Summer 2008

Welcome to the EDUU 451/ 551: Educational Applications of Computers- Level One.

I took this course many years ago when I first started teaching, back then it was just called "Computers in the Classroom." Since then the curriculm has come along way, and the technology even further. The overall purpose of this course is to exlore practical applications of technology in education... a strong emphasis on the "practical."

Some of the material will be new, some a reveiw. In either situation, my hope is that you wil have a chance to learn and grow in your ability to apply the technologies. There is always room to improve what we know, understand, and/or are able to do. Each class time we will dedicate a portion to discussing technological questions, being introduced to technological aplications, and exploring our own use of the technology. My goal is to have plenty of in-class time to explore the technology, and complete our assignements.

I don't know everything. I don't presume that I ever will. However, core to my own philosophy of education is a belief that we can costruct learning together, each bringing something of value. Please do not be surprised to hear me say "I don't know the answer to that, let's figure it out." As a co-learner in our experience together, I expect to learn as much from you as I hope you will learn from me.

I began my educational journey 15 years ago in a Chapman classroom, and since then have explored many different kinds of learning environments; from charter schools, to traditional classroms, to hybrid learning environments, to fully online schools. I have a deep respect for the decision you have made to persue a life in Education. My goal is to honor this by being respectful, intentional, understanding, and fair (both to you and me)... I expect that you too would approach our time together with respect.

This is "school"...it is a place for you to try new things, explore, and grow..without fear of reprucussions. If you complete and assignment that is not up to par, don't be offended if I as you to redo the work. It just means I know you can do better, and I want your best.

I built this website several years ago to bring some online elements to my face-to-face classes. I have used it for sharing assignments, discussion groups, online field-trips, homework help, and everything in between.

For our course I will use it to store our documents, to share links to cool stuff online, for discussion topics, and for assignments as we progress through the term.

Explore this site and become familiar with the different pages. We will use them this term.

~ Gough