the global pandemic has changed education and student needs.
19. Articulate how online learning impacted the world before, during, and after the pandemic.
20. Explain common barriers to effective online courses and strategies that can overcome them.

Notes

This course is offered in partnership with VESi. Learners must earn a minimum of 70% in the course to receive continuing education units.