NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION and PROFFESSIONAL SERVICES
Master of Science in Instructional Technology
Course Syllabus
ED X648 (EDIN 616) CourseWare Evaluation
Fall, 1999
Calendar
Description
Text
Requirements
Topics
Internet and WWW Information
Course Assignments
Professor's office hours, telephone, address:
Before and after class and/or by appointment.
(o) 212-261-1554; e-mail, rslotnick@earthlink.net
Course web page: http://iris.nyit.edu/~rslotnic
NYIT, 1855 Broadway, Rm. 402a, New York, NY 10023
This class is Section F01 and will meet at MLK, HS 1st fl. TCC room, Bill Maitland, Coordinator, (212-595-7106), at Amsterdam Ave. and West 65th St., NY, NY. We may meet at NYIT Internet lab if needed. Dates to be announced.
Course Calendar: X648 (616). F01; 4:15-7:25p; Thursdays, 9/23, 30, 10/7, 14, 21, 28, 11/4, 18, 12/2, 12/9
Course Description: ED X648.82 (EDIN 616) CourseWare Evaluation
Students study a wide range of software packages to determine strong and weak points, and write evaluation reports on the packages studied. They learn how to access lists of coursware and how to discriminate between rigorous and non-rigorous evaluations.
In addition, students make decisions on how to integrate software into the curriculum and develop unit plans and lesson plans which reflect the incorporation of software.
Required Text:
No required text. Read articles, hand-outs, software catalogs,
internet resources and
review software. (Books and chapters to read: See below.)
Forcier, R.C. 1999, 2nd ed. The Computer as an Educational Tool:
Productivity and Problem Solving.
Ch 13, Managing a Software Collection
Johnson, Judi M. 1998 Educational Software Preview Guide
135 pages ISTE, ISBN 1-56484-129-4
The quick and reliable resource for screening out software that won't
give you what
you need. Designed especially for educators seeking software
for preview, this
guideónow in its 15th yearólists more than 800 titles of favorably
reviewed software
for K?12 classroom use. Platform, grade level, mode, a brief
description of each
product, and publisher/developer contact information are organized
by subject and
applicationódesktop publishing, spreadsheets, and databases,
for example.
Developed by the Educational Software Preview Guide Consortium
representing
computer education organizations in North America.
Buckleitner, Warren Wolock, Ellen & Orr, Ann 1999.
The
Complete Sourcebook on Children's
Software. Volume 7, 520 pages / 1 Mac/Win CD-ROM
Active Learning Associates, Inc., ISBN 1-891983-03-2
This workaholic software reference book looks at educational and children's
software
from just about every conceivable angle and provides a wealth
of information for
educators and parents to assess learning value. A summary listing
of more than 3,600
pieces of software will give you a general idea of the quality
and selection in last year's
children's software market. Each listing includes the academic
subjects taught,
producer contact information, price, age range, copyright date,
operating systems, and
a brief description. Most listings also include an educator's
rating. Nearly 400
straightforward, full-lenth reviews offer jargon-free descriptions
with overall ratings
and ratings for ease of use, educational value, and more. Other
great features: lists of
top-rated software by subject and grade, a detailed study of
the children's software
market, a software evaluation instrument, a directory of more
than 800 companies that
sell children's software, andónew this year!óa searchable CD-ROM.
Even includes
a list of software for older computer platforms.
ISTE, 1998. Guidelines for the Evaluation of Instructional
Technology
Resources by 44 pages, ISBN 1-56484-131-6; $13.45
These progressive guidelines reflect the next wave in ed-tech expectations.
A set of
rubrics to evaluate each type of instructional technology resource
focuses on
curriculum content, instructional design, and the needs of the
learners for whom
programs are intended. These guidelines also define excellence
and suggest directions
for improving technology productsÑin particular, instructional
software, distance
learning resources, online learning experiences, and tools for
presentation, reference,
and productivity. Appendixes cover screening criteria for interactive
technology
resources, legal compliance, instructional technology resources
for English learners,
and exemplars for future development of interactive technologies.
Evaluation forms are
included.
Recommended Journals: A complete list is provided at the end of the syllabus, but the two journals listed here will be used throughout the course.
Electronic Learning, published by Scholastic Inc., 555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012; 212-505-4900; http://scholastic.com/EL
Learning and Leading with Technology, published by the International Society for Technology in Education, 1787 Agate St., Eugene, OR 97403-1923; 541-346-4414; http://www.iste.org.
Some Software Titles are Listed Below
ClarisWorks
Factory
Hot Dog Stand
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
Oregon Trail
Math Blaster
Outnumbered
and...
Sim City 2000
Amazon Trail
Encarta 98 + Bookshelf
Grolier 98
EB
Print Shop Deluxe
Zip Zap Map
Additional software packages will be reviewed
Students may bring in their own software
Many Sample software packages from Sunburst Publications to review
1. Attendance, class participation and class reports/activities
are required and contribute
to your grade.
2. Create a Database for CourseWare Evaluation. Students
will create a database with appropriate fields for software evaluation.
The class will confer and agree on the
same or similar fields. Use the software evaluation form as a
guide for the appropriate
fields for the database. Add graphics to the database to enhance
its attractiveness.
3. Ten Software Reviews. Select ten (10) educational
software programs and
write a review for each in the database. Select a range of different
software. Again, use the software evaluation form as a guide for
writing the reviews. Review and write these reviews each week and
submit them as you complete them.
4.Print Software Resources and Internet Educational Resources Report. Find, identify, annotate a list of resources -- catalogs, magazines, journals, reports, etc. which list and/or review educational software and annotate a list of the best educational web sites or resources for educational web sites. This should be a written report reflecting Internet resources and your experience working on the Internet and WWW.
5. Ten Best Web Sites. Identify and review
10 interesting educational web pages. Find web pages that are a significant
new approach to education/learning that would not ordinarily be used in
the classroom, such as museum sites, electronic libraries, on-line journals
and magazines, science research reports, Library of Congress, ThinkQuest,
and others. Consider focusing on a specific grade level or a specific
content discipline.
Grading Policy:
1. Attendance and class participation
20%
Activities such as reaction to Forcier chapter
on software,
Compare and contrast encyclopedias, review
Apple CD-ROM, etc.
2. Create a Database for CourseWare Evaluation 20%
3. Print Software Resources and Internet Resources Report 20%
4. Software Reviews 20%
5. Web Page Reviews 20%
Projects that are entirely satisfactory in every regard will be graded
as a "B." In order to
receive an "A" grade, a project must be clearly excellent in form and
content. Length or
effort alone will not be sufficient to merit an "A."
Please submit all written work in clear, word processed form. Use the APA style as a guide.
Hand-in assignments one at a time as they become due. Do not hand-in
assignments all
at one time at the end of the semester.
Incompletes will be given only in extreme circumstances and, when the coursework is completed, the final grade will not be higher than B, except in unusual cases.
Coming late is disburbing to other students and the professor.
Please do not make
it a habit or you will be asked to leave for that class. If there
is a neccessary reason
to come late, please speak to me.
You are allowed two excused absences. Additional absences may
lead to a reduction
in grade or a withdrawal from class.
Please be considerate of your fellow classmates; do not leave trash,
do not talk during
class, do not disturb others; do not eat or drink in the class.
If you miss class or do not understand some information, ask a classmate to share notes.
To receive your grade promptly after the instructor submits it, please provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope or postcard.
I request feedback on the class which will help or improve the way the
course is run.
All constructive comments are welcome.
Good luck and enjoy the course.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to accomplish each of the following objectives:
1. Search print and electronic media for resources on software and educational technology;
2. Relate different classes of software to curricula, grade, and ability levels;
3. Utilize software on disk, CD-ROM, and the Internet;
4. Use internet and www for educational resources and for new learning opportunities;
5. Review web pages for educational curricula purposes.
"It is assumed that learners have to construct their own knowledge-
individually and collectively. Each learner has a toolkit of conceptions
and skills with which he or she must construct knowledge to solve
problems presented by the environment. The role of the community- other
learners and teacher- is to provide the setting, pose the challenges,
and offer the support that will encourage construction." Jean
Piaget
1. Introduction: Goals and Objectives of Course; Software Evaluation Guide; Software catalogs, etc. Select first software to evaluate. Use Software Evaluation Guide to develop Database; Reading: Forcier, Ch 11, Managing a Software Collection
Computer: Create mail merge with ClarisWorks as a review of Database practice.
2. Forcier, Ch 11: Managing a Software Collection -- Collection management -- acquire materials to meet information needs of teachers and students and to the evaluation, selection, acquisition, maintenance, and promotion of computer software
Computer: Design and create database for software reviews;
Consider number and type of fields; Use paper and pencil and
make several drafts of the fields you wish to include; check ch 11 for
ideas; then create database for software reviews; use graphics to improve
appearance; enter your own software reviews into the database.
3. Explore Several CD-ROMs: Apple CD (Database of Programs); This CD-ROM published by Apple several years ago is slightly old in terms of programs listed, but pay close attention to the DB design of the CD. It offers many different interesting ways of viewing software, -- by content, grade, publisher, etc. and shows interesting features of searching, identifying and viewing software.
4. CD-ROMs: Encyclepedias -- Grolliers, Compton, Encarta 98, Brittanica: Compare and contrast; use a range of key words or topics and check how each encyclopedia handles them. Check terms in your area of interest and expertise, but also, check different terms in science, math, language arts, social studies, art, music or other special topics. Also, look at the structure, design, and search procedures used by each encyclopedia. Then check the additional references, on-line websites, and other resources for that topic.
5. Internet Lab I
Search for resources on education and software; use search engines
such as Altavista
Profusion, Excite, Infoseek, HotBot, Lycos, etc.. Conduct many searches
using many different search terms. Look for information on software
and look for special sites for education and learning. There
are special sites for software and software reviews. See what you
can find. Check sites for information on children-friendly
computer information. For research purposes check Eric, free access
at www.ericir.syr.edu, Syracuse University library. Print an Internet
Software Resource Report. Visit the Microsoft site: http:encrarta.msn.com/schoolhouse/default.asp.
This site offers a large number of electronic-based lesson plans for many
subjects and many grades levels.
Reading: Networking and Telecommunications
6. Internet Lab II Search for interesting educational
internet sites. Identify and
evaluate sites such as ThinkQuest,
AMNH, WNET, NASA, etc.
7. Discuss Internet Resources for Software and Web pages
in class.
share search strategies; websites
found; kind of information; etc.
Continue educational software
reviews in class; discuss them; write reports.
8. Review software; discuss criteria; write reports.
9. Discuss Best and Worst web sites;
10. Review Database of Software and internet sites.
1998 Educational Software Preview Guide, ISTE, Eugene, OR 800-336-
5191;
http://www.iste.org
Association for Supervisors and Curriculum Developers;
http://www.ascd.org
Developing educational standards are listed by state:
http://putwest.boces.org/standards.html#Section3
Evaluating Web Sites
http://www.wlma.org/libint/evalweb.htm
Californiaís Technology in the Curriculum project results.
http://tic.stan-co.k12.ca.us
Review Sunburst Communications Software
Apple CD-ROM Software Resource
Examples of software which follow a generally constructivist perspective
are:
For preschoolers -- KidPix, My Make Believe Castle, Sound Toy,
Iconic MicroWorlds;
For seven, plus or minus a few -- SimTower, MicroWorlds, Widget Workshop, The Incredible Toon Machine, making Music, Juilliard Music Adventure, and Hollywood;
For nine, plus or minus a few -- The Incredible Machine, MicroWorlds, SimCity, Imagination Express series, Storybook Weaver Deluxe, Tesselmania.
Encyclopedias:
Encarta 98 + Bookshelf + Research Organizer
1998 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia (Teacherís Edition) includes print-based classroom activities and hyperlinks to World Wide Web sites. 800-231-3088 or 415-897- 9900; http://www.mindscape.com/education.html
ìEncyclopaedia Britannicaî , Chicago, Il; 312-347-7000, 800-621-3900;
http://www.eb.com
Listings of software suitable for children:
The Computer Museum: Guide to the Best Software for Kids The Boston
Computer Museum,
tel. 617-426-2800, ext. 322; childrenís Software Revue: Helping Teachers
and
Parents Find Software, tel, 800-993-9499.
Some good magazines are: Wired, Family PC, Home PC, and MacHome.
Macintosh Educational Software Guide. 1991. Jeffrey Orloff,
Ed.D. Editor.
Cupertino, CA: Apple Computer, Inc. Available on CD-ROM.
This guide contains all major educational software K-12 for the Macintosh.
It covers: Business Ed, Literacy, Early Learning, Fine Arts, Foreign Language,
Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Tools for Learning,
Special Needs, and Special Tools
Intellimation. Santa Barbara, CA. This company publishes
inexpensive software, mostly teacher authored,
designed directly for class use. There are many
interesting and novel software programs covering the school curriculum.
Approximate List of Assignments:
1. Creation of Database
2. Report on managing softare
3. Compare and contrast encyclopedias
4. Write 10 Software Reviews.
5. Discuss design features of Apple CD ROM
6. Write and annotate the Internet Report on educational software
reviews and resources
7. Identify 10 exciting educational internet sites
8. US Atlas 6.0 CD ROM
a. Analyze Interface --
explore all fields, understand DB construction, US, States,
and Cities
b. Analyze Industry, Products,
Income by State
c. View maps and graphs
d. Compare different states
across different categories, e.g., pork production, telecommunications;
For general information on Internet Activities and bunches of information
see:
http://www.classroom.net and
Women in Science
http://www.astr.ua.edu/4000ws/4000ws.html
WebQuest -- a new kind of learning, based on electronic resources and
problem solving
Searching for China
http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/Chi
Journals:
Child Development
Cognition
Cognition and Instruction
Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive Science
Collegiate Microcomputing
Computing Teacher
Developmental Psychology
Education Week
Education Training Research and Development
Educational Technology
Electronic Learning
Interactive Learning Environments
Instructional Science
Journal of Computer Based Instruction
Journal of Educational Computing Research
Journal of Educational Psychology
Journal of Training Development
Journal of Training Technology
Music Educators Journal
Optical Information Systems
Personal Computing
Phi Delta Kappa
Review of Educational Research
The Delta Kappa Gamma Bull
The Science Teacher