MEIT Online Course Descriptions

Proposed Curriculum CEDO 501 Succeeding in Online Learning This is an introductory course with a focus on current computer and web-based tools and the development of skills needed to succeed in online learning. Additional Explanation: Even experienced computer uses may not be aware of some of the new collaborative tools used in online learning. The intent of this course is to provide a common skill set and knowledge base for all members of the cohort. CEDO 510 Computers and How They Connect This course complements CEDO 501. Participants will develop or reinforce the skills needed to ensure successful setup, configuration, and understanding of the technology and tools (hardware and software) used to connect with other course members, to work collaboratively and to use applications. Additional Explanation: Even very competent computer users sometimes have little experience in setup and configuration of their computer hardware or the installation of software. The intent of this course is similar to 501. It is designed to get all cohort members on the same technology playing field. CEDO 515 Using Productivity Tools Effectively Everyone knows how to word process – or do they? Research indicates that even a frequent user of one of today’s sophisticated productivity applications (wordprocessing, spreadsheet, presentation tools) uses only about 10% of the available features. The intent of this course is to help participants learn to use these tools to a significantly deeper level in order to become more efficient users and more effective communicators. Additional Explanation: There are so many powerful and yet easy-to-use features in commonly used programs that most people never learn. This course is intended to help students increase their repertoire beyond the “usual 10%”. CEDO 520 Internet Learning Resources The Internet offers an array of services ranging from traditional services such as email to current and emerging services such as search engines, blogging, wiki and podcast hosting sites. The goal of this course is to become aware of these services and to learn to use them wisely and effectively. Additional Explanation: Even very competent computer and internet users are not always aware of the array of resources now available to support learning, research and scholarly activities. This course is designed to ensure that program members are aware and have developed facility with current internet-based learning resources. CEDO 525 Enhancing Learning Materials through Technology Instructional Technology has such great potential to assist in learning. This course attempts to merge best practices in communication, technology and learning theory to produce instructional/training materials aligned to district, state and/or national standards while employing effective teaching and training techniques. Additional Explanation: The description fully describes the course.CEDO 530 Digital Storytelling This course features the use of digital tools to improve communications and create powerful presentations. Students will learn to use a variety of audio, video and multimedia creation and authoring tools. Additional Explanation: There are a great many commonly available tools, some of which are free, that enable one to easily capture and integrate graphics along with audio and video elements into effective and attractive presentations. CEDO 535 Facilitating Collaboration using Web 2.0 Tools Web 2.0 represents the transition of the World Wide Web from a collection of static websites to a full-fledged interactive computing platform serving web applications to end users. We will examine Web 2.0 tools that facilitate and integrate peer collaboration and communication. Additional Information: The World Wide Web appeared in 1991 and quickly grew into a world wide information resource. Its use was primarily static, however, in that users simply searched for and then retrieved information from web sites where it had been posted. What characterizes Web 2.0 technologies is that they allow for more than just information retrieval. They are designed to allow the creation of new information while facilitating dynamic information sharing and collaboration. Furthermore, the information is digital in character and thus can include traditional textual information along with graphics, audio and video. CEDO 540 Decision Making using Data Collection and Analysis Today using data is required throughout the educational and business communities to support decision making and to formulate projections and plan future directions. This course covers the fundamentals of technology-based data collection, analysis and subsequent use of the results to support informed decision making. Additional Information: Drawing upon the technology-based tools including available survey instruments, the intent of the course is that students will develop facility with basic descriptive and inferential measures to learn how to interpret data meaningfully. CEDO 550 Facilitating Online Learning This course is designed to help one to develop the skills to be an effective online instructor. In the course we will examine best practices and explore how to best use synchronous and asynchronous tools in multiple curricular areas. Additional Information: It is anticipated that a significant proportion of program participants will be educators/trainers who may, at some point, become engaged in facilitating learning themselves. This course covers the basics and best practices of current online learning theory. CEDO 555 Professional Portfolio Experience Using Web 2.0 materials, participants will develop a portfolio designed to demonstrate both knowledge of instructional technologies and mastery of their effective use. For Wisconsin educators, the portfolio requirements parallel those of state code PI34. The portfolio is developed and housed online to facilitate updating demonstrate signs of continuous growth and improvement in the professional career. The portfolio will Additional Information: The intent of this course is simply that each student presents evidence of learning, application and mastery by collecting artifacts of best work done and productions completed and organizing and presenting these in a professional portfolio. We intend to store these electronically so that they will be available to the student and can easily updated in the future to show continuous growth over time.developed in this course and updated at the end of the program. CEDO 565 Technology Leadership and Planning Effective leadership today often incorporates a component of technology leadership in that leaders often need to implement new technology and guide its effective use. Thus it is essential that leaders understand how technology can transform schools, businesses and organizations of all kinds. This course explores strategies that a leader may use to create a vision and move that vision to reality. Additional Information: Course participants will examine research and articles along with leader interviews as a means of observing effective leadership. In addition, course members will participate in technologyrelated leadership activities such as needs assessment, planning, budgeting and providing for staff development. CEDO 599 Culminating Experience: Digital Futures This capstone course is designed to examine emerging instructional technologies. It will identify and examine possible technology futures and trends. Students will explore the latest cutting edge technologies, how they may be applied and their potential impact on education, business and life. Additional Information: This course is intended to help class members develop a “futurist” approach to dealing with technological change so that as they learn a technology they will think insightfully about its worth and its potential impact.