Course Descriptions

EDUC 6610 Teacher as Professional (3 sem. cr.)
This course explores what it means to be a professional in today’s diverse and changing educational landscape. Teachers examine their values, beliefs, vision, and mission. They explore their role in the larger context of the teaching profession, the importance of collaboration in a professional learning community, and the need to advocate for students, educators, and the field of education itself. Teachers learn how a professional stance impacts student learning. They also serve as a driver of their own professional growth and development.

EDUC 6650 Enhancing Learning Through Linguistic and Cultural Diversity (3 sem. cr.)
This course explores teachers’ views on the value of linguistic and cultural diversity and the powerful learning opportunities it affords today’s classrooms and schools. Teachers examine their attitudes, beliefs, and biases regarding linguistically and culturally diverse students, families, and communities, and learn approaches for working together to ensure high levels of learning for all students. Strategies for ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning experiences are presented. Effective practices such as cultural responsiveness, anti-bias curriculum, differentiated instruction, and developing academic vocabulary are explored.

EDUC 6710 Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society (3 sem. cr.)
As new and emerging technologies transform the landscape of education, the possibilities for learning and discovery grow exponentially. This course invites teachers to take part in the technological revolution by examining the history and evolution of technology in society and its impact on education. Teachers explore technology as a vehicle for broad access and employ a variety of digital-age tools, including social networking, interactive learning tools, and collaboration software, to inspire and motivate today’s learners. Ethical considerations, responsible use, and cyber safety issues are also addressed.

EDUC 6657 Creating an Effective Classroom Learning Environment (3 sem. cr.)
This course helps teachers create safe, supportive, and respectful learning environments that promote social-emotional development, self-responsibility, and character in order to optimize learning for all students. Teachers learn how to foster a sense of community in the classroom and develop positive relationships with and among students. Skills and strategies for managing dynamic and flexible classroom structures and for teaching conflict resolution are presented. The course also provides strategies for building positive relationships and engaging in effective communication and problem-solving with parents and families.

EDUC 6711 Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology (3 sem. cr.)
In this course, teachers explore various learning theories, including research on how the brain learns, and discover how instructional practices can be supported and enhanced through technology. Various technologies, such as the use of computer-mediated instruction and virtual learning environments, are presented as means for fostering learner-centered classrooms where students are motivated and teachers integrate developmentally appropriate practices in teaching and learning with the latest digital resources available.

EDUC 6653 Introduction to Educational Research (3 sem. cr.)
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the basic fundamentals and principles of research. The research process is explored with the underlying assumption that educational research can improve classroom practice. Course participants are expected to develop knowledge and skills in the use of theoretical frameworks; quantitative, qualitative, and action research methodologies; critiquing and evaluating research; and compliance with ethical responsibilities of the researcher.

EDUC 6712 Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom (3 sem. cr.)
In this course, teachers develop a new, expanded definition of what it means to be literate in today’s technology-rich world. Teachers explore the use and application of multimedia and Internet technologies that enhance learning and support collaborative problem-solving in a digital information society. Teachers also learn strategies for how to effectively prepare students across the grade levels for the complex challenges related to reading, critical thinking, researching, and communicating in the 21st century.

EDUC 6713 Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas (3 sem. cr.)
This course expands the focus of technology use in the classroom by exploring instructional strategies and digital tools that facilitate content area literacy and learning. Teachers learn how to design technology-infused projects that will motivate students and help them meet specific curricular standards. Teachers explore developmentally appropriate ways of using multimedia and Internet technologies to bring discipline-specific concepts to life and foster interdisciplinary connections that enhance learning across the curriculum.

EDUC 6714 Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology (3 sem. cr.)
In this course, teachers learn to apply various technologies to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, learning preferences, and ability levels. Teachers employ digital-age solutions for differentiating instruction to meet varying needs, including assistive technologies that facilitate learning in students with special needs, programs that support English language learners, and projects that engage and motivate gifted students. Teachers learn to harness the power of leading-edge technologies to increase learning and achievement for all students.

EDUC 6715 New and Emerging Technologies (3 sem. cr.)
In this course, teachers look to the future of teaching and learning, explore promising trends in technology, and discover many opportunities to become leaders in the field of technology and learning. Teachers also consider how to address schoolwide challenges such as limited resources and resistance to change. Skills and strategies such as grant writing and leading change are presented. Teachers complete a capstone project that demonstrates their ability and willingness to become advocates and change agents who use technology to address challenges and create opportunities within the field of education.