EDN 303 - Unit 1
Computer Basics & philosophical development towards computers in education

 

Overview

This chapter presents a broad survey of concepts and terminology related to computers and their use in education. The concepts of computer and information literacy are introduced. Students discover what a computer is and what it does, and how to find, analyze, and use information. Students will also be introduced to digital media and learn various ways to use digital media in the classroom. Students learn about the components of a computer, the power of computers, computer software, and networks and the Internet. Students find out how computers are used in a typical K-12 school, Ridgedale High School. Throughout the chapter, students are introduced to the importance of integrating educational technology into their classroom curriculum. Reading and understanding the material in this chapter should help students better understand these topics as they are presented in more detail in the following chapters.

 

Goals for Chapter 1 –

Students will have mastered the material in Chapter One when they can:

 

l  Define curriculum-specific learning

l  Explain the difference between computer, information, and integration literacy

l  Explain the necessity of moving instructional strategies from traditional to new learning environments

l  Describe the evolution of computers and digital media

l  Differentiate among the various categories of computers

l  Explain why computer technology is important for education

l  Describe the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) and Students (NETS-S)

l  Explain why 21st century skills need to be incorporated in K-12 curriculum

l  Describe the characteristics of today’s digital students

l  Describe six categories of what today’s students need to know

l  Provide examples of how computers are changing the way people teach and learn

NETS-T Standards

  • 1AB, II A, III A-D, V A-C, VI B-E

Supporting text sections

Shelly, G. B., Cashman, T. J., Gunter, R. E., & Gunter, G. A. (2008). Teachers Discovering Computers: Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom, Fifth Edition. Boston: Course Technology.

Chapter 1 Key Terms

Chapter Review Questions

In-Class Assignments

1.     Scavenger Hunt

  1. Student Edition Labs

Performance-based Assignment #1

  • Basic Desktop Publishing

Field Trip Brochure

Introduction: Word processing skills are essential for both teachers and students. Improving your word processing skills will save you time and energy!  Many powerful word processing software applications are available today.  In addition, many of the major word processing applications have online tutorials.  These tutorials can provide fast and easy access to learning new skills such as setting page margins, inserting a graphic, and changing the font, font color, and font size.

The brochure must meet the following criteria:

1.   Select a class trip destination/ title for the project. Display the title in the first heading line centered in 36-point Comic Sans MS font.

2.   Select a school name and display the second heading line centered in 22-point Arial Narrow bold font.  

3.   Choose an appropriate picture, image, or clip art graphic and insert it centered on the page.

4.   Describe the field trip in three lines of text. Display the text in 14-point Times or Times New Roman font. 

5.   Create a bulleted list that provides specific information about the meeting. Display the bulleted list with a one-half-inch margin in 12-point Arial bold font. Display a portion of each bulleted phrase in orange. 

6.   Provide contact information at the bottom of the flyer (your name, e-mail address, and current date). Display the information in 14-point Times or Times New Roman blue font. 

7.   Save the document on your flash drive with a name of your choice. Follow your instructor's directions for submitting the assignment. 

Open your TaskStream account and share the Assignment 1 with Dr. Kubasko as the reviewer (directions below).

o    Use the Lesson Builder and select the format: Activity/Lesson Log (quick form).

o    Add the activity details (see above).

o    Attach the ISTE NETS-T standards (see the standards listed in the EDN 303 "Course Topics, Links & Schedule" web page.

o    Attach assignment #1 to the Assessment link.

o    Request feedback (share with reviewer) from Dr. Kubasko.

Return to Course home page