Syllabus
it.coe.uga.edu/~mfitzger/7650/syllabus.html
EDIT 7650: Applied Research Project in Instructional Technology
Summer Semester, 2011
UGA Gwinnett
updated 5-14-11

Bottom |  Assignments 

Schedule
This course is primarily independent. There will be no meetings.

Instructor

Dr. Mary Ann Fitzgerald
604C Aderhold Hall
maryannfitz at gmail
http://it.coe.uga.edu/~mfitzger

Objectives:

We will depend heavily upon the Internet in this class for communication, resources, and information inquiry.  It is essential that you have access to a reliable computer and Internet connection.   It is imperative that you have regular, uninterrupted access to a high-speed Internet service.

Other topics pertaining to research and SLM practice are invited. If topics come up that need exploring, this course is flexible enough to accommodate them.

Instructional Strategies

Research
Assignments (see below)

Class discussions and small group discussions
Peer support
One-on-one conferencing
Regular accountability
Readings in texts and of current scholarly and practical articles
Individual presentations
Idea sharing

Assignments
I encourage early submissions throughout this semester. The deadlines listed do not leave much room for error.

Grading Policy

1. This course is graded in S/U format.  The "S" level is 80%.
   
2. The Applied Project is designed as an authentic learning experience.  It is large and challenging, but also realistic.  Draft assignments and detailed rubrics are provided to guide students to a high standard of performance.  We encourage students to reflect throughout about how action research contributes to professional development and should be incorporated as a normal part of the highest level of professional practice.
   
3. Due dates are set to help each student complete APs and graduate in May.  Variation from the due dates may be appropriate in individual cases, by prior arrangement. Please consult with the instructor about this.
   
4. Communication and writing skills are essential for Specialist candidates. Therefore, all writing must comply with grammatical and spelling rules and should look professional in a visual sense. Please use a word processor and laser or inkjet printer and avail yourself of the spelling and grammar-checking tools provided by your software. Web sites and projected materials should receive the same level of proofreading and care that printed papers do.  If errors or appearance detract from the quality of an assignment, the score will reflect this problem. I reserve the right to return severely flawed assignments to you without a grade so that you may repair them prior to my reading.  Most assignments have a "mechanics" criterion. Items that are written for public consumption in real life -- such as web pages -- should be as close to perfect as possible, in keeping with the professionalism expected of you in the field.  Items that are more reflective or just for me to evaluate will not be held to such a high standard. 
   
5. Format.  Most assignment descriptions specify the form in which each assignment should be turned in. Please pay careful attention to this detail. For example, I may request dropbox submissions, email attachments, a web address, or a combination of these.  Most times, I will ask for dropbox submissions.  Number pages.   Use a 12-point, sans serif font. You should also post your assignment on your assignment page - unless privacy will be compromised (as in the case of school-based research results).  This provides a sharing opportunity for all class members and provides digital backup for print assignments.   With these many alternative modes, it is critical that you check the submission details provided with each assignment.
   
6. As scholars, it is essential for you to give credit to any other sources consulted in the course of completing any assignment. Use in-line citations as appropriate.  List these in a reference list near the end of the project, and please follow APA style  (5th edition).
7. I follow the Graduate School's policy of using the Incomplete grade only in the case of documented illness or other unavoidable emergency.  If you feel you have the need and justification for an Incomplete, you must communicate with me as soon as possible and document your difficulty. It is my philosophy that every student can achieve an A with sufficient effort; this class is not a competitive event, nor are student performances rated in relation to others.
8. Tracking. Your final grade should come as no surprise to you if you keep up with your scores. I will use the WebCT Gradebook.
9. Academic honesty. All academic work must meet the standards contained in "A Culture of Honesty." Students are responsible for informing themselves about those standards before performing any academic work. More information about academic honesty can be found at http://www.uga.edu/ovpi/honesty/acadhon.htm.
   

Special Needs
If you need special assistance due to a physical or learning disability, please let me know. I will be happy to accommodate you in any way that I can.
 

• All course materials may be found online from http://it.coe.uga.edu/~mfitzger/7650.
  
• Assignment pages:  use your space at SLMDawgs AP as home base for your applied project materials. Feel free to visit other students' pages. Please don't share the assignment pages with people outside the class, however.    Make sure to keep electronic copies of all your projects, even if you don't house them in your own web space.