Welcome to EDIT 2000!

The purpose of this course is to help you to explore the tools that can support teaching and learning in a P-12 classroom. As you learn about these tools you will focus on the educational processes that these tools support -- not the technical skills that you acquire. In other words, this is not a course about learning computer skills in isolation; it is a course that will encourage you to find appropriate uses for technological tools in the P-12 classroom.

In order to find and document these appropriate uses of technology, you will work independently, in partners, and in groups to prepare educational activities for specific curriculum topics. You will play the role of a classroom teacher and use your content knowledge, understanding of teaching and learning strategies, and your technology skills to develop real applications for the various tools explored during the semester. Your final product will be a web-based set of activities to teach specific curriculum objectives.

The instructor for your EDIT 2000 is Gretchen Thomas. The instructors for the 9:30 class are Gretchen Thomas and Peter Rich. The instructors for the 11:00 class are Gretchen Thomas and Jing Lin. The course website will give you all of the background information you need. The syllabus will give you specifics on what to expect during the semester. Know the syllabus well -- there could be a quiz!

The only materials you'll need for this course are a key drive and a 3-ring binder to keep track of handouts. We use Macintosh and Windows computers in this lab -- so you'll need to become familiar with both operating systems.

So, what does technology integration look like?Harrison County High School in Gulfport, Mississippi is a wonderful example of students and teachers using technology tools for learning. If that's not enough, see how Mary Scroggs Elementary School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina integrates technology to help younger children learn.

It's time to get started -- there is a background article I would like for you to read that gives you a bit of history about technology in education. I hope reading it will help you to understand what I think about technology's place in P-12 teaching and learning.

Most importantly, in order for me to learn more about you (and to get a head start on one or our first projects) you will need to submit a professional resume. This is due at the beginning of class Tuesday. You'll want everything to look professional, so use a resume template .
Please remember that your resume must include:

• Objective
• Grade Level and Subject Area you want to teach
• Education
• Work Experience
• Honors and Awards
• Computer Skills/Special Skills
• Personal Interests
• Professional References

If you have any questions, remember that I am always glad to help!