Educational Technology 470/670

For this week, please post an update on your phase two work. For those of you who have sent drafts, you do not need to resubmit a full draft, however please write a short abstract/synthesis of your work to date. For your subject line, please write the subject of your phase two work so that others know your focus.

The reading for this week by Nancy Willard discusses ethics and ethical behavior in an era of computers in the information age. In your weekly response, consider the following questions:

• How much responsibility should faculty assume for students’ behavior?
•How much trust are we willing to place in students?
•What are the legal ramifications if students come across content that is deemed inappropriate?
•What is and is not appropriate and for whom?:
•Whose definition of appropriate are we embracing?

You do not have to answer all of these questions, but use them as a framework to help your response.

Use this time to work on your phase two project!

On the topic of the Digital Divide, we can think about the divide in terms of access-- does a student/school have networked computers? However, there is another definition of the divide...... this definition focuses on the instructional and pedagogical uses of technology with students. In other words, once we have it, how do we ask students to manifest its potential?


Spend time reading Students 2.0 to understand what Web 2.0 technologies can offer to students. In particular, block out one hour to listen to this podcast between three schools, teachers, and students.

When complete (if that is possible on these sites....), reflect on how this information shapes how you think about the digital divide, teaching, learning, and the role of schools.

For this week, please post a paragraph on the policy topic that you are leaning toward for your phase two research. In doing so remember, that the policy topic related to educational technologies in a school setting should have emerged from your phase one investigation. In your paragraph, return to the various reading topic that we have considered from week one of the course and articulate the relationship between your topic and major policies addressed thus far.

Due March 27

In general, the digital divide refers to the unequal access by some members of the society to information and communications technology, and the unequal acquisition of related skills. Does the digital divide exist in today's schools? This week and next week, we will discuss this important issue.

Binary America: Split in two by a digital divide - Washington Post

...... it takes a community to educate a child" - Harvard News

Obviously, there is much to discuss regarding this topic. After reading these two articles, refer back to the definition of "the digital divide" and outline at least 5 arguments as to why the current presidential candidates should or should not address this issue.

EDTEC 470 - March 5, 2008
EDTEC 670 - March 12, 2008

For this week, choose a classmate's response from week 7. Study their responses along with the technology plan they presented. What is your analysis of the technology plan according to the article? To do so, you will need to have thoroughly read all components of the article for Week 7.

For this week, read Developing a School or District Technology Plan as thoroughly as possible. Using these criteria for a quality technology plan, search for a school that has what would be considered a high quality plan and share it with the class along with a rationale.

As I try to respond to each of your postings, I am in need of catch up time! We will take this week off in terms of readings and you can focus on your Phase One Project. Try not to be too disappointed!

How are teachers using computers in instruction?

"We often speak about computers in classrooms as if we and our audience have a common view of what they are and what function they serve. But the character of computers and their functionality have been very different at different points in time (Exhibit 1) and, as will be shown here, remain quite different for teachers of different subjects, teachers who teach students of different ages and backgrounds, and teachers who have characteristically different pedagogies." (Becker, 2001)

This is one of the few large scale surveys that investigated what teachers are really doing with computers in the classroom. The article is somewhat lengthy so set your time wisely in reading this. Share what you think in particular in relation to the readings from week 4. Enjoy!

Some background..... When we talk about student learning and technologies, the field initially tries to frame a response in terms of what they know. However, I argue that a response to designing curriculum for students is to understand the world from their perspective and that includes understanding how they currently use technologies, think about technologies and access to information and knowledge. For example, currently, I am working on a project for designing games and simulations for learning math and science concepts. Part of our work has been allowing for a redefinition of the word "game" with teachers. If it is a game...... it must not be school-worthy. So this week, read the two pieces below and let me know what you think.

 Prensky, M.  (2001).  Digital natives and digital immigrants: Do they really think differently?

United States Department of Commerce and Education Visions 2020.2: Student views on transforming education and training through advanced technologies.

What effect do technologies actually have on student learning?

You'll soon see that it depends on what you mean by "technology" and by "learning".

1. Educational technology: Media for inquiry, communication, construction and expression

2. Technology in schools: What the research says

Read both pieces-- comment on each and also how you relate the two. What implications are there for educational technology leaders?

National Education Technology Plan

Top 10 Ed Tech Stories in 2007

Post your reactions to the seven major action steps and recommendations outlined in the plan. How parallel are the major stories from 2007 and the federal governments position on the future of technology in schools?

1. Equity and Excellence in a Time of Profound Change (Quicktime video)
Arthur Levine, President, Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation

2. Tough Choices or Tough Times: An Equity & Quality Agenda for the 21st Century (Quicktime video)
Presentation Slides

Marc Tucker, President and CEO, National Center on Education and the Economy

Respond in the Blackboard discussion area with your thoughts on the ideas of these two scholars.