Syllabus
it.coe.uga.edu/~mfitzger/7650/syllabus.html
EDIT 7650: Applied Research Project in Instructional Technology
Spring Semester, 2009
UGA Gwinnett
updated 2-26-09

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Schedule
This course is primarily independent. Several meetings of 2.5 hours are scheduled to provide general information and peer support. These are all Saturdays, 12:30-3p.: Jan 24, Feb 7, Feb 21, Mar 14. Apr 18.

All Applied Projects will be presented on April 20-21.

Instructor

Dr. Mary Ann Fitzgerald
604C Aderhold Hall
(706) 542-4030
mfitzger at uga.edu
http://it.coe.uga.edu/~mfitzger
More contact information can be found on the WebCT homepage.

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.  I prefer that you use Microsoft Word for word processed assignments to prevent file format problems.   In addition, you may find the programs Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and also Inspiration useful. There are now excellent online open-source alternatives to each of these products as well. 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.
 

Ground Rules for Class Meetings

• Participants must comply with all computer policies established by UGA and the Gwinnett University.
• Please do not hesitate to take comfort breaks as needed. Several breaks will be provided.
• I prefer to operate on a first name basis.
• Feel free to interrupt with points and questions.  I will also feel free to redirect when things seem to get off track.
  
• Cell phones: please turn the ringer off during class and leave the room if you must take a call.
• There are NO stupid questions.  As media specialists, one of your jobs is to empower students to find their own answers.  First, explore on your own, using the research skills and resources available to you.  Second, ask your professional peers.  Finally, if you're still not satisfied, ask a member of the instructional team.
• Conversely, as a student in the class, it is your responsibility to help other students as much as you can.  We need an atmosphere of mutual learning and inquiry.  Also, troubleshooting and teaching another person to do something are very effective ways of bolstering your own understanding.  Media specialists usually enjoy helping other people solve problems and questions.
  
• We will not criticize people we know who are working in the field.  Instead, we may criticize ineffective practices and seek to discover more effective ones. 
  

• All course materials may be found from within WebCT.  In addition, most course materials may be found from http://it.coe.uga.edu/~mfitzger/7650.
  
• Agenda. A day or so before class, I will post an agenda for the next class's events. Please read the agenda on the evening before class. Some students find it helpful to print out a copy and bring it to class.  You are responsible for details on this agenda even if you don't attend class.
• In general, I try to use very little paper and constantly strive to use even less.  I use recycled paper if possible and invite students to do the same.  Most, or all, assignments will be submitted online with no print copies.
  
• Assignment pages:  post your assignments on this page, and I will visit it as needed for grading. Feel free to visit other students' pages. Please don't share the assignment pages with people outside the class, however.  Your online assignment page - kept up to date each semester - can form the beginning of your final certification portfolio.  Make sure to keep electronic copies of all your projects, even if you don't house them in your own web space. 
  
• Individual discussion boards within WebCT: each student will have one of these, private between teacher and student. These are quite useful in dealing with project questions and discussions, because all communications stay together in one place. I will check for activity on this board almost every working day.
  
• We will use WebCT as needed, for the Gradebook, and as inspiration strikes.  We will not use it heavily for bulletin board purposes, although you are welcome to use this feature on your own. Chat and interactive audio are also available to you within WebCT.  We can also set up discussion boards that are private within groups, at your request.  Also, set the email function within WebCT to forward to your usual email account; I do like the high reliability and convenience of this service and will use it occasionally.