Educational Technology for the Classroom

Course Dates: 09.01.2023 – 17.02.2023

LSF Exam Application Period: 20.01.2023 - 31.01.2023

Responsible professor: Armin Weinberger, a.weinberger@mx.uni-saarland.de
Course coordinator: Birk Thierfelder, b.thierfelder@edutech.uni-saarland.de
Course tutor: Markus Schäfer, masc00026@stud.uni-saarland.de
Credits: 3 ECTS

Course Summary

The Educational Technology for the Classroom (ETCL) course is an advanced seminar in a micro-MOOC format (MOOC - Massive Open Online Course) that provides theoretical background and information on how Educational Technology can be implemented in school settings.

In this course we will discuss the following:

• Application of technology in the classroom, including legal and practical barriers to the use of media.
• Multimedia presentation techniques on interactive whiteboards.
• Design of technology-supported classroom scripts.
• Testing and orchestration of different social learning arrangements with the help of different social media and mobile devices.
• Exchange of experiences with teaching staff and educational technologists.
• The conception of a technology-based teaching unit in different subjects.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explore the application of educational technology tools for teaching and learning.
• Reflect, compare, and critique the application of learning hard- and software in the classroom. 
• Discuss the possibilities that digital technology offers to enhance self-regulated, collaborative learning and task design within a classroom environment, especially in relation to the potential of scripts for the orchestration of learning scenarios, feedback and awareness tools, and multimedia learning.

Learning Methods and Activities

Moodle will be used for learning resources: videos, readings, forums, and for submitting assignments. The course lasts 6 weeks, with the first week being the introductory week with no assignments. Modules 2 to 4 consist of pre-recorded video lectures, self-assessments, peer discussion (with submissions), and additional reading materials. The final assessment (module 5) can be submitted in a time period of 12 days. The following are the components you will find in this course:

Forum: Reflecting and sharing	This activity is designed to activate prior knowledge. You are invited to reflect on your own experiences and relate them to the course content.
Video Lectures: Knowledge contribution	Each week includes video lectures containing the theoretical content of the course. These lectures provide information about scientific research and theories, as well as practical examples.
Quizzes Assessments: Domain Knowledge Test	Each module contains a timed and closed-response quiz to help you check your understanding and focus your attention on key points in the lecture.
Peer Discussions: Collaboration	In modules 2, 3, and 4, you are asked to participate in synchronous discussions with a peer using the provided chat environment. The discussion will be based on a case study, and you will be asked to examine the case and collaborate on responses and recommendations based on what you learned in the video lectures. You are required to submit an assignment based on the topic discussion. Note: In weeks 3 and 4, students' discussions may be supported by a conversational agent.
Additional Resources: Recommended Reading	Each module includes recommended (optional) articles and materials that provide deeper insight into the scientific background on which the lectures are based.

Course Communication

All communication will be done via Moodle, but don’t worry, you should get our messages in your email inbox. In case you have any doubts or needs, please post general questions on the course forum, in case of specific needs, please send us an individual message via Moodle or an email.

Grading

The final grade for the course consists of modules assignments (50%) and the final assignment (50%). Keep in mind the deadline to submit the final assignment (available on moodle). It is mandatory to submit all modules assignments and the final assignment.