Module 1: Video Directions
Accessing the Blackboard Course Site and Overview (3:22) http://screencast.com/t/AQyLbVUNJS0D
Syllabus and Course Overview (10:11) http://screencast.com/t/4p5SljRSUH
Module 1 Video Directions (7:49) http://screencast.com/t/WG9RgIDvfS
Keys to Success in an Online Course (Video Overview) (7:35) http://screencast.com/t/VrGgS2QXrCr8
Welcome to ISTC 541 – Foundations of Instructional Technology
Module 1: Introduction, Orientation to Online Learning, and Community Building
Pedagogical Approach : Wiki
Summary
: This module is an introduction and orientation to the course. We’ll begin with an overview of the course including its goals, objectives, format, and expectations. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a community building exercise which will assist you in your online learning experience.
Module Objectives:

Participants will become familiar with the Blackboard online learning courseware features by completing online tutorials.

Discuss and apply theories, philosophies, and current research driving learning and teaching (ALA/AASL 2.1, 2.2) .
Suggested Calendar
Course Calendar View
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Module 1: Introduction, Orientation to Online Learning, and Community Building
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesda Thursday Friday
May 25 May 26
Module 1 y
May 27
Module 1
Summer Session Begins
May 28
Module 1
May 29
Module 1
View the Blackboard Orientation Video
View the Read course introductory information.
View the Course Video Introduction presentation
Post in the
Blackboard Wiki titled Personal
Information
Saturday
May 30
Module 1
View classmates postings in the Wiki and add comments
(optional)
Course Introduction:
This introductory course provides an overview of the field of instructional technology. This course focuses on helping students to develop an awareness and understanding of the theories and philosophies driving the field. In addition, this course will explore common computer-related technologies used within most learning environments.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Objective
Discuss and apply theories, philosophies, and current research driving learning and teaching
AASL Standards InTASC
Standards
AASL 1.1, 1.2,
1.3, 1.4, 3.3
InTASC 1-9
ISTC- NETS*T
ISTE-NETS*T III
D, V C
AASL 3.3 InTASC 1- 9 ISTE-NETS*T III
D, V C
Discuss and apply theories, philosophies, and current research driving the field of Educational
Technology
Discuss and apply theories, philosophies, and current research driving the field of Instructional Design.
Create basic Internet-based instructional content
Create basic multimedia-based instructional content
Manipulate current database technologies.
AASL 3.3
AASL 1.1, 1.2,
1.3, 1.4, 2.3, 3.3
AASL 1.1, 1.2,
1.3, 1.4, 2.3, 3.3
AASL 3.3
InTASC 1- 9 ISTE-NETS*T III
InTASC 1-9
InTASC 1-9
D, V C
ISTE-NETS*T
IIABCD, IV A
ISTE-NETS*T
IIABCD, IV A
ISTE-NETS*T III
A
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Manipulate current desktop publishing technologies.
Manipulate current spreadsheet technologies.
AASL 3.3
AASL 3.3
ISTE-NETS*T III
A
ISTE-NETS*T III
A, IIBC
Manipulate current digital graphic editing technologies.
AASL 3.3
Syllabus: Log into the Blackboard course site to view the entire course syllabus and schedule.
The syllabus is located in the course information tab.
ISTE-NETS*T
IIIA
Course Format : This is an online course taught though Blackboard. In this course, you will participate in a variety of large and small group online activities such as whole class discussions, and in the production of instructional media. Reading, writing, and online class discussions are fundamental elements of this course. The astute candidate will promptly participate in online discussion activities.
Assigned Readings: Course readings and assignments are provided in the course syllabus. The course syllabus can be found in the course website under Course Documents. Your readings for this course will be found either through the textbooks, links to websites or articles for assigned readings, or can be found in online databases available through Towson University’s Cook
Library.
Textbooks:
Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning
David H. Rose & Anne Meyer available at: http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/
Course Expectations : Participation in online discussions and course activities is mandatory.
Each week you will have assigned readings and assignments. You will need to participate in online course activities. Each module will vary depending upon the topic. Discussion postings should be thoughtful demonstrating a strong understanding of the content.
Students are expected to submit all assignments on the due dates indicated on the course syllabus. Assigned readings and activities are to be completed by the dates indicated on the syllabus. Assignments that require you to turn in an artifact to the instructor should be submitted through the appropriate link in the course section labeled Assignments .
Students are expected to maintain ethical conduct and academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism is not acceptable and will result in a grade reduction or possible grounds for failing grades.
Module 1: Assignments and Instructions:
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__ Blackboard Orientation - If you are unfamiliar with Blackboard or need a refresher, please complete the following orientation course at - http://www.towson.edu/blackboard/studentorientationcourse.asp
__Read through this module (1) to become familiar with the course goals, objectives and expectations. Read the document that identifies Keys to Success in This Online Course.
__Community Building Exercise
A sense of community among learners is very important in online learning environments. Getting to know your peers and developing relationships and a sense of connectedness are essential to your success in our course.
Let’s get to know each other by completing this first assignment.
Complete the following components in the Personal Introductions Wiki in the Blackboard. Each component is worth 2 points.
(1) Introductory Message
(2) Personal Information
(3) Experiences with Distance Learning
You can edit the Wiki by:
1. Log into the class Blackboard website.
2. Click on the Wikis icon.
3. Click on the link titled, Personal Introductions .
4. Click on Edit Wiki Content, and add your information to the Wiki. Address the following information in your Wiki posting: a. Introduce yourself by outlining your current plan of study, employment placement and any personal information you would like to share with the class. b. Experiences with distance based learning can be similar or diverse. Up to this point in your program of study, you may have participated in numerous distance based courses or this could be your very first distance based learning experience. Examine the following Keys to Success in
This Online Course posted below.
Briefly describe your own experiences or any concerns you may have with learning over a distance.
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Any personal questions you may have regarding the course, course expectations, syllabus information etc. should be forwarded via e-mail to the instructor.
__Wiki Follow-up
Examine the completed Wiki to perhaps learn a bit more about your classmates.
Keys to Success in This Online Course
Time management and commitment - Allocate some daily time to check in and participate in course discussions and activities. Online coursework can be intensive, and it can be difficult to stay attuned to online activities (particularly discussion based activities) if participation is not ongoing.
Read carefully – Instruction in the online environment is heavily text-based. Be sure to read through instructions and assignments carefully, and ask questions if you are unsure of requirements for assignments, deadlines, etc.
Balancing personal obligations - Select a time for course participation that is most conducive with your work schedule and other obligations.
Study environment - Select an environment where you can be most productive with your time. Select a time of day where you will be most focused on your activities. Once you have selected a time, treat it like an appointment - stay dedicated to that time.
Ask questions - If you have a question, please ask. The instructors have a discussion forum setup in Blackboard for students to submit questions and concerns. The instructors will check the forum daily to address questions. If a question is personal or confidential in nature, you may email your assigned instructor.
Patience with technical issues - There will be times when the technology does not cooperate. Unfortunately, communication on the World Wide Web is subject to occasional disruptions. Please be patient, and advise your instructor of any issues. There will be some posted times that the Blackboard server will be down. Try to adjust your schedule around these times.
Communication through writing - A majority of the communication through this online course will be written. Comfort with expression through writing is an essential skill for being successful in this course.
Utilizing strong reading and critical thinking skills - Journal articles and web-based written material presented are the primary sources of information for this course. The ability to navigate through information and assess it for accuracy and reliability will benefit students in this course.
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