Welcome to the EDUC 578 Experience

I would like to welcome you to EDUC 578 the "Hybrid Version." I guess we could call it Educ 578 2.0. We are going to combine our efforts with Dr. Buczynski's Educ 535 (Assessment and Curriculum Design) course to create an interactive, 3-D experience that will surely be the highlight of your Spring 2013 semester. Based on your course/program need, there will be some slight variation in your assignments, but we will be learning together. This is the third time I am teaching this course, and as with every course I teach, no two are ever the same. For me the experiences and learning desires of the students drive the direction around each course topic.This course is particularly fun for me as I am fascinated with learning in general and specifically, how technology can assist the learning of anyone.  I am definitely much more of a techie than an expert on learning theory, so we will take a hands-on and self-reflective approach to this topic.

My daughter Lily learning how to do the splits

My goal for this course is to consider all aspects of learning, both personally, and for your students.  I see technology as a medium of instruction as well as a driving force behind most school reform.  With that said, the focus should always be on the learning and educational outcomes rather than the technology.  That is what I mean by having technology be the "medium" of instruction, not the point of it. This is why I am less concerned about specific technology tools than I am about how to utilize technology to enhance learning and instruction.  The tools that will be in the classroom in ten or even five years have probably not even been invented yet. This is why it is more important to get a broader picture of the concept of technology integration in schools without limiting ourselves to current technology.

To this point, you will be creating a personal learning network (PLN) and utilizing a variety of web-based tools to investigate your learning. You will also be completing a 20% Project that will allow you to explore a learning experience based on a topic that fuels your passion.

I look forward to learning with you.

peace,

jeffery heil