EDSL561: Technology Applications
Summer 2011 (Online)
Instructor: Audrey P. Church, Ph.D.
Office: Hull 232
Office Telephone: 434-395-2682
Office Hours: Tuesdays, 10:00 to Noon;
Home Telephone: 434-736-8204
Thursdays, 1:00 to 3:00;
Fax: 434-395-2148
And by appointment
Email: churchap@longwood.edu
Home email: church@moonstar.com
School Mailing address:
Longwood University, Hull 232
201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909
Home Mailing address:
5900 Cabbage Patch Road
Keysville, VA 23947
MEETING TIMES AND LOCATION: The course begins on May 23 and ends on August 5. It
will be completed online using Blackboard.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Using existing and emerging technology applications for instruction, acquisition, and administration
in school library media centers, including tools and methodologies for data management and for the
integration of technology into the information literacy curriculum. Previous computer experience,
including familiarity with Microsoft Office, is required. Prerequisite: EDSL548 or permission of
instructor. 3 credits.
TEXTS (SOFTWARE):
There is no required textbook for this course. Journal articles are available through the Library
databases.
You need access to Microsoft Office 2007, Internet access on a PC, and a computer microphone and
speakers/headphone. (The best type is the combination microphone/headphone, widely available for
less than $20.)
Recommended text: Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs. (2009).
Chicago: American Association of School Librarians.
NOTE: You may complete assignments with different versions or hardware but the directions may
not be accurate for other versions or for MACs. Directions are provided for PCs since Longwood
is a PC-based institution. If you do not have the 2007 Microsoft Office suite, as a Longwood
student you can purchase it at a very reasonable price. To order, complete this online Software
Request Form through the University’s User Support Services.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Course objectives are coded to Longwood University’s Department of Education Conceptual
Framework and to the 2010 ALA/AASL Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians:
Conceptual Framework (CF):
I=Content Knowledge
II=Planning
III=Learning Climate
IV=Implementation/Management
VI=Communication
VII=Technology
VIII=Diversity
IX=Professional Dispositions
Church--EDSL 561-1
V=Evaluation/Assessment
ALA/AASL Program Standards;
1. Teaching for Learning
4. Advocacy and Leadership
1.1 Knowledge of Learners and Learning
1.2 Effective and Knowledgeable Teacher
1.3 Instructional Partner
1.4 Integration of 21st Century Skills and Learning Standards
2.
Literacy and Reading
4.1 Networking with the Library Community
4.2 Professional Development
4.3 Leadership
4.4 Advocacy
5. Program Management and Administration
2.1 Literature
2.2 Reading Promotion
2.3 Respect for Diversity
2.4 Literacy Strategies
5.1 Collections
5.2 Professional Ethics
5.3 Personnel, Funding, and Facilities
5.4 Strategic Planning and Assessment
3. Information and Knowledge
3.1 Efficient and Ethical Information-Seeking Behavior
3.2 Access to Information
3.3 Information Technology
3.4 Research and Knowledge Creation
Knowledge: The student will be able to
1. describe, identify, and explain the uses of existing and emerging technology tools as they
relate to administrative tasks and instructional goals of the school library. (CF I, II, IV, VI,
VII; AASL 1.4, 3.3, 4.1, 5.3)
2. identify methods of improving data management, security, and efficiency. (CF I, IV, VII;
AASL 3.3)
Skills: The student will be able to
1. utilize productivity software such as databases, spreadsheets, visual thinking tools, and
Web-based applications. (CF IV, V, VI, VII; AASL 1.4, 3.3, 5.3)
2. use technology effectively in the school library for management of data in both
administrative and instructional settings. (CF II, IV, V, VI, VII; AASL 3.4, 5.3, 5.4)
3. integrate appropriate assistive technologies in the library to serve students with special
needs. (CF III, IV, VII, VIII; AASL 1.1, 2.3, 3.3)
4. create a digital book trailer to promote reading. (CF I, VII; AASL 2.2)
Dispositions: The student will be able to
1. understand the importance of accuracy, professional appearance, and professional image in
collection and presentation of data. (CF VI, VII, IX; AASL 3.3)
2. understand the importance of providing student training on online safety and privacy issues.
(CF I, VII, IX; AASL 1.1)
3. appreciate the importance of modeling and promoting ethical and legal use of copyrighted
materials. (CF I, VI, VII, IX; AASL 3.1, 3.2)
4. approach and embrace new technologies, as appropriate, as they emerge. (CF I, VII, IX;
AASL 1.4, 3.3)
Note: See the Assignments section of the syllabus for complete assignment details.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
Unit 1-Introduction (Week of May 23-30)
Church--EDSL 561-2
Assignments (Complete by May 30):
1. Under Assignments, access Contact Information. Complete the Word document, save the
document as your last name, and submit via Assignments.
2. Complete the self-assessment survey found under Course Documents, Unit 1.
3. Complete the VARK: A Guide To Learning Styles Questionnaire (linked under Course
Documents, Unit 1), a quick online survey designed to determine “how you learn best.”
Find out what type of learner you are: Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic, or
Multimodal. Do you need to make adjustments for this course? Take a look at the
suggested help sheets for ideas.
4. Introduce yourself to your classmates by posting your introduction in the Introductions Blog
under Course Documents, Unit 1 folder. Tell us
1. INTRODUCTION--who you are and where you work, what grades/subjects you
teach or, if you are in a library, what grades you serve
2. PERSONAL INFORMATION--a little bit about yourself that you’d like to share and
what your learning style was according to VARK, whether or not you agree, and
why. (Loading a picture is encouraged. If you choose to load a picture, it should be
no larger than 150 pixels at its widest point.)
5. Login to your Longwood Live mail account. Be sure that you EITHER check this account
on a regular basis OR set it up to forward email to your preferred email address. Plan to
check email and Blackboard on a regular basis, at least every other day. Instructions for
setting up the Live mail forward can be found under Student FAQs on the instructor’s home
page. **Note: all correspondence for this course will be sent to your Longwood Live mail
account.
6. Take a look at Online@Longwood -- About Online Learning and Student Resources.
7. Comment on at least one of your classmate’s blog entries.
8. Read through Course Syllabus.
9. Email the instructor if you have any questions!
Unit 2: Data Management (Week of May 31-June 6)
 Digital storage
 Back-ups
 Organization
 Security
Assignments:
1. Read assigned readings and review course materials posted in this unit’s folder.
2. Contribute to discussion topic(s) as posted in the Discussion Board before the beginning
of the next unit.
3. Data Management Plan (Assignment 1)—due via Assignments in Blackboard by June
6.
Unit 3: Productivity Tools (Week of June 7-13)
 Word-Mail Merge
 Excel-Budget
 PowerPoint-Electronic note-taking
 Inspiration/Kidspiration-Graphic organizers
Assignments:
1. Read assigned readings and review course materials posted in this unit’s folder.
Church--EDSL 561-3
2. Contribute to discussion topic(s) as posted in the Discussion Board before the beginning
of the next unit.
3. Productivity Assignment (Assignment 2)—due via Assignments in Blackboard by
June 13.
Unit 4: Library 2.0 & Blogs (Week of June 14-20)
Assignments:
1. Read assigned readings and review course materials posted in this unit’s folder.
2. Contribute to discussion topic(s) as posted on the class blog before the beginning of the
next unit.
3. Blogging (Assignment 3)
 Post due to class blog by June 20.
 Post comment to classmate’s blog post by June 27.
Unit 5: Wikis & Google Docs (Week of June 21-27)
Assignments:
1. Read assigned readings and review course materials posted in this unit’s folder.
2. Contribute to discussion topic(s) as posted in Google Docs before the beginning of the
next unit.
3. Wiki (Assignment 4)
 Sign up for wiki topic by June 20.
 Article due to class wiki by June 27.
 Peer-editing due to class wiki by July 4.
 Final version of wiki article due by July 11.
Unit 6: Social Bookmarking (Week of June 28-July 4)
Assistive Technology
Assignments:
1. Read assigned readings and review course materials posted in this unit’s folder.
2. Contribute to discussion topic(s) as posted on the class blog before the beginning of the
next unit.
3. Social Bookmarking (Assignment 5)—post to the Discussion Board by July 4.
Unit 7: Podcasting (Week of July 5-11)
Assignments:
1. Read assigned readings and review course materials posted in this unit’s folder.
2. Contribute to discussion topic(s) as posted on the class blog before the beginning of the
next unit.
3. Podcasting (Assignment 6)—due via Assignments in Blackboard by July 11.
Unit 8: Virtual Videos (Week of July 12-18)
Online Safety & Privacy
 Digital book trailers/booktalks
 YouTube
 TeacherTube
 SchoolTube
Assignments:
Church--EDSL 561-4
1. Read assigned readings and review course materials posted in this unit’s folder.
2. Contribute to discussion topic(s) as posted on the class blog before the beginning of the
next unit.
3. Digital Book Trailer (Assignment 7)—Post to the Discussion Board in Blackboard by
July 18.
Unit 9: Cool Tools (Week of July 19-25)
Assignments:
1. Read assigned readings and review course materials posted in this unit’s folder.
2. Contribute to discussion topic(s) as posted on the class blog before the beginning of the
next unit.
3. Cool Tool Review (Assignment 8)
 Sign up for your Cool Tool in the Cool Tool Sign-Up Forum of the Discussion Board
by July 18.
 Post a review of your Cool Tool to the Cool Tool Review forum of the Discussion
Board by July 25.
 Read your classmates’ Cool Tools review and vote for your favorite Cool Tool by
August 1.
Week of July 26-August 1: Library 2.0 Project (Assignment 9)—due to the Library 2.0 Project
Forum of the Discussion Board by August 1.
Week of August 2-5: Final Exam—due to the Assignment feature of Blackboard by August 5.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. All assignments should be submitted according to the instructions given in the
syllabus and Blackboard on or before their due date. Credit may be deducted for
unexcused late submission. If you encounter technological difficulties, contact the
instructor to arrange for alternate submission.
2. Students are expected to follow Netiquette in class discussions by being respectful of
other’s opinions and comments. Appropriate and professional language should be
used at all times.
3. In addition to the assignments, there will be class discussions posted by the instructor
throughout the course. Discussion Board responses should be reflective, indicating
deep thought on the topic, and/or contribute meaningfully to the discussion in some
way. Responses should be reflective and substantial, more than “I agree” or “I
disagree.” The class participation portion of the course grade is based on Discussion
Board posts.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Data Management Schedule: Create a schedule for backing up and maintaining your files.
Include the programs or items to be backed up, the type(s) of storage device(s) used (CDs,
external hard drives, jump drives, etc.), location of storage devices, rotations of back-ups,
off-site location of file storage, frequency of back-ups, and any other maintenance duties
performed on the computers (i.e. collection/circulation checks, AR Data Dr., clean/defrag
hard drives, updates, etc.). If some of these tasks are performed on your library computer(s)
by others (i.e. IT department), list who performs these tasks and when. This plan should
Church--EDSL 561-5
serve as a guide for maintaining the safety and integrity of your files, programs, and
computer systems. (If you are not in a school library, interview a school librarian and then
tailor your plan to be what you would recommend for that library situation.) Submit in the
chart format specified by the instructor via Assignments in Blackboard by June 6.
2. Productivity Assignment: Choose ONE of the following assignments to be submitted via
Assignments in Blackboard by June 13. (On your honor, pick one that you are not currently
familiar with and that you feel will be beneficial to you as a practicing school librarian. If
you are familiar with all of these applications, discuss an alternative with the instructor.)
 Mail Merge-Use Microsoft Word to create a Mail merge letter and mailing labels
that can be used in a school library. Merge 10 entries and use at least three
different placeholders in your letter. Submit the letter main document with
placeholders, the merged letters, mailing label main document with placeholders, and
the merged mailing labels.
 Budget-Use Microsoft Excel to create a spreadsheet to organize, analyze, and
present data related to library management. Determine the purpose of the
information, what information to include, cell labels, formulas, and generation of
graphs for reports. One worksheet must contain a library budget (Date, P. O.,
Vendor, Description, Cost, and remaining balance) and include a chart and
formulas while the other may address any other function related to tracking or
managing library information.
 Graphic Organizer-Use Inspiration or Kidspiration to create a graphic organizer
for use with students using the Inspiration software. The Inspiration/Kidspiration file
must be converted to a Word format and be accompanied by another Word file
containing a collaborative lesson plan submitted in the format provided by the
instructor. The lesson must be collaborative between you (as the librarian) and one or
more classroom teachers and must be integrated into the curriculum rather than
taught in isolation. The Inspiration file can be used to present the material or as a
final product.
3. Blogging: Post a commentary on the class blog on an issue pertaining to school libraries
that is of interest to you by June 20. Your post may be an opinion piece or provide helpful
tips. It MUST contain links to articles, Web sites, and/or other blogs or wikis related to
your topic. There is no required length for the blog post, but it should be short and must
demonstrate reflective thinking, new ideas/approaches, and/or justifications for the opinion
presented. Respond to at least one classmate’s blog post by June 27.
4. Wikis: Research an area of interest on a topic from the list provided by the instructor. If
you are interested in a topic not on the list, contact the instructor for approval. This
assignment has multiple parts:
a. Sign up for your topic in the Wiki Topic forum of the Discussion Board by June 20.
Topics will be chosen on a first-come, first served basis and duplications will not be
allowed unless you have permission of the instructor.
b. Write an article on your topic in a format and length (min. 500 words) that would be
appropriate for a professional journal, and cite your sources in APA format. Post the
article to the class wiki by June 27.
Church--EDSL 561-6
c. You will be assigned to use the wiki to peer-edit a classmate’s article. Complete your
peer editing by July 4.
d. After your own article has been peer-edited, make any necessary changes to your
article by July 11.
Assignments will be graded after July 11, and your grade will be based on your original
article, your editing of your classmate’s article, and your final submission with accepted or
rejected recommendations from your classmate.
5. Social Bookmarking: Choose to do ONE of the following assignments to be submitted to
the Blackboard Discussion Board by July 4. (On your honor, pick one that you are not
currently familiar with and that you feel will be beneficial to you as a practicing school
librarian.)
 Create an account on a social bookmarking site (such as Delicious) and contribute at
least 20 school library-related links with tags. Post the link to your social
bookmarking list to the Discussion Board with a brief description of your experience
with the tool.
 Create a PortaPortal site to be used with your students. Include at least 20 links
organized in a logical manner. Post the link to your PortaPortal site to the
Discussion Board with a brief description of your experience with the tool.
6. Podcast: Create a podcast (2-5 min.) for your students that can be used for reading
promotion, library orientation, or information literacy instruction. Submit in MP3 format to
the class wiki by July 11.
7. Digital Book Trailer: Create a digital book trailer using either Windows Movie Maker,
Animoto, or Photostory. The book trailer should entice students to read the book. Submit to
the Discussion Board of Blackboard by July 18.
8. Cool Tools Review: Chose and review one of the “Cool Tools” from the list provided by
the instructor. Sign up by July 18 in the Cool Tools Selection forum of the Discussion
Board by creating a new thread and using the name of the tool chosen as the subject. Tools
will be chosen on a first come-first, served basis, and no duplications will be allowed.
Acquire a copy of your software or program or access to the tool (online) and evaluate it for
usefulness, cost (if any), and ease of use. Compose a summary of your tool and indicate
your recommendations for the use of the tool in a school library setting. Give your overall
rating (highly recommended, recommended, or not recommended) and justification for your
rating. Post your review and a link to your Cool Tool on the Discussion Board by July 25.
Read your classmates’ Cool Tools review and vote for your favorite Cool Tool by August 1
in the Cool Tool Voting Forum.
9. Library 2.0 Project: Select ONE of the following assignments to be completed by August
1 and submitted as a link along with a brief summary of your project to the Discussion
Board.
 Create your own wiki for use in your library with your students, teachers, or other
library colleagues.
 Create your own blog for use in your library with your students, teachers, or other
library colleagues.
Church--EDSL 561-7


Post a video that you create to YouTube or TeacherTube for use by your students,
teachers, or other library colleagues.
Other projects as approved by the instructor.
Submit Final Exam via Assignments in Blackboard by Friday, August 5.
Course Evaluation:
Participation
Data Management Plan
Productivity Assignment
Blog
Wiki
Social Bookmarking
Cool Tools Review
Digital Book Trailer
Podcast/MP3
Library 2.0 Project
Exam
A = 94-100
B = 86-93
15%
5%
10%
5%
10%
5%
10%
10%
10%
10%
10%
C = 78-85
F = Below 78
PARTICIPATION:
Active participation is required to build our online learning community. Participation credit
will be awarded for responses to Discussion Board questions. Quantity, quality, and level of
engagement will be assessed.
ATTENDANCE:
Participation and promptness are keys to success in this course. You must keep up with
assignments (do not get behind!) and participate actively in discussions.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a physical,
psychological, medical, or learning disability should contact the Office for Disability Services (109
Graham Building, 434-395-2391) to register for services.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
Longwood provides a toll-free number (877-267-7883) for distance education students to reach
User Support Services, the Library Reference Desk, and the Graduate Studies Office.
EVALUATION OF THE INSTRUCTOR:
At the conclusion of the course, each student will have the opportunity to evaluate the course
instructor.
HONOR CODE:
Each student is expected to follow Longwood University’s policy for the Honor Code. See the
latest edition of the Longwood University Graduate Catalog, available online at
http://www.longwood.edu/graduatestudies/
Church--EDSL 561-8
PROGRAM REMINDER INFORMATION:
Beginning with the Fall 2005 semester, prospective applicants are allowed to enroll in up to nine
credit hours (3 courses) prior to being admitted to a degree or licensure only program and have
those hours apply to the admitted program. Students should submit an Application for Graduate
Admission promptly (no later than the completion of six credit hours [2 courses]) to avoid having
course work in excess of the nine credit hours not apply once admitted. Application materials are
available by contacting the Office of Graduate Studies (434-395-2707 or graduate@longwood.edu)
or on our Web site at http://www.longwood.edu/graduatestudies/10314.htm
Selected Additional Resources:
Books:
1. Barron, A. . . . [et. al]. (2006). Technologies for education: A practical guide. Westport, Conn.:
Libraries Unlimited
2. Beard, L. A., Carpenter, L. B., & Johnston, L. B. (2011). Assistive technology: Access for all
students. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson.
3. Burke, J. (2006). Neal-Schuman library technology companion: A basic guide for library staff.
New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers.
4. Carroll, J. (2008). School policies. Detroit, Greenhaven Press
5. Casey, M. & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007). Library 2.0: The librarian's guide to participatory
library service. Medford, N.J.: Information Today, Inc.
6. Charuhas, C. (2006). The Visibooks guide to Excel 2003. [Frederick, MD]: Visibooks. (e-book)
7. Conmy, C. (2006). Excel for teachers. Uniontown, Ohio: Holy Macro! (e-book)
8. Criddle, L. (2006). Look both ways: Help protect your family on the Internet. Redmond, Wash.:
Microsoft Press. (e-book)
9. Courtney, N. Ed. (2007). Library 2.0 and beyond : Innovative technologies and tomorrow's
user. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited.
10. Ebersbach, A. (2006) Wiki: Web collaboration. New York: Springer.
11. Farkas, M. (2007). Social software in libraries: Building collaboration, communication, and
community online. Medford, N.J.: Information Today.
12. Fehily, C. (2008). Microsoft Windows Vista. 2nd ed. Berkeley, Calif.: Peachpit Education. (ebook)
13. Fontichiaro, K. (2008). Podcasting at school. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited.
14. Fowlie, Sarah. (2006). The Visibooks guide to Word 2003. [Frederick, MD]: Visibooks. (ebook)
15. Greiner, T. & Cooper, B. (2007). Analyzing library collection use with Excel. Chicago: ALA.
16. Hanson, K. & Cervone, H. F., Eds. (2007). Using interactive technologies in libraries. New
York: Neal-Schuman.
17. Hendron, J. G. (2008). RSS for educators: Blogs, newsfeeds, podcasts, and wikis in the
classroom. Washington, DC: ISTE.
18. Islam, K. A. (2007). Podcasting 101 for training and development. San Francisco, Calif.:
Pfeiffer. (e-book)
19. Kloskowski, M. (2008). The Windows Vista: the step-by-step book for doing the things you need
most in Vista. Berkeley, Calif.: Peachpit. (e-book)
20. MacDonald, M. (2007). Excel 2007 for starters: The missing manual-your best friend for
answers. Sebastopol, Calif.: O'Reilly. (e-book)
Church--EDSL 561-9
21. Magid, L. & Collier, A. (2007). MySpace unraveled: A parent's guide to teen social networking
from the directors of BlogSafety.com. Berkeley, Calif.: Peachpit Press. (e-book)
22. Mazzoni, D. & Granneman, S. (2007). Podcasting with Audacity: Creating a podcast with free
audio software-Mac, Windows, Linux. Boston, Mass.: Prentice Hall. (e-book)
23. Mates, B. T. (2011). Assistive technologies in the library. Chicago: ALA.
24. Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for
classrooms. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press.
25. Roblyer, M. D. (2006). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Upper Saddle Rive,
NJ: Pearson.
26. Sauers, M. (2006). Blogging and RSS: A librarian’s guide. Medford, N. J.: Information Today.
27. Smaldino, S. E., Lowther, D. L., & Russell, J. D. (2008). Instructional technology and media
for learning. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
28. Solomon, G. & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: New tools, new schools. Eugene, Oregon:
International Society for Technology in Education.
29. Stephens, M. (2006). Web 2.0 & libraries: Best practices for social software. Chicago, IL: ALA
TechSource.
30. Stephens, M. (2007). Web 2.0 & libraries, part 2: Trends and technologies. Chicago, IL: ALA
TechSource.
31. Vander Veer, E. A. (2008). Facebook: The missing manual. Sebastopol, Calif.: O’Reilly Media.
(e-book)
32. Westman, Stephen R. (2006). Creating database-backed library web pages: Using open
source tools. Chicago: America Library Association.
33. Woodman, M. (2006). How to build an RSS 2.0 feed. Sebastopol, Calif.: O'Reilly.
34. Woodward, J. (2007). What every librarian needs to know about electronic privacy. Westport,
CT: Libraries Unlimited.
Web Sites:
AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/standards.cfm
ISTE National Educational Technology Standards
--for Students http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx
--for Teachers http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers.aspx
--for Administrators http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-administrators.aspx
Partnership for 21st Century Skills http://www.p21.org
Church--EDSL 561-10