Web Design for Teachers: Designing Web-based Learning Centers 

Thursday | 5:05-7:35 p.m.| Spring, 2009 | BEC 117

Course Objectives | Course Materials | Assignments/Course Calendar | Grading/Course Policies
Faculty
 

 Dr. Blanche O'Bannon, Associate Professor

Office: 445 Claxton

 Phone & Voice Mail: 865-974-0498

Email: bobannon@utk.edu

 Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday afternoon by appt.

Homepage:http://web.utk.edu/~bobannon

Course Description

Design of classroom websites that serve as learning centers using web editor software. Includes the differences in basic design principles for print-based vs. web-based information, designing interface and navigation elements, and using color, graphics and typography to increase usability for all learners. Culminates with the design and development of web-based curricular materials and activities that facilitate communication with students, parents and other educators.

Course Pre-requisite

IT 486 or permission of instructor

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, each student will be able to

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Course Materials

Text
(Required)
Williams, R. & Tollett, J. (2006). The Non-Designer's Web Book. 3rd Edition. Berkeley: Peachpit Press. [ISBN:0-321-30337-7]
Hardware

This class will be held in the Bailey 117 that is equipped with Mac computers and Dreamweaver software. This is a computer lab with projection capabilities available for in-class presentations. The TEC Lab, an open lab for CEHHS students is equipped with current Mac and PC computers for your use. The Bailey Lab is available outside of class schedules. All Macs have G5 processors and OS X system software. You will have some compatibility issues transferring files from older computers to these computers as well as from the Vista OS. Make a special effort to learn to transfer files successfully to retain all of your work as you plan to work in this lab environment.

Software You will encounter PDF files at this course web site. While you need Adobe Acrobat to develop PDF file, you only need Adobe Reader to read and print a file that is PDF. While computers in CA 117, TEC Lab and ISC have this software, if your home computer does not, you should download a free version of Acrobat Reader from the Adobe Systems web site.
Storage of files I suggest that you buy a USB device for storing your files. They have reduced in price considerably. USB (also known as jump, thumb or flash) drives are available at the UT bookstore)......in as large a capacity as you desire. These drives are compatible with Windows and OS platforms and are connected through the USB port. You can also save documents to your unix space on the web server.
Email account Each student MUST HAVE an active UT email account. Register for this account if you do not already have one. Follow these steps to obtain one. Step one: Go to http://oit.utk.edu/email.php Step two. Find and select, Tmail Account Registration and complete the process as directed. Tell your instructor if you encounter problems.
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Assignment Descriptions / Course Calendar

TPTE 595 focuses on web design principles to create online learning centers for K-12 students, their parents and other teachers. Major components of this course are (1) basic web design principals, (2) developing confidence with a web editor as a design tool and (3) developing an online learning center that will serve K-12 students. All projects are assessed using checklists or rubrics that are provided at the course website.
  1. Acceptable Use Policies: Students locate and study the AUP that governs their school and district to determine how the AUP can support or challenge classroom web-based activities. In addition, inquiry is completed to determine what, if any, tools are blocked by filtering software that would prevent use by students.
  2. Search Tools: A page is designed and developed that is useful for your students that presents an array of useful search tools including search engines, directories, encyclopedias, thesaurus, almanacs, content specific search tools and tips on how to search and how to evaluate what is found.
  3. Copyright Laws: A page is designed and developed that instructs students on copyright and fairuse of materials for electronic publication including photographs, audio and video and Web 2.0 tools such as blogs and podcasts.
  4. Citing Sources: A page is designed and developed that instructs students on the correct method for citing Internet sources including email, the web, images, online video clips, podcasts, blogs, etc. using MLA.
  5. Midterm exam: Covers readings and discussions of course topics, web design and implementation.
  6. A WebQuest for learning: Includes the design and development of a Webquest (inquiry based, problem solving) on a curricular topic that is implemented in the classroom. This quest becomes part of this online Learning Center and may be sent to the official WebQuest site for review and publication.
  7. Design and development of Classroom Website/Online Learning Center: Includes the creation or extension of the site that was built in IT 486 for use in the classroom. The site will consist of the creation or update of the following pages: index.html, teacher bio,and resource page, as well as the addition of a search page, copyright page, citing online sources, a WebQuest is designed and added to the site and one technology enhanced lesson plans.

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Grading

Final course grade is based on the following % of 1000 point total for individual and team projects:

A = 92% +
B+ = 91%- 88%
B = 87% - 84%
C+ = 83% - 80%
C = 79% -76%
D+ = 75% - 72%
D = 71% - 68%
F = Below 68%
 Assignment/Project/Exam  Possible Points
   
  1. Securing web space and defining a site
  2. Update of existing information on Classroom site
  3. Blogs for reflection practice (5 over course for reflective practice)
  4. Designing/extending the classroom site from 486 into an online learning center for students. Includes the
    • Design/development/publish of a collection of search tools for students
    • Design/development/publish of a resource that defines copyright laws for electronic environments
    • Design/development of a resource for citing documents including electronic documents (may sub)
    • Design/development/publish one teacher choice page
    • Design/development/publish of WebQuest (inquiry based, problem solving)
    • Design/development/publish of one web-based lesson where students use the Internet for inquiry
  • 50
  • 100
  • 100
  • 100
  • 100
  • 100
  • 100
  • 150
  • 100
Midterm Exam: Objective and performance-based assessment of information covered in hands-on and discussion activities and readings.
  • 100

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Course Policies

Attendance/Participation

Each student is expected to be present and on time to class. Participation in class discussions (either face to face or on-line) and hands-on experiences is expected and recorded. For more information, please see grading table.

Successful completion of all activities, assignments /projects is expected and recorded. Projects ARE due at the time specified on the syllabus. Late projects will normally NOT be accepted. If you are having difficulty completing an assignment/project for any reason, please discuss it with the instructor before the due date. For more information, please see grading table.

Academic Dishonesty

Signed or initialed papers and e-mail from your ID to your instructor are equivalent to your signature-i.e. your word of honor. Purposeful misrepresentation of submissions to your instructor (such as peer ratings deliberately made too high or low), or submission of someone else's work (including information/files retrieved from the Internet) as your own, will be considered academic dishonesty and will be treated according to university and college policies regarding academic dishonesty as described in the graduate catalog.


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draft copy last modified April, '08
http://web.utk.edu/~bobannon