Department of Educational Studies

Introduction to computers and computing, problem solving, and the impact of computers in our lives. Course provides a working knowledge of computers and Windows environment with an emphasis on word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, presentation, and Web editing software. Course designed to focus on student computing needs. Formerly, Computer Fundamentals

Learn how to use the Internet and related tools, Microsoft FrontPage, information utilities, and other aspects of information technology. Prepares the non-technical student to survive the electronic information explosion and succeed in the 21st century.

Advanced electronic research using computer-based and Internet accessible tools. Find, evaluate and assemble the best information for individual research interests and workplace needs. Develop research skills and information discrimination techniques using electronic resources. Includes research methodology, bibliography development, search strategies, electronic reference materials, online newspapers and periodicals, email, listservs, and newsgroups.

Learn to manage information using a relational database. Gain the knowledge and expertise to develop simple to complex queries, data entry forms and reports. Database design and the importance of referential integrity are stressed.

Introduction to a basic model of communication and the visual production skills required to design information. Text, grahics, visual literacy, visual design, digital photography, and video recording will be explored in relationship to constructing clear communication for maximizing learning. Presenter and presentation techniques using these various communication modes will also be examined.

Learn to design and develop technology-based strategies that support the instructional needs of learners in any content area. Advanced techniques for concept mapping, WebQuests, Excel, PowerPoint, and more will be employed to visualize the thought process, design games, create simulations, encourage collaboration, stimulate active learner participation and spur learners to engage in both independent and group activities that encourage higher order thinking skills.

This course combines the use of new media tools to create instructional products that enable the creation of products which can fully engage the community through creative educational experiences. New media applications such as Windows Live Movie Maker, Adobe Premiere Elements and Audacity can be used to remix video, audio, songs, text and images into products which will be delivered through Web 2.0 social networking applications such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Social, ethical, and legal problems associated with computer-based technologies will be explored, debated and researched, along with the means for reducing problems and coping with their effects.

Learn to design and build online course instruction for delivery via the Internet. Develop the tools to provide online instruction including creating an online environment, learning research techniques, examining plagiarism and copyright issues, and planning overall online course management.

Students develop technology-based projects using new and emerging technologies. The instructional design process is employed throughout the development of the project. Project content is related to student's field of study.

Design and develop a complete plan for building an online course for Internet delivery. Learn to create course modules, use facilitation and moderating techniques, design assessment and develop a student-centered online environment that encourages positive learning outcomes.

A field-based opportunity to gain professional experience in a work situation appropriate to career goals. Development of critical thinking and leadership skills while performing authentic tasks.

Introduction to special education law, the referral and evaluation process, definitions for federal and state disability classifications as well as the associated behavioral and learning characteristics for students within the areas. All classifications will be discussed with extra focus on learning disabilities, mental retardation, ADHD, autism, and emotional and behavioral disorders. Exploration of concepts such as the social construction of disability, the development of a sense of self, stereotypes, prejudice and stigma. The overarching goal for the course is that candidates understand the terminology and general learning needs associated with disability areas while always keeping the person-first in their perceptions and actions.

This course builds upon the foundational knowledge related to special education law and classifications in CPSY 1001. Specifically, areas of service for individuals with disabilities and their families will be examined in this course, such as IEPs, IFSPs and community agencies. Familiy structure and functioning will be discussed as a means of understanding the interconnection between home, school and community. In addition, the role of stigma and disability will be discussed with a focus on why it develops and how to counter it. The end of the course translates theory to practice with methods and materials associated with serving students with special needs in the classroom.

Theoretic constructs underlying learning disabilities and behavioral manifestations of the learning disabled in the home and academic environments. Support systems, pertinent legislation and recent issues. (Formerly EDST 2101)

This course will focus on developmental disabilities such as: autism, intellectual disabilities, and cerebral palsy. Three themes provide the framework for the course: (i) speech and communcation challenges; (ii) educational program options and supportive interventions, and (iii) transition programs. Assistive technology will be discussed as a tool in these areas.

Basic principles of psychological, developmental and educational testing, diagnosis and assessment. Consideration and evaluation of the types of tests commonly used in special education. Introduction to diagnostic and assessment processes and report writing. Discussion of controversial issues. Lab fee. (Formerly EDST 3103)

Numeracy strategies to support students with disabilities in inclusion classrooms will be presented and applied by candidates in their field placements. RTI (response to intervention) related to numeracy strategy decision making will be discussed.

This course provides an introduction to those with no experience with sign language. A focus on vocabulary development for everyday activities and visual recognition of finger spellilng and signing is emphasized. (Formerly EDST 4103)

This course is for candidates who have taken Sign Language I or have had practical use of sign language in other contexts. Development of conversational ability and applied use is emphasized. (Formerly EDST 4104)

This course is an introduction to the many facets of education. The course will explore the profession of education, the structure and organization of schools, the legal and historical aspects of education, educational theory and philosophy, and schools for the next century. Candidates will understand how to establish healthy, positive relationships with children, parents, colleagues and community members. They will reflect on attitudes, aptitudes, skills and dispositions of successful teachers.

The components of the learning process and the contributions of psychology to education. Student characteristics, the process of human growth and the role of intelligence in the context of family and schooling. Environmental factors, social class, and cultural and racial differences on the development and measurement of teaching. Leading learning theories and their applications to teaching. Personal and social factors impacting on motivation and learning. Theories of the cognitive process. Methods for effective instruction, measurement and evaluation. Presenting classroom materials in a healthy school environment that accommodates individual, linguistic and cultural differences.

A study of the public education system (K-12) in America, the goals of education and the institutions that have evolved to meet those goals. The political, social, economic and intellectual developments that historically influence educational theory and practice. Recent educational changes resulting from contemporary reform efforts.

Life in the Classroom is designed to assist pre-service teachers in developing the skills, competencies and attitudes needed for teaching and managing a classroom of diverse learners. Candidates will examine learners and their diverse needs and gain knowledge of how to address these needs in an inclusive classroom. Candidates will examine the nature of teaching, overview of the elementary curriculum, strategies for working with diverse learners, planning for effective instruction, and instructional theory into practice. They will be introduced to various materials for use with children with disabilities, such as, assistive technology and functional academic guides.

Readings and discussions focus on models of teaching and enriching student learning. Practice in improving communication skills and lesson delivery through microteaching and structured exercises. Meeting student needs with appropriate strategies is an essential part of this course.

Focuses on the teaching and acquisition of literacy in the early elementary years; develops knowledge of specific literacy skills such as phonics, sight words, oral reading fluency, reading comprehension, spelling and composition; presents techniques for teaching reading, writing, listening and speaking; develops knowledge of special corrective techniques; stresses an integrated skills approach, emphasizes motivation, the development of positive attitudes towards the language arts, and a love of literature. Field experience involvement.

This course is designed for those who will be elementary teachers of mathematics. It is designed to help pre-service teachers facilitate children learning mathematical concepts and skills, as well as important problem solving techniques. In the process it will challenge thinking and further stimulate interest in mathematics. It will increase knowledge of the NCTM Standards. The National Council of Teachers of Math Standards have identified communication as an important part of mathematics learning and this class is designed to encourage and facilitate communication. Field experience involvement.

Elementary Science content areas, process skills, teaching styles, strategies and techniques are explored through class lectures, discussions, assigned readings, lesson planning and teaching, cooperative group work, research, projects, experiments, demonstrations, use of technology and presentations. The process of learning by doing science with a constructivist emphasis is demonstrated and practiced in class as well as the integration of science with other subject areas. Field experience involvement.

Ideological, philosophical, psychological and sociological influences on curriculum. Examination of major philosophies that affect education and curriculum development. Curriculum design and the factors that impact on its effectiveness and evaluation. How goals and objectives reflect educational purpose and the curriculum. Alternative models in curriculum design and implementation. Specific curriculum design issues in various content areas of secondary education.

Preparing productive and responsible citizens requires education directed at that goal. Such education imparts knowledge about our history, and our political and economic systems. It develops the skills, attitudes, and values that support motivated citizen movement. It shows candidates that accurately informed and directly involved citizens are important to our national well being. Develops strategies for teaching the social studies. Field experience involvement.

Focuses on the teaching and acquisition of literacy in the upper elementary years; stresses techniques for improving vocabulary, comprehension and writing skills; develops knowledge of process writing and methods of assessing language arts performance; investigates the application of reading and writing to content area learning; develops knowledge of children¿s literature; underscores the importance of modeling, motivation and positive attitudes. Field experience involvement.

Theory and practice of educational testing, and the development and use of tests and other forms of assessment. Analysis and interpretation of test results. Practice in major construction and application in candidates¿ major areas of specialization. Emphasis on alternative and authentic forms of assessment. Candidates examine the assets and limitations of various assessment instruments and strategies as well as develop a variety of assessment tools in their subject fields.

Implications of race, ethnic background, religion, language and gender on schooling of children. Community organizations that impact on the school. Analysis of various cultures that influence American education. Special attention to recognition and integration of multicultural education.

A comprehensive study of elementary/secondary methods of teaching music. Development of philosophy, various teaching techniques, and strategies are explored and discussed as well as the writing and implementation of lesson plans.

Development of age-appropriate lesson plans and curriculum units for K-12 art instruction. Emphasis on teaching art techniques and processes in the classroom in addition to methods for teaching art history, aesthetics and art criticism to youth.

English Language Arts provides an in-depth study of the best practices in teaching language, media, literature, speaking, and writing for candidates working with students at the middle and high school levels. Candidates will apply the content and skills from this course in their concurrent field experience.

Contemporary standards for secondary math curriculum and assessment; the mathematics essential for teaching secondary mathematics; the roles of secondary school math teachers; and the social and learning environments that affect the teaching and learning of mathematics.

Provides instruction on teaching styles, strategies, and techniques for use in middle and high schools science classes; multiple opportunities to explore teaching methods, all in support of science content knowledge and application, such as the use of discussion, demonstration, scientific method and experimentation, presentations, unit development, implementing labs, lab safety, grouping, lesson planning, assessment, and technology.

Social Education: A Social Studies Methods and Strategies Course for the Secondary Classroom - How the goals for social studies education are met in the secondary school. Competing rationales for the social studies field. Proposals for curriculum change compared to the dominant patterns of classroom instruction. Candidates examine, design and use materials available for teaching the essential skills and content knowledge in social studies, and participate in at least one professional activity. Also studied are: the influence of the bureaucratic, hierarchical nature of schooling on social education; existing and proposed alternatives; the making of teaching decisions and the influences that shape them; and identifying individual differences.

Presents candidates with a current picture of modern language teaching and its place in our society. Candidates learn a variety of approaches to communicative language instruction, create lessons using these methods, and practice presenting their lessons as they learn to become reflective practitioners of their craft. Candidates are responsible for readings in the texts, professional journals and other materials.

Learn how to integrate "best practice" and technology standards with a technology-based curriculum. A broad range of computer-supported learning tools, projects, and emerging technologies explored, created, and evaluated through an interactive approach.

This course is designed for freshmen to enable them to understand the emotional, physical, cognitive, social and moral development of the child prior to working with children in schools. The course offers instruction on development from birth through adolescence with a special focus on the early childhood developmental stages and developmentally appropriate practice. Understanding how children grow and develop enables candidates to make appropriate decisions in their work with children relating to subject matter, methods, curriculum goals, and materials. In addition to field visits to Pre-K settings, candidates will complete projects that connect child development knowledge to curriculum.

The seminar is organized to support senior candidates engaged in their culminating field experience and to deepen beginning teachers' understanding of three main topics: the classroom and the school, student development and learning, and curriculum. Selected topics will include current curriculum, analysis of teaching effectiveness, human relations in the school, classroom management and discipline, teaching strategies, learning across the curriculum, evaluation, employment and professional growth.

A 15-week placement in an approved school setting (under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and College of Education personnel) that enables candidates to develop and refine their competencies as teachers. Complementing this full-time practical experience is a weekly seminar that relates theoretical principles and content to practice through case studies, class discussion, and the development of lesson plans, modules and curriculum units. Requires full-time student teaching for a full semester. Prerequisites: EDST 1501, 3510, 1301, 2003, 3700, 3301, 2501 and appropriate methods course or program recommendation.

This course will serve as an introduction to the skills, rules, and philosophies of traditional winter and spring sports. The organization of teams and skills to officiating are practiced for aspiring coaches.

This physical activity course is an introduction to various types of modern, classical, cultural, social, and artistic forms of rhythmical movement and dance. The elements of creative dance will be covered.

This is the study of the health as a “complete state of well being,” not merely the “absence of disease.” Consideration is given to current aspects of health: social, mental, spiritual, emotional, personal and physical.

Students are mentored in the establishment of their own attainable and measurable fitness goals and devise a comprehensive fitness plan. Participants engage in exercises and assessment related to their personal goals.

This course focuses on the prevention and emergency treatment for common injuries and sudden illnesses. Learners develop skills in bandaging, taping, conditioning, massage, and rescue techniques. American Red Cross Standard First Aid and First Responder certification is available to qualified students.

This course is for non-swimmers to lifeguard candidates. It provides training in teaching Red Cross swimming skills, water safety and conditioning. The course offers the opportunity to receive certification in Advanced Senior Lifesaving and/or Water Safety Instruction.

This course includes the study of relationships, physiology, disease prevention, and decision making with regard to healthy sexual behavior.

This course involves the application of critical thinking to major physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental health issues and resources related to the wellness of women in contemporary life.

Studies pertaining to the changes in body of function resulting from physical effort and applied anatomy and kinesiology as it relates to sports medicine. Prerequisites: BIOL 1102 and BIOL 1103.

Planning, instructional, and assessment techniques for the affective, cognitive and psychomotor domains of health education are studied and applied in course activities. Practices, standards, laws, ethics, and controversies of health education are addressed.

Resources and strategies for teaching skills of prevention and intervention with regard to mental health, interpersonal dynamics, and issues of sexuality are addressed from the perspective of families.

Practice in the techniques of scuba diving skills, safety procedures and equipment management. Students may opt for certification. Lab fee additional.

Combines the study of physiology, physics and biology as they apply to motor conditioning. Prerequisites: BIOL 1102-1103.

Study of the roles of the community health educator and information regarding resources for community health education. Course includes practical experience in addition to classroom instruction

A practical approach to the study of the relationships of nutrition to wellness, physical fitness, disease prevention and exercise are covered with the perspective of personal nutrition. Students asses their own health status with regard to habits of nutrition and exercise.

Instruction in various forms of folk, social, rhythmic and aerobic dances. Simple individual and group games are presented for development values.