“Educating Professionals for Changing Educational Contexts”
University of Nevada, Las Vegas – College of Education
CIS 728/738
Applications of Technology for Secondary Mathematics/Science
Course Information
Number:
CIS 728/738
Instructor:
Dr. Kent J. Crippen
E-mail:
kcrippen@unlv.nevada.edu
Phone:
(702) 895-2517
Office:
104 BDC
Office Hours:
By appointment
Course Description
CIS 728/738 is an overview of the use of technology in the secondary mathematics/science
classroom. This course addresses the use of a broad range of technology from both a practical and
theoretical perspective. We investigate the available tools, hardware/software, the practical application
of these tools, and the emerging literature describing best practice.
Standards
Upon completion of this course, student will:

Analyze issues of classroom calculator use.

Use and evaluate the effectiveness of educational software.

Plan effective instruction that utilizes the computer in learning mathematics/science.

Demonstrate knowledge of graphing software and its appropriate use in teaching secondary
mathematics/science.

Use technology-based instruments such as the CBL (Calculator-Based Laboratory) to collect and
interpret data appropriate for use in teaching secondary mathematics/science.

Determine the impact of technology on the secondary mathematics/science curriculum.

Organize the secondary mathematics/science classroom to utilize technology in a way that
Course Web Site: http://crippen.nevada.edu/moodle/
1
actively involves the students (includes the use of cooperative learning).

Explore various computer applications (word processing, database, spreadsheet, graphics,
telecommunications) and evaluate the appropriateness of each for meeting instructional goals
and objectives.

Evaluate the current levels and effects of computer implementation in mathematics classrooms,
the obstacles to computer integration, and the potential of computer-based technology to enhance
teaching and learning math/science in the future.
Knowledge
This course is broken down into four main areas:

Current teaching and learning models and their influence on using technology in the
math/science classroom.

Producing, evaluating, and using Web content.

Computer hardware and software applications.

Graphing calculators, probeware, and analysis of authentic data.
Performance
Students who successfully complete this course will demonstrate the following:

Knowledge of best practice as described by current literature. This includes identifying and
analyzing scholarly sources of information.

Awareness of current hardware and software resources for technology integration throughout
the secondary math/science curriculum. This includes a special emphasis in the student's stated
area of interest.

The ability to construct a simple Web site documenting their participation and progress in this
course.

A lesson or activity incorporating an original or innovative use of an appropriate computer
application.

A lesson or activity incorporating an original or innovative use of an appropriate data collection
and analysis tool(s).
Disposition
Students who successfully complete this course will have a greater appreciation for technology's
role in the secondary math/science classroom. Students will develop an understanding for and
commitment to appropriately integrating technology within their instructional practice.
Course Web Site: http://crippen.nevada.edu/moodle/
2
Results
In CIE 728/738, students will be assessed in three areas. These areas include: Web-based essays
and classroom activities, 3-performance assessments (projects), and class participation.
Course Web Site: http://crippen.nevada.edu/moodle/
3
Attendance
Students are required to be in attendance at all published class meetings.
Readings
Students are expected to have completed the required course readings BEFORE the class meeting.
This INCLUDES any Web resources posted online.
Textbook
There is no formal textbook for this course everything is accessible online.
Assignments
Students are required to complete all of the Web-based course assessments and weekly classroom
activities. These assessments are delivered as quiz items and are accessible from within Moodle (see link
at page bottom). The items are delivered in a mastery format with individual feedback. Students must
continue to attempt items until they have successfully mastered ALL items.
Performance Assessments
Three projects are required for this course. They are indicated below along with suggested
completion dates. Project descriptions are available from the course Web site. You are encouraged to
contact the instructor personally with any specific questions.

Cognitive Tool Project

Data Collection/Analysis Project

Modeling Project
Grading Policy
Dr. Crippen is a proponent of mastery learning. All assignments in this course can be re-done.
Assignments will be scored as target, satisfactory or unsatisfactory. All work will be returned with
feedback. Unsatisfactory and satisfactory work can be re-done until a target grade is achieved.
Course Web Site: http://crippen.nevada.edu/moodle/
4
UNLV Policies
Student Assistance
If you have a documented disability that requires assistance, you will need to go to the Disability
Resource Center (DRC) for coordination in your academic accommodations. The DRC is located in the
Reynolds Student Services Center, room 137. The DRC phone is 895-0866 or TDD 895-0652.
Incompletes
Incomplete grades will be provided in special situations for students who require more time than
the semester requires to improve all assignments to a satisfactory level. Final grades will be assigned
based upon the attached grading rubric.
Academic Integrity Statement
UNLV and its College of Education demand a level of scholarly behavior and academic honesty
on the part of students. Violations by students exhibiting dishonesty while carrying out academic
assignments and procedural steps for dealing with academic integrity are delineated within the
Handbook of Regulations Governing Probation and Suspension within the College of Education. This
publication may be found in the CML, the C & I office (354), or the Office of the Dean of the College of
Education (301).
In addition to successful academic performance in prescribed coursework, you are to enroll in a
professional course of studies, which is governed by a student code of ethics and programmatic
expectations. The Handbook of the Committee to Review Initial Licensure Students outlines the UNLV
Student Code of Conduct, NEA Code of Ethics for the Teaching Profession, and C&I Student
Expectations. The handbook is available in the C&I office.
Convictions
Misdemeanor or felonious convictions(s) may bar teacher licensure in Nevada or other states. If
you have any questions, please direct them to the Director of Teacher Education, CEB 301, 895-4851.
Religious Holidays
Course Web Site: http://crippen.nevada.edu/moodle/
5
Any student missing class quizzes, examinations, or any other class or lab work because of
religious holidays shall be given an opportunity during that semester to make up missed work. The
makeup will apply to the religious holiday absence only.
Course Web Site: http://crippen.nevada.edu/moodle/
6
Final Grading Rubric
Grade
A
Student Characteristics
All student projects are graded acceptable. All student projects demonstrate a degree of
thoughtful consideration and creativity beyond the stated expectations. Student discussion
comments go beyond simply answering the question or generating effortless responses. All
student quizzes are complete and responses to essay questions demonstrate consideration
and application beyond a simple correct answer. The quality of any group presentation(s)
would be significantly less without this student's contribution and participation.
A-
All student projects are graded acceptable. At least two of the student projects demonstrate
a degree of thoughtful consideration and creativity. All student discussion postings are on
time. Student discussion comments are thoughtful and helpful. All student quizzes are
complete and responses to essay questions demonstrate consideration and application. The
student's contribution and participation in any group presentation(s) is obvious.
B+
All student projects are graded acceptable. Thoughtful consideration and creativity are
obviously lacking in certain student projects. Student discussion comments typically
demonstrate a minimal attempt at stimulating discussion. All student quizzes are complete,
but responses to essay questions typically are a simple answer. The student's contribution
and participation in any group presentation is very limited.
B
B-
All student projects are graded acceptable. A majority of student projects are lacking in
thoughtful consideration and creativity. Student discussion comments demonstrate a
minimal attempt at stimulating discussion, or the student has not been present in class. All
student content quizzes are complete, but multiple attempts are required for essay
responses to be graded passing. The student's contribution and participation in any group
presentation(s) is minimal or nonexistent.
All student projects are graded acceptable. All student projects lack thoughtful
consideration and creativity. Student discussion comments generally are not helpful to
discussion. At least 80% of student content quizzes are complete. The student's contribution
and participation in any group presentation(s) is minimal or nonexistent.
F
A combination of any of the following are true: a) The student projects were either not
attempted or completed to the acceptable standards, b) The course assessments were either
not completed or completed to a passing rate of 80%, c) Student discussion postings were
not complete to an acceptable level of quantity or quality.
Incomplete
The student projects have not been completed to the acceptable standards. AND/OR The
course assessments have not been completed. Failure to complete these requirements by the
final course evaluation date will result in the instructor filing a grade of incomplete for this
course with the graduate college. The instructor will change the incomplete grade to an
official letter grade only when the above requirements are complete.
Course Web Site: http://crippen.nevada.edu/moodle/
7