Middle Georgia State College
School of Education
CRN 27823 /MGED4180, Section 01
Inst Tech in MG Class
Mondays and Wednesdays
8:00 – 9:40 AM
Ms. LaQuita Denson
Contacting the Professor
Office
Hours:
By Appointment
Office
Location: CSS Room 209
Telephone: (478) 757-2544 (School)
(478) 216-8015 (Text)
Fax:
(478) 471-0657
E-mail:
Laquita.denson@mga.edu
Contacting the Class
Class E- mail: Laquita.denson@mga.edu
Course
Web Site:
Desire2Learn
Class
Mondays and Wednesdays
Times:
8:00 – 9:40 AM
Room
Number:
TEB 374
Conceptual Framework
The School of Education’s philosophy consists of four essential elements that constitute a highly-qualified
adaptive professional who will contribute to the field and affect the lives of children and communities in
positive and meaningful ways. Graduates exiting the MGSC program will exemplify these four essential
elements, being competent, accountable, reflective, and engaged adaptive professionals in the field.
This adaptive professional is one who continuously assesses his or her own instruction and knowledge
and makes changes accordingly to ensure that every child in his or her classroom is successful. Teacher
candidates will appreciate the value of asking questions of themselves as they develop as teachers,
reflecting on their answers in relation to their students’ outcomes, their communities, the current literature,
and other factors.
Course Description
This course guides the pre-service teacher towards enhancing learning opportunities for Middle Grades
students through the use of readily available technology, digital and social media and educational
software. Pre-service teachers will use and manage instructional technologies in a Middle Grades
educational setting, offering the teacher candidate the opportunity to develop a knowledge base through
experiencing and utilizing diverse technology resources, designing technology-rich learning activities and
exploring how technology can be successfully and meaningfully integrated into the Middle Grades
classroom. Use of technology is required. This course is aligned with state and national standards.
Learning Outcomes/Activities
1.) The candidate will understand and be prepared to implement a varied range of instructional
technology practices and resources in a Middle Grades setting by:
a. Developing a broad understanding of current instructional technology options
b. Gaining proficiency in the use of multiple instructional technology formats
c. Surveying and understanding current best-practice in the use of instructional
technologies in a classroom setting
2.) The candidate will plan and prepare instruction that utilizes instructional technology to meet
current local, state and federal curriculum standards and requirements by:
a. Selecting and aligning instructional technology opportunities with content specific
standards and curricula
b. Understanding and implementing current standards and curricula that relate to the use of
instructional technology in the Middle Grades
c. Demonstrating proficiency in planning for instructional technology use that is rigorous,
appropriate and clearly highlights learning objectives
3.) The candidate will demonstrate proficiency and understanding of multiple instructional technology
tools and relate these to the work of a Middle Grades practitioner by:
a. Utilizing effective instructional technology practices in a Middle Grades setting
b. Demonstrating a depth of understanding in the implementation and rationale for selecting
a particular instructional technology practice
c. Linking instructional technology option to the broader practice of a Middle Grades teacher
4.) The candidate will become knowledgeable of current instructional technologies, their processes
and the factors influencing their use by:
a. Engaging with, and understanding, the current research, literature and best-practice
related to the field of instructional technology as presented in professional and
organizational literature and publications
b. Using current research and best-practice to select and implement instructional
technology tools
c. Linking literature, research and best-practice to the current local, state and federal
curricula and standards for Middle Grade
NOTE: This course is aligned to the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS•T).
See a complete listing of standards at: http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx
Withdrawal Deadline
The last day to withdraw from this course with a “W” is February 5, 2014.
Resources
 InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards
 (http://www.ccsso.org/documents/2011/intasc_model_core_teaching_standards_2011.pdf )
 Georgia Extended Framework for Teaching (http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/SchoolImprovement/Teacher-and-LeaderEffectiveness/Documents/GeorgiaFrameworkforTeaching.pdf)
 This course is aligned to the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS•T). See
a complete listing of standards at: http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx
 Some supplemental readings may be placed on reserve and/or posted on Desire2Learn and other
web 2.0 resources.
Technology Requirements:
 A LiveText account
 A flash or jump drive
 A Digital Microphone (of your choice) that can record audio to your computer (can be a part of
a headset or built in to a laptop).
 Optional: A Webcam (of your choice) or other digital camera (the School of Education has
some for check out) that can record live video captures to your computer and also be
able to take single snapshots (may be built in to a laptop).
COURSE POLICIES, EXPECTATIONS, AND GUIDELINES
Course Policies
1. Candidates are required to have access to a computer and the Internet.
2. All course materials (i.e. course syllabus, course content, the assignments and the schedule of
activities, etc.) are posted in D2L’s course/class web site.
3. MGSC email (this course will NOT use D2L email) is used only for communication between
the instructor and candidates. The instructor will endeavor to reply to your email queries within
12 hours and no more than 24 hours of their receipt.
4. Communication will periodically be sent to the candidates through email, D2L news, and text
notifications. Therefore, it is vital that you check your MGSC e-mail account every day.
NOTE: I DO NOT ACCEPT ASSIGNMENTS AS E-MAIL ATTACHMENTS.
5. Each candidate is encouraged to activate the notifications feature for this course located in
the dropdown area next to the user’s name found on the minibar in D2L. This feature will
allow the candidates to receive automatic updates related to course content and
information.
6. Candidates must attend class if they are to be well prepared for the workplace. Please see the
“Attendance Policy” in the college’s catalog.
7. Your instructor will begin grading all assessments after the deadline.
Expectations for Achieving Responsible Online Discourse
One value we must share is respect for individuals - their experience and their ideas or social
positions. We also share a genuine desire to learn from one another. In order to demonstrate
these shared values, you are encouraged to consider how your tone, word choice, and content
may affect other readers. Some ways people achieve responsible public electronic discourse
include
a. calling each other by name on the screen,
b. using smiley faces =) to clarify meaning if a writer's tone might be ambiguous,
c. clarifying with someone courteously before "flaming" back a quick response, and
d. refraining from publishing or forwarding any questionable jokes or strong language that
could offend various readers.
e. refraining from aggressive language such as coarse or vulgar language, slander, insults,
defamation, and/or threats.
NOTE: You will receive a warning for the first offense. In addition, instances of
aggression may be reported to the appropriate office on campus.
Guidelines for Online Discussions
1. Not only respond to your instructor’s questions, but carry on a dialogue with your classmates
as well. If you only respond to your instructor’s question it makes the discussion more of an
"exam" rather than a dialogue.
2. Do not get caught up in "winning" the debate. We are here to learn the material, have fun,
and to discuss matters of importance with others.
3. Read all postings from your classmates, not just those from the instructor. Sometimes
future questions are based on the insights of your classmates.
4. When you reply to a post, don't just say "I agree". Give the person name you are agreeing
with and be sure to put the reply in the right thread. Also include a brief sentence or two
summarizing what they said that you are agreeing with and then your views. You might also
consider changing the subject line to reflect your posts. Make it easy for us to figure out who
you are talking to and what you are talking about.
5. If you express an opinion, support it with material from our readings or other sources if
applicable. When you quote, summarize, or paraphrase from the text, be sure to give the page
number(s) -- This is important!
Student Withdrawal Policy
“Students may withdraw from the course and earn a grade of “W” up to and including the midterm
date, which occurs on February 5, 2014. After midterm, students who withdraw will receive a
grade of “WF.” The MGSC Withdrawal Form, which is available online or in the Office of the
Registrar, must be signed by the instructor in advance of withdrawal. ”
Academic Honesty/ Ethics Policy/Plagiarism/Disruptive Behavior
“The primary expectations of Middle Georgia State College students are integrity and civility.
Each student should approach academic endeavors, relationships, and personal responsibilities
with a strong commitment to personal integrity and interpersonal civility,” (Student Handbook,
October 2013). Please review the responsibilities of all MGSC students outlined in Part I of the
Student Code of Conduct (Student Handbook, Updated October 2013).
Each student should approach academic endeavors, relationships, and personal responsibilities
with a strong commitment to personal integrity and interpersonal civility. The standard policy for
academic misconduct (e.g., plagiarism) is a zero for the assignment. In addition, if the occurrence
is continuous or blatant (e.g. cheating) the student will receive a failing grade for the course. In
this course, if a student does not give proper credit for work, the student will have to redo the
assignment. If the same offense happens again, the student will receive a zero for the
assignment. Blatant cheating (i.e. on a test, copying someone else’s work, etc.) will automatically
result in a zero for the first offense.
“A plagiarism prevention service may be used in evaluation of written work submitted for this
course. As directed by the instructor, students are expected to submit or have their assignments
submitted through the service in order to meet requirements for this course. The papers may be
retained by the service for the sole purpose of checking for plagiarized content in future student
submissions.”
As a Middle Georgia State College student and as a student in this class, you are responsible for
reading, understanding, and abiding by the MGSC Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code
of Conduct is included in the MGSC Student Handbook and is available online at
http://www.mga.edu/student-affairs/docs/MGSC_Student_Handbook.pdf
Students with Disabilities
The Disability Support Center coordinates and provides a variety of services for students with
physical and learning disabilities. Our aim is to ensure that students with disabilities have equal
access to all programs offered at Middle Georgia State College. Students seeking academic
accommodations for a special need must contact the MGSC Counseling Center (478.471.2985,
TDD 478.471.5798) located on the Macon Campus. We will work collaboratively to make
reasonable accommodations for students who demonstrate a documented problem that interferes
with the successful completion of this course. However, it is the student’s responsibility to request
a modification(s) and/or accommodation(s) before assignments are due.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Cell Phones and Laptops
Cell phones are to be silent during class sessions. You do not have to turn them off, but you do
need to turn them to a silence mode during the duration of class. If you get a phone call of
important nature, please leave the room to take the call. Cell phone conversations and textmessaging during class are strictly prohibited. Please be respectful to the course professor and to
those around you. It is your responsibility to make sure that cell phones are silenced at the
beginning of class.
Students Rights and Responsibilities and MGSC Policies and Procedures
Students are responsible for knowing their rights at MGSC. Information on your rights is posted in
the MGSC Student Handbook (Updated October 2013)
•
http://www.mga.edu/student-affairs/docs/MGSC_Student_Handbook.pdf
Statement of Diversity
Faculty in the School of Education are committed to prepare students to recognize, appreciate,
and support diversity in all forms – including ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, economic,
physical, and intellectual – while striving to provide fair and equitable treatment and consideration
for all. Therefore, faculty intends to treat all students fairly and equitably regardless. Any student
who believes that she/he has not been treated fairly or equitably for any reason should bring it to
the attention of the instructor.
Technology Statement
Successful completion of this course requires the student to have a moderate level of computer
literacy (e.g., word processing programs; accessing information via the internet; using web 2.0
resources). Students should be familiar with these types of technologies prior to taking this
course. Students may receive tutorial assistance through the Academic Resource Center
located in lower level of the MGSC library or in Room 214 Academic Services building on
WRC.
Academic Resource Center
Tutoring is available free of charge in the Academic Resource Centers (ARC) on all campuses for
currently enrolled students. The Macon ARC is located in the lower level of the Library building on
the Macon campus. To schedule an appointment in the Macon ARC, call (478) 471-2057. To
check the schedules for subjects tutored and tutor availability, go to the ARC website at
http://www.mga.edu.edu/academic-resource-center/.
The ARC website also posts tutoring schedules for six other centers on the Macon campus:
MARC-- Mathematics Academic Resource Center (Mathematics Bldg., 104 & 105: 478-4712814), Department of History and Political Science Study Center (Jones 314: 478-471-5749),
School of Business (PSC 346:478-471-2724), School of Information Technology (PSC 336: 478471-2801), The Writing Center (TEB 226: 478-471-3542), and Foreign Language Lab (H/SS 110:
478-471-5792). All these services are free of charge as well.
Other services at the ARC include online academic workshops and a robust website with
resources for academic assistance. The centers also have computer workstations with Internet
access.
How to get the most out of a tutoring session:
1. Start right away. Students who begin tutoring from the beginning of the semester typically do
better than those who wait.
2. Book your appointments early. During peak times, you may need to book a week in advance
to get the times you want.
3. Come prepared. Please bring your syllabus, class notes, textbook, and specific assignment.
Look over the readings and try the problems. If you can, bring a list of specific questions. The
more you prepare, the more you will get out of the session.
4. Tutoring is not a substitute for attending class! If you miss a class, first get notes from a
classmate.
Person First Language
During your enrollment in this class, it is expected that you will reference students with disabilities
using person-first language. Person-first language refers to identifying an individual as a human
being - first, who possesses a disability – second. Person-first language maintains the dignity and
worth of an individual who faces a cognitive and/or physical disability. I will not accept labels
such as “SPED students” or “disabled students.” Please address individuals with disabilities using
person-first language during class participation and in all written assignments.
Student Professional Dispositions
Professional dispositions are the values, commitments, and professional ethics that influence
behaviors toward students, families, colleagues, and communities, and affect student learning,
motivation, and development as well as the educator’s own professional growth. Dispositions are
guided by beliefs and attitudes related to values such as caring, fairness, honesty, responsibility,
and social justice. For example, they might include a belief that all students can learn, a vision of
high and challenging standards, or a commitment to a safe and supportive learning environment.
Students will demonstrate professional dispositions by exhibiting the following professional
behaviors:
 Preparing for class by reading the assigned materials.
 Participating in class discussions in a variety of ways.
 Turning in completed assignments on designated due dates.
 Interacting in a professional manner (verbally and nonverbally) with other candidates
and professor.
 Taking responsibility for his/her professional learning.
 Taking responsibility for contacting the professor via email, text, or by phone prior to an
absence and taking responsibility for getting class notes/materials from peers.
This list of professional behaviors is not limited to only the above professional behaviors. Please
keep in mind that the professor has the right to take these professional behaviors, as well as
other behaviors, into account when grading at the end of the semester.
Please be polite and courteous in your interactions with each other and your professor, both in
class and online (this includes emails, web 2.0 tools, and Desire2Learn). Active participation will
always be valued; however, rudeness and disruption in any form will not be tolerated. These
expectations of professionalism extend to the online educational environment as well, including
discussion posts.
Attendance
Class attendance is mandatory for success. Attending each class session, participating in class
discussions, and completing course assignments is essential. Class discussions, activities, and
demonstrations will help you to a better understanding of how we learn. Not being in class puts
you at a disadvantage. Daily group work, in-class assignments, in-class quizzes, and participation
points cannot be made up. All class assignments must be completed during the established
class time.
In the event that you miss a class, you will still be held responsible for any work due that date,
any new information (i.e. lecture notes, handouts, class discussions) from other students and new
assignments given for other dates. The student is responsible for informing the professor prior to
an absence or immediately after an absence. This should be done via e-mail, text message, or
with a voice mail message. Absences will have a significant effect on your overall point
accumulation. Class attendance is mandatory for success. Remember--missing class puts you
behind.
The expectation for this class is that students will be on-time and in attendance. Students who
enter class 10 minutes after the class has started or depart class 10 or more minutes prior to the
end of class will be considered absent. If you are going to be late for class for an important
reason, it is your responsibility to let me know. There is a reason that this class is scheduled for
the length of time allowed, and you will be missing valuable information if you arrive late or depart
early.
You must be present for 80% of the classes in order to receive a final grade for this course.
Therefore, you can only miss four class sessions. If you miss more, you will automatically fail the
course, regardless of your ability or assignment grades. It is extremely beneficial to you to miss
as few classes as possible.
Preparation and Late Policy
All written work, reflections, drafts or finished products will be completed on time, will be in
Standard English and will be word-processed unless otherwise noted by the professor.
*If you are to be absent on a day that an assignment is due, it is your responsibility to see that
your work gets to me by the beginning of that class session. As well, assignments that are due in
Desire2Learn are to be entered on or before the date and time due or they will be considered
late. Please do not wait until the last minute to submit assignments electronically, as technology
problems can arise.
It is vital that your work is submitted on time. Tests cannot be made up unless prior permission is
granted.
Written Assignment Criteria
All written material submitted should be double-spaced, using 12-point font, unless otherwise
specified. If you have difficulty in the area of written communication skills, please ask for my
assistance. When constructing your written materials, special attention MUST be given to the
following:
• grammar, punctuation, spelling
• sentence and paragraph structure
• tense and parallel usage
• organization, neatness, and content knowledge
• be specific – say what you mean
Spelling and grammar count for all assignments. Please proofread your work to receive maximum
points allowed for all assignments.
Graded Assignments and Projects
Complete instructions for each assignment and project, including grading criteria, will be posted
on D2L. If an assignment or project is submitted past the deadline it will automatically incur a 50%
penalty against the point value of the assignment or project. Another 10% penalty will be applied
for each additional 24 hour period the assignment or project is considered past due. Medical
emergencies or unexpected but required business trips when documented and communicated in
advance to your instructor are considered exceptions to the above course policy. Computer and
telecommunication problems, however, are NOT considered an exception to the above
policy. Communication with your instructor is KEY in determining if and how any make-up or
missed work will be handled.
Grading Policy
Assignments: Throughout the semester candidates will be expected to complete various
assignments. These assignments will require vigilance as students must “learn” something
new and/or complete a task in a new way. These will include lesson plans, class website,
portfolio and other assignments. (30%)
Tests: Two tests will be given throughout the semester. There will be a combination of subjective
and objective questions on the tests. The material to be tested will be from the text readings,
class discussions, and any other information presented in class. Tests will be closed
book/closed note unless otherwise specified by the professor. As well, electronic devices (i.e.
cell phones) must be put away during testing situations. Tests cannot be made up without
prior permission from professor. (20%)
Participation and Contribution to Class: Candidates will receive acknowledgment for
participation in class. Candidates will come to class prepared to learn, and those who are not
actively involved will not receive contribution points. This participation will also include online
discussions. Please note that the professor will also be looking for positive professional
dispositions during each class session. This will include sharing information about websites,
apps, blogs, and other activities. (20%)
Critical Assignment: Candidates will complete one critical assignment by submitting artifacts
and reflections during the course. This portfolio will be based on standards covered in the
Georgia Frameworks for Teachers and InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards. (30%)
Trigger Quizzes: Lecture quizzes will test your basic grasp of the points provided by the
professor in lecture notes. These quizzes are “trigger quizzes,” meaning that they must be
completed in order for additional materials within the unit to become available. These quizzes
will not count toward your average.
DATE
January 13 and January 15, 2014
TOPIC
Introduction
Syllabus Review
Presentation Tools
Blogging
January 30, 2014
Holiday
January 22, 2014
Using Photos
January 27 and January 28, 2014
Assessment Tools
February 3 and February 5, 2014
Creating Comics
February 10 and February 12, 2014
Digital Storytelling
February 17 and February 19, 2014
Interactive Boards
February 24 and February 26, 2014
Webquests
March 3 and March 5, 2014
Spring Break
March 10, 2014
Presentations
March 12, 2014
Last Day of Class
March 13, 2014
Final Exam
Please note: I reserve the right to change the course calendar at any time to ensure that students
are successfully learning. Candidates will be informed of any changes in a timely manner.
This course calendar is a guideline and does not represent all activities and discussions
which will take place. It is important to remember that this is a projected timetable and that
chapters discussed in class may take a longer amount of time to cover extensively.
School of Education Appeal Policy and Procedure
The School of Education Student Handbook outlines a grievance process to be used by students
in the event that usual processes of communication do not result in the positive resolution of a
conflict. This procedure may be used for any grievance except a grade appeal. Students wishing
to file a Grade Appeal may do so by following the standard institutional policy as documented in
the Academic Catalog and online.
http://www.mga.edu/faculty-affairs/docs/Final_Course_Grade_Appeal_Form.pdf
A. Anyone choosing to engage in the Grievance Process must submit in writing:
1. A thorough description of the specific behaviors and actions that created the basis for the
grievance.
2. The identity of the person against whom the grievance is being made.
3. A statement documenting the steps the person bringing the grievance has made to resolve
the problem up to this point. Such attempts at resolution should involve talking with the
person involved about areas of disagreement if possible.
B. A copy of this written document must be given to the person against whom the grievance is
made and to the Dean of the School of Education.
The Dean of the School of Education is charged with expediting the creation of a Grievance Panel
and chairing the Panel. A faculty member who is a party to the grievance must remove himor herself from all deliberations related to the grievance. If the Dean is being grieved against,
the grievance procedures will be determined by the Provost of Middle Georgia State College.
Syllabus Disclaimer Statement: This syllabus is intended to give the student guidance in what
will be covered during the session and will be followed as closely as possible. However, the
professor reserves the rights to modify, supplement, and make changes in the course when
appropriate.