Topic outline

  • Educational Technology for the Classroom (English) | WS 22/23 Information

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    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.

  • 09.01 to 15.01 - Module 1 - Introduction

    • Forum
      Introductory Forum

      Introduce yourself by mentioning your preferred name, origin, profession, course objective, etc.

      Also complete the sentence: Teaching is like ....

      You can add a picture or a gif and briefly explain your metaphor.

    • URL
      ETCL Privacy Policy Statement URL

      As part of the research and evaluation of this seminar, we will collect some personal information about our participants, such as your demographical data and data assessed throughout the seminar. Your information will be anonymized or pseudonymised whenever possible.

      Before we begin, please read and accept the privacy policy statement at this link: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/QUpquD2s8f

      Thank you for your participation!

    • URL
      Initial Survey URL

      Please take around 10 minutes of your time to tell us about yourself.

      It helps us to improve the seminar and format in general.

    • URL
      Google Forms for the Peer discussions URL
      On weeks 2, 3, and 4, you'll participate in synchronous discussions with a peer using a provided chat environment. We ask you to fill out the Google form, selecting the days and times you are available. IMPORTANT: Please select as many time slots as possible to ensure that everyone has a partner. The time zone for selecting slots is the Central European Time (Germany Time). The deadline to input your availability on the form is Friday, January 13, at 10:00 AM (Berlin time, GMT+ 1:00).
      Afterwards, we will assign you a specific date and time based on which slots you selected and inform you about it via e-mail. Please note that the day of the week and time you are assigned will be the same for peer discussion each week. You will receive specific information about the chat environment in the respective weeks 2, 3 and 4.
    • Additional Resources

      Some additional (optional) sources for this week:

  • 15.01 to 22.01 - Module 2 – ETCL Fundamentals and Multimedia Explanations

    In this module, you will be introduced to assumptions, perspectives, and principles of multimedia learning.

  • 22.01 to 29.01 - Module 3 – Feedback in the TEL Classroom

    In this module, we are going to explore different angles of feedback and how technology can be used to enhance it in technology-enhanced learning (TEL) scenarios.

  • 29.01 to 05.02 - Module 4 – Orchestration in the TEL Classroom

    In this module, you will be introduced to the topics of orchestration and scripting in the technology-enhanced learning (TEL) classroom. 

  • 05.02 to 17.02 - Module 5 – Final Assignment

    • URL
      Feedback & Evaluation URL
    • Assignment
      Final Assignment
      Opened: Monday, 10 April 2023, 1:00 AM
      Due: Sunday, 23 April 2023, 12:59 AM
      Write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper about the challenges and potential benefits of integrating technology into the schools. Address two to three "common misunderstandings" about technology and learning. (ie. more is always better, tech is only for free time, automatic feedback is always best etc.) In addition, include at least two examples of ways that technology can improve learning.

      The submissions are graded based on the following aspects:

      • format of the assignment: 1000 - 1500 words length and single spaced
      • text written in a clear and precise manner
      • all aspects of the task are answered completly
      • arguments are justified with evidence and content of the module is referenced
      • references of external materials (bonus point)