ETAD 802: History of Educational Technology
Instructor: Rick Schweir
September - April 20015/16
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ETAD 802 examines the historical, philosophical and theoretical foundations of educational technology. The course has meaningful and inspiring readings and online conversations on the following topics:
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Definition and history of educational technology​
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Learning theories such as cognitivism and constructivism
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communication theories connected to semiotics, mass communication, virtual learning communities and media literacy
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We needed to show our new knowledge and understanding by completing a regular research articles, participating in an online discussion, monitoring and leading a weekly discussion, keeping a journal throughout the year, completing a final reflection and finally completing a final project.
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Class Description: http://www.usask.ca/education/departments/ecur.php
Assignments
Final Project: Up to Code
Growing...
Since completing this class, I have been working as an Instructional Designer at our Distance Learner Centre. We have created our own design model based on many of the frameworks we learned in class. Our model is a version of ADDIE with evaluation being continuously reflected upon at each stage of design. Our school division is also expanding our 21st Century Competency goals to PeBL ( Personalized Electronic Blended Learning). With this new idea, we are exploring Learning Profiles, Learning Management Systems and effective use of technology to support Blended Learning.
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Insights & Connections
This class was my favourite! Every week I looked forward to diving into the topic of the week. It was truly amazing how the topics that I was learning about during the week, authentically connected to my work as a Learning Coach. The "Kitchen Parties" and online forums were always engaging and thought provoking. The instructional design of the course also suited my learning style. I enjoyed the " Backyard Homilies" and the power point slides to follow the instruction. Keeping a learning journal also committed me to consistently reflect on how I was able to connect my learning to my career. During this class, I was working on a substantial coding project at one of the schools that I was coach for. I was able to use this real-life experience for many of my weekly forum posts and also for my final project in this class. Although I thoroughly enjoyed all of the weekly topics some of the highlights for me were:
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Constructivism: CBUPO ( Sagor Model)
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VLR ( MOOC, TOOC, COOL)
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Instructional Design Theories ( ADDIE & Design Thinking)
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