READ 541: Using the Internet in Literacy Instruction (3 cr)

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

Learners will explore use of the Internet and other computer technologies to increase effective literacy teaching and learning. Learners will develop multiple strategies for students in grades 2-12 that will enable them to structure and guide small group projects and independent content area learning and recognize the advantages and limits of electronically mediated learning.

PREREQUISITES

There are no required prerequisites for this course. However, learners are assumed to be teachers with access to upper elementary through high school students.

COURSE
STRUCTURE

Readings from textbook and Internet with postings to discussion board; classroom-based assignments for K-12 students with results report; Internet-based research; culminating creation of WebQuest for your students.

STANDARDS

This course supports the following International Reading Association's 2003 Standards for Reading Professionals:

2.1	Use instructional grouping options (individual, small-group, whole-class, and computer-based) as appropriate for accomplishing given purposes.
2.2	Use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches and methods, including technology-based practices, for learners at different stages of development and from differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
2.3	Use a wide range of curriculum materials in effective reading instruction for learners at different stages of reading and writing development and from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
4.1	Use students' interests, reading abilities, and backgrounds as foundations for the reading and writing program.
4.2	Use a large supply of books, technology-based information, and non-print materials representing multiple levels, broad interests, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
4.3	Model reading and writing enthusiastically as valued life-long activities.

PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS

Learners will discover new ways to use the Internet in their literacy programs and will design various Internet-based assignments to be used with their Gr 2-12 students

CORE/ELECTIVE

This graduate course can be used as 3 core credits in the Literacy Strategies and Methods thematic area in the 24-credit Reading Endorsement program, the 12-credit Literary Education program, or for individual professional development.

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Bonnie Morihara, Assistant Professor, The Teaching Research Institute, Western Oregon University. Fifteen years as an elementary school teacher, 5 years developing materials and teaching English for Business Purposes, 5 years teaching university courses, and 4 years in the OUS Chancellor's Office working on distance education and teacher education initiatives. (B.A., University of Michigan; M.Ed. and Ph.D., Oregon State University)

TARGET
AUDIENCE

Grade 2 through high school teachers who wish to learn strategies to incorporate Internet-based learning more effectively into literacy and content curriculum.

TIME
COMMITMENT

Students should expect to spend 15 hours per week for 6 weeks in course-related activities (e.g., reading the text and course materials, posting to discussion forums, completing written reports/papers and classroom-based assignments). This course is online and does not require in-person attendance. Assignments are completed on the learner's time schedule and are due as posted.

TEXTBOOK

A textbook is required for this course. You will be sent the textbook title and suggested purchase locations when you register for the course.

COST

No course in the ReadOregon curriculum will cost more than $300 per credit, including all fees, for students in the ReadOregon program.

TECHNICAL
REQUIREMENTS

This online course requires access to the Internet with Word/WordPerfect for written assignments. Recommended minimum computer configuration is:

PC running Windows 95 or newer
Macintosh Quadra 700 or better or Power PC
Modem 28.8 or faster, or other network connection
Sound card and speakers (optional)
32 Megabytes or greater of system RAM
Adequate hard disk drive

CONTACT

For more details on this course, please contact Bonnie Morihara.