Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - EDUC 358 E100

Foundations of Educational Technology (3)

Class Number: 5108

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of major traditions of research and development in educational technology, including the arguments and assumptions they make about what constitutes a valuable educational outcome. Focus on analyzing and understanding educational technologies as cultural tools that are both shaped by and in turn shape teaching and learning in K-12 schools.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an asynchronous course with optional synchronous activities (synchronous session happens every Wednesday 4:30-6:30). The synchronous sessions will be recorded and shared for those who could not participate synchronously.


This course offers an introduction to the field of Educational Technology, with an emphasis on efforts to support school reform through the design and development of technological innovations specifically for teaching and learning. Through readings, online discussions and activities, and optional in-class sessions, we will survey several major traditions of research and development (R & D) in this field. Two strands of inquiry span the course. First, we examine the different arguments and assumptions that each tradition of R&D in Educational Technology has made about how learning happens, what constitutes a valuable educational outcome, and how we would know if it was achieved. Second, we examine the varying ways in which innovators in the field have attempted to prove the worth of their innovations to educators, and achieve more widespread influence. The second strand may be of particular interest to prospective developers of educational technology innovations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the end of this course, you will:

  • Become familiar with several different ways that scholars have thought about (and continue to think about) technology-assisted learning
  • Become familiar with different kinds of evidence and arguments that have been used to promote learning technologies over time
  • Become familiar with some major developments in learning technologies
  • Understand the major reasons why technologies are or are not adopted in K-12 schools

Grading

  • Material analysis focused on one of the ideas discussed in the course 10%
  • Online discussion on readings 20%
  • Self-paced hands-on activity with technology and reflection 15%
  • Analysis of a tradition in educational technology R&D 25%
  • Mid-term slide presentation of your analysis R&D 10%
  • Draft of your analysis 5%
  • Peer reviews of peers' draft analyses 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

A detailed syllabus with specific readings and media will be made available on Canvas. All required texts will be listed on Canvas and accessible through the SFU Library system or other publicly-available, free sources.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).