Technology in the
Science Curriculum
ED465C.1

Dr. Zisk

Beaver College
Department of Education

Summer I
2000

May 22 - June 28, 2000

On-Line Course

Class Schedule

This course is being conducted mostly on-line (via the Internet).  An on-line course means that you will be able (if you have the proper computer, software, and Internet access) to do the majority of work from a remote site (like home).  If you are unable to find remote access, the computer lab at Beaver has the needed hardware and software.

An on-line course will require more work and responsibility on your part.   However, the advantages of doing work from home (at the times you desire) may make this a desirable means of taking a course.  For a summer session course expect to  do about 15 hours of class work a week.

Prior skills that a student  needs to have in order to successfully complete this course are:

The following software will be used, therefore the student must have access or ownership of the following software. Aall of the below software is being used in the Macintosh computer lab at Beaver College. For the software below,  you may  use trial versions for  class projects ED 465C.1 is mostly on-line, however, there will be four sessions that will be conducted at Beaver College in the Mac Computer Lab.  These sessions will provide students with opportunities to present lessons,  conduct face-to- face discussions and to practice using the technolgies/instructional strategies under the direct supervision of the professor.  It is therefore required to attend these four sessions.  Students who are unable to attend these sessions will not receive on-site credit, resulting in an eight point reduction for each absence.

The following are days that our class will meet (4:30 PM to 8:00 PM).

Mon., May 22
Wed., May 31
Wed., June 14
Wed., June 28
Instructor: Joseph F. Zisk Ed.D.

Education Department

Phone: 215-723-2808 (work)

Internet: jzisk@mciu.org (checked daily)

Overview: The course will introduce teachers to ways in which technology can be used in the science curriculum. Computer hardware, software and other technology that can be used in  classrooms and integrated into the science curriculum will be introduced. Topics include hardware terminology, operating systems, basics of word processing, presentation software, spreadsheets, and databases. Emphasis will also be placed on software evaluations, multimedia activities, Internet, and web page development. Students will develop lessons and instructional units around computers and multimedia applications for the science classroom.

Grades will be based on the following projects:
 

2 Science Software Evaluations
20 pts.
2 Technology Article Abstracts
14 pts.
1 Group Support lesson activity 
15 pts.
Presentation of lesson
10 pts.
1 Internet Journal
10 pts.
1 Internet Student Activity lesson
6 pts.
Discussion Board on on-line participation
15 pts.
Chat room activities
5 pts.
Final (on-line)
5 pts.

 (5% - 10% penalty for late work)

 100 — 94.0 = A, 93.9 — 92.0 = A-, 91.9 — 90.0 = B+, 89.9 — 87.0 = B, 86.9 — 85.0 = B-, 84.9 — 83.0 = C+
 

Attendance and Punctuality Expected

Eight points will be deducted for each absence

(however, special compensation up to 4 points may be granted ,
with make up assignment(s) and approval of instructor)

Major Projects Descriptions

A. Software Evaluations

Evaluate 2 programs that relate to science or math education. Use an evaluation form.
 

B. Technology Article Abstracts

Write two (2) abstracts on articles and/or research reports on uses of computers in science education. The articles could be from the journals listed below and are available through the library. Each abstract should be 1-2 pages in length, single space, and posted on the  discussion board under the appropriate heading.
 

C. Group Support and Instructional Presentation

Group Support
The  group will provide on-line support and develop a presentation on how to use a particular software in the classroom.  They will provide links (or copy) of a  tutorial lesson, an activity for the class to complete, continuous on-line support in the DB  (until the lesson is over), and even phone support if needed.
Instructional Presentation
Each group should provide a handout (on paper or electronic)  that will provide instructions to the activity ((suggested length is about 1-2 pages - single space). Within your group, prepare a 10 - 20 min. presentation of your instructional topic. In your presentation, include an overview, emphasize key parts and provide student practice for the implementation of technology into the science curriculum.  The student practice component of the lesson may take up to 45 minutes.
D. Internet Journal

The journal should include (suggested length is about 2-3 page - single space):

All journals will be compiled in  MS Word with hyperlinks for the student to follow. Files will be sent to whole class (including instructor) as an email attachment.

E. Internet Student Activity Project

Prepare a student activity (20-40 min.) for students to investigate web sites to find answers to questions. Your project will contain 1- 2 pages (in MS Word with hyperlinks) of written materials with links for the student to follow. Files will be sent to whole class (including instructor) as an email attachment.

F. Discussion Board and On-line Course Participation:
A major component of the on-line course is the discussion board.  A successful class will consist of students actively engaging and exchanging information within the class community.  Therefore, active participation  is highly encouraged and it will contribute to a large portion of your grade.  In order to get full credit for this activity, you will need to have an active presence on all discussion board activities.  All students are expected to post beneficial messages on the board at least twice a week and to read all messages.  Check discussion board and email at least every other day, and open and read all links in the class schedule and on Bb.  You are also expected to be present at all on-site classes and to actively participate.
 
 

Course Objectives: The purpose of this course is to provide technology training for teachers with emphasis on K-12 science strategies. At the completion of the course, teachers will be able to:
 

Use the Internet as a resource by:

a. Preparing student activities to find information on the web
b. Preparing supplemental activities for students using the web
Develop and use multi-media computer technology by:
a. Preparing a technology classroom demonstration
b. Developing a Web page and making multimedia presentations
Use computers to facilitate student-student and faculty-student communication by
a. Using email as an instructional tool

b. Participating in an electronic bulletin board

c. Using email or a WebPage to permit collaboration with students inside and outside the school

d. Completing an on-line exam

Suggested Bibliography:

Bitter, G. & Pierson, M. (1999) Using Technology in the Classroom. Needham Heights MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Sebastian, B. (1998) Microsoft Office 98 Step by Step: Computer Literacy Press.

Reynolds, K. E. & Barba, R. H. ((1996) Technology for the teaching and learning of science: Allyn & Bacon.

Smith, B., & Bebak, A. (1998) Creating web pages for dummies (3rd ed.). Chicago: IDG Books.
 

Required Major Projects:

Required In-Class Activities Web Sites

http://iste.org/

http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/nses/html/

http://unr.edu/homepage/jcannon/ejse/ejse.html

http://www.aaas.org/project2061/2061main.htm

http://www.nasa.gov/index.html
 


Over 60 Additional Links

Joseph Zisk
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