Technology and Diversity – EDUC 629

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

This course focuses on the nature of individual learners as it impacts instructional design with the use of technology in education. Specifically, the course covers topics on tools, methods and approaches to meet learning needs of children with special learning, those of differing socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, and those of varying learning styles and preferences. The course attempts to bridge the gap between theoretical implications and practical applications of diversity considerations in the context of educational technology integration.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Leaders focusing on educational technology design and management must be aware of the changing demographic landscape of education today. Students from rich, diverse backgrounds—in culture, socioeconomic status, learning ability, and learning preference—reveal the need for efforts in developing effective means for planning individual learning experiences. Issues of awareness, design, and effective application and implementation become important in this light. This course focuses on these very issues.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 200 words and contain at least 2 references cited in current APA format. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 100 words and contain at least 1 reference in current APA format. (CLO: A, B, D, F)

Technology Standards Infographic Assignment

For this assignment, the candidate will provide an Infographic of the International Standards for Technology Educators (ISTE), the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines, and the Technology Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK) framework. The candidate must then provide an overview of each standard’s unique qualities, as well as an explanation of how they can be applied in the field of instructional design and technology. The goal of this assignment is to demonstrate an understanding of each of these standards and provide a foundation for how they will be applied through the candidate’s Technology Implementation Plan. (CLO: C, D, E)

Learning Community Demographics Paper Assignment

The candidate will write a 2-3-page paper in current APA format that focuses on the demographics of their local community.  The paper must include a minimum of 3 references. (CLO: B, C, E)

Technology Application Review and Demonstration Assignment

The candidate will create a 5-10 slide presentation that focuses on a critique of three current applications/programs available for classroom instruction.  Then, the candidate will select one of the three reviewed programs that best aligns to their program goals.  They will develop a 3-5 minute screencast demonstrating how to use the program in their classroom.  (CLO: A, D, E)

Technology Application Professional Development and Lesson Plans Assignment

The candidate will develop a professional development plan describing how teachers will be prepared to use the new technology in their classroom instruction.  Then, the candidate will create two formal lesson plans demonstrating how the students will use the technology during lessons. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Technology Tool Assessment Assignment

The candidate will write a one-page paper in current APA format that focuses on the goals and objectives of their technology plan.  Then, the candidate will create two surveys, one for teachers and one for students, to aid in the evaluation of their technology plan. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Assistive Technology Application for All Learners Assignment

The candidate will write a 3-5 page paper in current APA format that focuses on the assistive technologies available with the selected program they have chosen to include in their curriculum.  The paper must include a minimum of two references. (CLO: B, D, E)