RE 5532-375: Literacy and Technology
AOC HMHEC
Hickory, NC
Spring Semester 2008
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The most overlooked advantage of owning a computer is that if it fouls up there's no law against whacking it around a bit. Eric Porterfield

You really only need two technologies in life: WD-40 and duct tape.
 If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.
 If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. Anon.

Class and Instructor Info: 

 Class meetings: Mondays, 5 - 8 pm, AOC HMHEC Room 1114
 Instructor: Dr. David A. Koppenhaver  
 Office Tel.  (828) 262-6074 
 Email:  koppenhaverd@appstate.edu 
 Home page: http://faculty.rcoe.appstate.edu/koppenhaverd/ 
 Advising Hours: 8 - 11:30 am or by appointment.

Course Description 
This course provides graduate students an opportunity to examine central issues and instructional practices employing technology in supporting learning, communication, curricular, and instructional access to literacy.  Emphasis will be placed on critically examining the educational function of communication technology, assistive technology, digital and multimedia text, and educational software. Students will study the nature of technology and literacy, and related classroom implementation issues. 

Course Goals:
 
 We will:  
1) Explore the fundamental similarities and differences between traditional literacy theories and practices and those characteristic of the “new literacies.”
2) Engage in readings and critiques of current literature and research on technology uses in literacy instruction.
3) Develop an understanding for and ability to explore the use of technologies to enhance your teaching/learning and student learning.
4) Explore the application of digital media in literacy education.
5) Engage in critical analysis of commercially-produced literacy software for students with disabilities.
6) Develop understandings of, and an appreciation for, technology integration into student assessment and classroom instruction.
 
Methods of Instruction
Multiple methods of instruction will be used:  lecture, discussion, tech labs, workshops, cooperative groups, directed research and development, and independent study.  We will attempt to integrate the use of a wide variety of technologies into our own learning throughout the course.  Great emphasis will be placed on individual and group problem-solving.

Texts
All readings are found in ASU on-line reserves for this class and/or linked to the on-line syllabus.

Technology
You should purchase (1) a USB removable flash drive if you don’t already have one.  You may get by most days with a 256 MB drive if you download its contents each week to your home or school computer.  2 GB or larger is highly recommended (many available for less than $30); (2) an inexpensive computer microphone (many like the Labtech available for less than $10); and (3) an inexpensive web camera (either an inexpensive digital camera that doubles as a web cam like Wal-Mart's Girl Gear for $9 or an inexpensive dedicated web camera like Computer Geeks' PC Web Cam for $15.99 + $1.99 shipping).

On-Line Course Resources
 Office of Extension and Distance Education: http://www.ext-dl.appstate.edu/
 ASU Library, http://www.library.appstate.edu/
 Distance Learning Library Services, http://www.library.appstate.edu/distance_learning/
 Virtual Research @ ASU Libraries:  A Guide for Off-Campus Students, http://www.library.appstate.edu/distance_learning/guide/index.html
 Online Community, http://www.nicenet.org
 Reading Online:  A Journal of K-12 Practice and Research, http://www.readingonline.org/   

 Grading
 Blog and Technology Implementation Discussion (40%)
 Community of Practice (60%)

Extra credit option: You may join the International Reading Association at the discounted student rate for up to five years (for which I will add 1-5 points to your final grade). If you are already a member, just provide me with the information, and I will add the appropriate number of points to your final grade. Think of it as rewarding professionalism and your decision to join the larger community of practice of reading teachers (or a bribe, if cynicism works for you).
Inclement Weather Policy 
I will make every effort to conduct scheduled classes, and I hope you will make every effort to participate in scheduled classes.  If weather prevents you from attending class, please call me, the sooner the better.  In the event that I cancel class or the building is closed, (a) Extension and Distance Education will post a notice on their website, http://www.ext-dl.appstate.edu/cancellations.html; (b) I will email the class list; and (c) I will initiate the notification process through the class phone tree. 
 
One additional resource that may be helpful as you individually determine the advisability of driving to class is the NC Dept of Transportation's Traveler Information Management System, http://apps.dot.state.nc.us/tims/. Click on the region, and then enter the road(s) you're interested in. 

Calendar and Assignments
Our calendar will likely continue to evolve as the class progresses.  I will do my best to inform you of updates, but you should also check the calendar regularly.


 Last updated by David Koppenhaver April 8, 2008.