Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - EDUC 358 D100

Foundations of Educational Technology (3)

Class Number: 6104

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 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 offers an introduction to the field of Educational Technology, with an emphasis on efforts to support school reform through
the development of software artifacts specifically for teaching and learning. Through readings, lab work, and on-line discussions, we will
survey several major traditions of research and development 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 some technologies are or are not adopted in K-12 schools

Grading

  • Participation 30%
  • Reflective documentation of learning with educational technologies 30%
  • Critical analysis of current issues and traditions of educational technologies 40%

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.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.