NETS

ESD 622: Programming Future Learning Environments using cognitive artifacts

1. Course Description

This course investigates the practical applications of the pedagogic theories, which are mainly related to collaborative knowledge building, and inventive thinking in technologically enhanced learning environments in near future. The course focuses on theoretical aspects such as knowledge building, inventive thinking, unified learning model, dialog and argumentations and negotiation for knowledge using technology. Suggested topics are the foundations of theoretical aspects of the course and will be discussed shortly during the course (e.g. readings and discussions).

The majority of the course covers the practical applications of suggested theories by examining the methods of designing and developing interactive learning tools. These tools will be designed as desktop and mobile applications using “Live Code” (LC) technology. Live Code is a modern and open software development technology. LC is easy to learn and to develop real applications in short time periods for different platforms ( iOS , iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux and Server). Concepts related to programming with LC are discussed in details and practical applications are demonstrated during the course.

      ii. Course Objectives

• Students will design prototypes for software tools.
• Students will integrate the theoretical knowledge in software design and human computer interaction to software development procedures.
• Students will demonstrate proficiency in understanding learning software design.
• Students will understand the advantages and disadvantages of different delivery platforms (e.g. mobile, desktop, web etc.).
• Students will demonstrate their knowledge in fundamentals of Live Code programming.

•  Terminal objectives: at the end of this course, the students will be able to:

1. Design learning software to enhance both teacher and student productivity and learning in the classroom;
2. Select the appropriate design techniques and methods of for use in instructional settings;
3. Understand the fundamental theoretical principles of designing learning software and apply these into software design;
4. Develop an interactive learning tool in Live Code.
5. Deploy the learning tool using appropriate methods.

iii. Course Prerequisites

During the course, students are responsible to read and discuss the text materials in the course and develop other small-scale projects as required. Students should be able to research these topics independently, evaluate information sources carefully, view problems from different disciplinary angles, and discuss a topic beyond their own expertise.

iv. Course Credits

List number of course credits

Credit Rating:

v. Required Texts and Materials

• Clark, R. C., Nguyen, F., & Sweller, J. (2011). Efficiency in learning: Evidence-based guidelines to manage cognitive load. John Wiley & Sons.

• Shell, D. F., Brooks, D. W., Trainin, G., Wilson, K. M., Kauffman, D. F., & Herr, L. M. (2010). The unified learning model (pp. 1-4). Springer Netherlands.

• Free Version of Live Code Community Edition Platform and sufficient hardware to run it.

1. Supplementary (Optional) Texts and Materials
2. Basis for Final Grade

• http://livecode1001.blogspot.sg/
• http://lessons.runrev.com/

Provide a listing of assessments in the semester total.

Course Structure

Class Schedule (13 teaching weeks per semester)

Participation

Students should participant in all lectures in order to get familiar with the essential concepts and theories around educational technologies. Course materials should be read with a view to facilitating discussion and idea generation.

Assignments

Students are required to:

Small Projects: Small projects usually cover the topics in LC and design of small-scale software tools. These weekly small projects will be evaluated according to different rubrics, which will be delivered to students each week separately.

Final Project: The final project will be a large-scale software development project where students will demonstrate their knowledge in design of learning tools and Live Code programming. The final project details will be formed and discussed according to whole class progress.

e-Portfolio

The overall goal of this course is development of your e-Portfolio. E-Portfolio should include several sections such as about essays, software projects, final project and me. The design and development of your e-portfolio will follow guidelines to be discussed letter on in class. E portfolio will not be graded BUT is a MUST.

Essays: Essays are required word length of 2 pages excluding appendices, in which you present and justify your findings about the topics. Essays should be discussed with others in the class using the discussion board . The essay will be assessed along the following criteria:

Grading Scale