Course Description
EDUC 450/650: Technology & Cognition
The purpose of this course is to present major theories of learning and instruction and discuss their relationship to the use of computers in education. Emphasis is placed on current learning sciences theories (e.g., cognitive and socio-cognitive theories) and their role in the design and use of educational technology in real world settings. The course is designed to (a) familiarize students with computer-based learning environments developed within a learning sciences framework, and (b) enable students to apply learning sciences theories in the design of instruction that utilizes technology. Readings will include theoretical expositions, empirical studies reported in books, journals or online publications, and case studies from the complex world of the classroom.
Course Modules
This course is organized into a series of modules that are presented to you via the Web. The modules are attached to a collabsible menu that organizes the modules in roughly the same order in which they will be discussed in class. You need not complete these modules in this prescribed order, however. Rather, you can work through the course at your own pace, skipping modules that do not interest you, and spending more time on those that do.
Assignments
Your grade in this course will be based on your performance on a series of assignments that appear on this online syllabus. At any time, you can view the assignments. This list of assignments provides you with a snapshot of what you need to do in this course. All the rest is optional. It is totally up to you how much of the other material you will want to complete. Your instructor will help guide you, depending on the topics you choose to pursue.
Grading
You will receive grades on three kinds of activities. First, there are communication assignments that involve you in online discussions with your fellow classmates and your instructor. Second, you will propose and make a presentation in class about one of the learning theories or environments included in this course. Third, using tools of your choosing, you will design an intervention or curriculum that helps people learn something.
Course Policies
- Students are expected to attend all face-to-face class meetings. Class discussions are an important component of learning and therefore your presence is required. Please notify the instructor in advance if you have to miss a class.
- Learning is enhanced through interaction with peers, discussion and debate. Hence, students are expected to actively participate in class discussions. Please speak with the instructor if you are uncomfortable in a large-group discussion.
- Students are expected to actively participate in the Canvas eLearning environment, which will serve as a venue for maintaining and extending class communication, completing assignments, posing questions, and distributing additional resources as they become available.
- Students need to complete assigned readings for each class prior to the class meeting.
