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New York Institute of Technology
School of Education
United Federation of Teachers
NYC Teacher Centers Consortium
Fall 1998
Computers in Education Seminar
Mathematics & Science
ED X678.09 - UFT T42.1
Wednesdays 4:00 - 7:15 pm
Fall 1998 - Course Syllabus
Instructor: Orlando O. Mihich
Work: 212-749-4904
Fax: 212-316-0883
E-mail: OMihich@aol.com
Course Description
Seminar topics vary from semester to semester, depending on importance of issues and questions in the Computers in Education fields. Seminar topics include practical and theoretical areas of study vital to the educational community. Some seminars may be open to specific target populations such as classroom teachers, administrators, or school board members. Sample topics include: Budgeting for Hardware, Software Design, Successful In-Service Computer programs and Which computer Should We Purchase? Repeatable.
Course Objectives
- Review, analyze and evaluate mathematics and science educational software.
- Become familiar and relate educational software to the State Learning Standards.
- Explore the use of databases, and spreadsheets.
- Become aware of technology resources and services available to educators.
- Analyze, evaluate, and discuss issues pertaining to the use of computers and other technologies in math and science education, and begin to formulate a personal position on such issues.
- Creatively use the Logo language, and understand the underlying philosophy of learning inherent in the educational use of Logo.
- Be exposed to the LegoLogo and StarLogo environments.
Recommended Books
There is no required book for this course. Instead, a collection of chapters from various books and articles are reviewed during the course. From these seminal readings, students make educated choices for future explorations. Here is a list of highly recommended books:
Papert, Seymour. (1996) The Connected Family. Longstreet Press, Inc. ISBN 1-56352-335-3
Negroponte, Nicholas. (1995). Being Digital. Vintage Books. ISBN 0-679-76290-6
Ohanian, Susan. (1992) Garbage Pizza, Patchwork Quilts and Math Magic. NY: W.H. Freeman and Co. ISBN 0-7167-2584-3
Yoder, Sharon (1997) MicroWorlds 2.0, Hypermedia Project Development & Logo Scripting, ISTE, ISBN 1-56484-128-6
Course Requirements
This course’s requirements include readings, writing of reaction papers, software exploration and written evaluation, short programming assignments, open-ended
collaborative Logo projects, and discussions. Creative thinking, problem solving, risk taking, humor and joyful exploration will be valued highly. Students should also expect to spend time in the computer lab outside of class in order to complete assignments and hone skills.
1. Attendance and Participation: Class participation is an essential contributor to the successful completion of this course. Students’ presence and active participation are required. Students must notify the instructor if they must be absent.
NYIT/UFTTCC/BOE Attendance and Lateness Policy
- Course participants are allowed one absence, and still responsible for all the work done in class.
- Absentee are requested to submit an official document stating the reason for the absence.
- Acceptable excused absences shall include: Jury Duty; Line-of-Duty-Injury; Death in the Family; Official Parent Teacher Conferences; Board of Examiner’s Examination. Final approval is at the discretion of the New York Institute of Technology.
- Participants must be present by the time the class begins, 4:00 PM.
- Leaving before the end of class, 7:15 PM, will be recorded as a lateness.
- Sign in, indicating the time, for each day that you are present.
- Two latenesses (arriving more than 15 minutes after course starts) count as one absence. Additional work is required.
- Notify the instructor in advance, if you know you are going to be absent or late.
2. Written Reports: All reaction papers and responses to required readings and software evaluations, must be typewritten and double spaced. At all times, submit two (2) copies. Written assignments are due on the dates shown; assignments received within one (1) week of due date will receive the next lower grade; assignments received after two weeks of due date will not be accepted.
3. Teachers Center (TC): Students are required to spend from two (2) to three (3) hours a week using the computers at the Center to work on software review, assignments and projects.
4. Midterm Examination
a. Test
b. Paper. Prepare a typewritten, double spaced report on a Math or Science educational piece of software and prepare a 5-minute class presentation. The report will include a detailed description of the software, methods used in selecting the software, an explanation on how it relates to the State Learning Standards, expected outcomes for a specific student population, and conclusions.
5. End of Term Examination
a. Test
b. Paper. Describe your vision of the role computers should play in Math and Science education, and your dreams for education in general.
c. Project: Create a Logo simulation or activity in the math/science field. The final project should include a written part, screens pertinent to the project and the code. The State Learning Standards should be referenced.
The written part should explain why you decided to work on this project, how your students could benefit from this work, a description of the student population, and the expected outcomes.
Each student will present his/her work to the class in a 5-7 minute presentation at the 10th class session.
6. Bases For Evaluation
Attendance and Participation 20%
Written Reports 10%
Software Reviews 10%
Project, Assignments 20%
Midterm Exam (Test, Paper) 10%
End of Term Exam (Test, Paper) 10%
Final project 20%
7. Final Grade
Grades: A = 4.0; B+ = 3.5; B = 3.0; C+ = 2.5; C = 2.0; F = 0
Sample Calculation for full attendance (1) and for one absence (2):
1. Attendance and Participation, ten sessions: (10 / 10) * 0.2 = 0.20 * 4.0 = 0.80 points
2. Attendance and Participation, nine sessions: (9 / 10) * 0.2 = 0.18 * 4.0 = 0.72 points
NYIT Statement on Computer Requirements
Computers are indispensable in virtually all fields of human endeavor today. Few teachers or technologists can get along without them. The ability to use computers with skill and intelligence is essential for graduates of teacher education programs. At NYIT, the use of computers has been integrated into almost all courses in the School of Education and Professional Services. This process continues to include computer applications in all courses so that students will have a pervasive experience that produces understanding of the tool and the possibilities it presents. to achieve program goals, students must have unrestricted access to computers at all times. The only way this is possible is for all students to purchase their own computers.
Therefore, all students in the School of Education are required to obtain a computer compatible with specification available from the School.
A statement containing specifications and possible suppliers may be available from any of the departmental offices of the School. This information is provided purely as a service to students; New York Institute of Technology does not recommend any suppliers nor does it imply any warranty or benefit in dealing with them.
Course Calendar
In the tradition of constructionism, the following calendar will respect the needs of the students and teacher by remaining flexible. Topics may be introduced at different times than they appear below to provide a better and/or more meaningful context for learning. Additional readings may be added to supplement class discussions and stimulate thinking.
Class 1 - October 7, 1998
Topics: Registration
Introduction and Course Overview
Review of Educational Software
Class 2 - October 14, 1998
Topics: Review of Educational Software
Introduction to MicroWorlds
Read: Science for Kids: The Promise of Technology. [1]
Looking Back From the Future. [2]
The Hudson River Project [3]
Turtle Math. [3a]
Write: Reaction to articles.
Submit: Software Evaluation following Syllabus Guidelines.
TC: Software Evaluation
Class 3 - October 21, 1998
Topics: Math Links, MicroWorlds
Read: Do You See a Pattern?
Arithmetic: Adventure or Algorithm? [4]
Write: Reaction to chapters.
Submit: Software Evaluation.
TC: Math Links Evaluation
Class 4 - October 28, 1998
Topics: ClarisWorks Database, MicroWorlds
Read: Good Connections. Hard Fun. [5]
Write: Reaction to chapters.
Submit: Math Links Evaluation
TC: ClarisWorks Database
Class 5 - November 4, 1998
Topics: ClarisWorks Spreadsheets, MicroWorlds
Read: Exploring Difference Equations with Spreadsheets. [6]
Read: Technology. Learning. [7]
Write: Reaction to chapters.
Submit: Database Assignment
TC: ClarisWorks Spreadsheets
Class 6 - November 18, 1998
Midterm Examination
Topics: MicroWorlds, Introduction to StarLogo
Read: Computers for Children. [8 ]
Logo as a Window into the Mind. [9]
Write: Reaction to book chapter/article.
Submit: Spreadsheets Assignment
TC: MicroWorlds
Class 7 - November 25, 1998
Topics: MicroWorlds
Read: Turtle Geometry: A Mathematics Made for Learning. [10]
Logo-Style Science in the Junior High School. [11]
Write: Reaction to book chapter/article.
TC: MicroWorlds
Class 8 - December 2, 1998
Topics: MicroWorlds, Introduction to LegoLogo
Read: Computerists. [12]
African Textiles. [13]
Ashanti Prints [14]
Write: Reaction to book chapter/articles.
TC: MicroWorlds. Work on Project.
Class 9 - December 9, 1998
Topics: MicroWorlds
read: Cybernetics. [15]
Merging Technologies [ 16]
Read: Write: Reaction to book chapter/article.
TC: MicroWorlds. Work on Project.
Class 10 - December 16, 1998
End of Term Examination
Topics: Presentations and Group Discussions.
Read: Seeing Through Computers, Education in a Culture of Simulation [17]
Write: Reaction to article. TC: MicroWorlds. Work on Project.
References
[1] AAAS Forum Paper at http://www.concord.org/pubs/sci4kids.html
[2] Robert F. Tinker at http://www.concord.org/pubs/frfuture.html
[3] Mihich Orlando, (1996) Logo Exchange, Vol. 14 No. 4
[3a] Clements, Douglas & Sarama, Julie, (1996) Learning and Leading With Technology, Vol. 23 No. 7
[4] Ohanian, Susan, (1992). Garbage Pizza, Patchwork Quilts and Math Magic, Chapter 2
[5] Negroponte, Nicholas, (1995). Being Digital, Chapters 15&16.
[6] Walsh, Thomas, (1996). Learning and Leading With Technology Vol. 24 No. 1
[7] Papert, Seymour, (1996) The Connected Family, Chapters 2&3
[8] Papert, Seymour, (1980). Mindstorm, Introduction
[9] Valente, Jose Armando, (1995) Logo Update, The Logo Foundation, Vol. 4 No. 1
[10] Papert, Seymour, (1980). Mindstorm, Chapter 3
[11] Mihich, Orlando, (1990). The Computing Teacher, Vol. 18 No. 2
[12] Papert, Seymour. (1993) The Children’s Machine. Chapter 8.
[13] Mihich, Orlando at http://el.www.media.mit.edu/groups/logo-foundation/
[14] Mihich, Orlando. (1995) Logo Exchange, Vol. 13 No. 2
[15] Papert, Seymour. (1993) The Children’s Machine. Chapter 9.
[16] Mihich, Orlando. (1997) Logo Exchange, Vol. 15 No. 3
[17] Turkle Turkle at http://www.epn.org/prospect/31/31turkf.html
Bibliography
Abelson, Harold & diSessa, Andrea. (1984) Turtle Geometry, The Computer as a Medium for Exploring Mathematics. The MIT Press. ISBN 0-262-01063-1
Baker, Dave, Cheryl Semple, & Tony Stead. (1990) How Big is the Moon? Whole Maths in Action. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. ISBN 0-435-08312-0
Clayson, James. (1988) Visual Modeling with LOGO, A Structural Approach to Seeing. The MIT Press. ISBN 0-262-53069-4
Cuoco, Albert. (1990) Investigations in Algebra. The MIT Press. ISBN 0-262-03144-2
Harel, Idit & Seymour Papert, Editors. (1991) Constructionism, Norwood, NJ: Ablex Publishing. ISBN 0-89391-785-0
Harvey, Brian. (1985) Computer Science Logo Style, Intermediate Programming. The MIT Press. ISBN 0-262-58072-1
Healy, Christopher. (1993) Build a Book Geometry, A Story of Student Discovery. Berkeley, CA: Key Curriculum Press. ISBN 1-55953-066-9
Lewis, Philip G. (1990) Approaching Precalculus Mathematics Discretely. The MIT Press. ISBN 0-262-12138-7
Negroponte, Nicholas. (1995). Being Digital. Vintage Books. ISBN 0-679-76290-6
Ohanian, Susan. (1992) Garbage Pizza, Patchwork Quilts and Math Magic. NY: W.H. Freeman and Co. ISBN 0-7167-2584-3
Papert, Seymour. (1996) The Connected Family, Longstreet Press, Inc. ISBN 1-56352-335-3
Papert, Seymour. (1993) The Children’s Machine, NY: Basic Books. ISBN 0-465-01830-0
Papert, Seymour. (1980) Mindstorm: Children, Computers, and Powerful Ideas. NY: Basic Books. ISBN 0-465-04629-0
Resnik, Mitchel. (1994) Turtles, Termites, and Traffic Jams. A Bradford Book, The MIT Press. ISBN 0-262-18162-2
Smith, Frank (1998), The Book of Learning and Forgetting. Teachers College Press, ISBN 0-8077-3750-X
Smith, Irene & Yoder, Sharon (1998), Learning ClarisWorks 5.0. ISTE, ISBN 1-56484-133-2
Turkle, Sherry. (1995) Life on the Screen. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-684-80353-4
Yoder, Sharon (1997) MicroWorlds 2.0, Hypermedia Project Development & Logo Scripting, ISTE, ISBN 1-56484-128-6
Journals/Publications. A Partial Listing.
Learning and Leading With Technology, International Society for Technology in Education, ISTE, 800-336-5191. ISSN 1082-5754.
Logo Exchange, Journal of the ISTE Special Interest Group for Logo-Using Educators. ISTE, 800-336-5191. ISSN 0888-6970.
Journal of Computer in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Association For the Advancement of Computing in Education. AACE. ISSN 0731-9258
T.H.E. Journal, Technological Horizons in Education. ISSN 0192-592x. Free
Electronic Learning, Scholastic Inc, 800-544-2917. ISSN 0278-3258. Free
Classroom Connect, Classroom Connect New Media, Inc. URL: http://www.classroom.net. ISSN 1078-6430
Logo Update, Logo Foundation, 212-579-8028. Free
Scientific American, www.sciam.com
Science Section, New York Times, Tue
WIRED, www.wired,com. N. Negroponte’s Message is on the last page.
MacAddict, www.macsddict.com.
Software Catalogs. A Partial Listing.
Tom Snyder Productions; 1-800-342-0236.
Brøderbund, 1-800-474-8840.
Sunburst, 1-800-321-7511.
LCSI, 1-800-321-5646.
Lego Dacta, 1-800-362-4308.
Resources & Services For Technology-Using Educators. ISTE; 1-800-336-5191.
Educational Resources, 1-800-624-2926.
Dale Seymour Publications, 1-800-872-1100.
Front Page sample submissions:
Computers in Education Seminar
Mathematics & Science
ED X678.09 - UFT T42.1
Fall 1998
Instructor: Orlando O. Mihich
Your Full Name
File No.
Reaction Paper No.
Chapter(s) and/or Article(s)
by
Full Name of Author(s)
Summary
Otium, Catulle, tibi molestumst, otio exultas nimiumque gestis, otium et reges prius et beatas perdidit urbes.......
Date:
Computers in Education Seminar
Mathematics & Science
ED X678.09 - UFT T42.1
Fall 1998
Instructor: Orlando O. Mihich
Your Full Name
File No.
Logo Assignment No.
to Carmina
Otium, Catulle,
tibi molestumst,
otio exultas
nimiumque gestis,
otium et reges prius et beatas
perdidit urbes.
end
Date:
