LRC 645 Spring 2009

Technology in Literacy Research

Dr. David Betts
529 Education
621-4035
Wednesday 7 - 9:30 PM
Room 455 Education Bl.
ITF Instructional Technology Facility  

Journals
Hueristic

D2L
Dissertation Format

ResearchNavigator
Action Research

Class Schedule
Qualitative Research Home Page

A.P.A.
Style

Sofware Evaluation Forms
Educational Resources
Nature of     Research   


Research ArticleElements
Course Description
This course will have a dual focus on 1) the role of scholarship and research in the field of computer-mediated language arts teaching and learning, and 2) on the use of computer technology in research methodologies, data gathering and analysis.

The purpose of this course is to examine the research paradigms and tools being applied to computer technology and literacy (defined as reading, writing, listening, speaking, signing and computing). LRC 645 will involve students in the study of the history and current state of computer-mediated language arts teaching, learning and research, as well as in the examination of new computer software for data gathering and analysis. Issues of access equity, diversity and multi-culturalism will be addressed.

Tasks

The class as a whole will read, present and discuss chapters and articles about learning, literacy, and technology research paradigms. Students will investigate the use of computer-mediated data analysis software. The class will address issues of equity and diversity and appropriate delivery of new classroom technology in a multicultural setting.

Students will:

a. In Affinity Group teams of two or three people, explore and report on current research studies and/or criteria for software evaluation.

b. Prepare and present a final research design proposal.

c. Develop and present annotated bibliographies that include a discussion of how the literature is related based on their research topics and develop concepts for original applications and research on technology in the language arts classroom.

Course Objectives

a. Understanding of research findings in education, especially those pertaining to the use and evaluation of computer-mediated language arts instruction.

b. Familiarity with computer-mediated data anaysis techniques for lilteracy research.

c. Development of a practical research design relating to computer-mediated language arts teaching and learning.

Course Format
This course will have a seminar, lecture, and demonstration format with several “guest researcher” presentations by faculty. Students will research and report on current related research and research tools and design a research study relating to computer-mediated language arts. We will review the goals of research and basic technical instruction as needed. Students will develop and test evaluation techniques for computer-mediated instruction. Individuals will submit research journals and contribute to an annotated bibliography.

Course Assignments:

a. Annotated bibliography and discussion of related published research.

b. Research and reflective journal.

c. Class research presentations.

d. Final Project: Research design.

Methods of Evaluation:
The mid-term presentation and final research design projects are the major assignments for this course. Individual reflective papers will establish a line of communication with instructor about each student's course of study. Annotated bibliographies will allow students to share their research into the literature. Student research journals and paper/presentations. The final course grade will be based on the evaluations as well as on class participation and contributions.
Grading Policy

Grading Policy - The mid-term presentation and final projects created will be evaluated by the instructor against the effective use of the available research methods discussed in class and handouts. The Annotated Bibliographies (A.P.A. -style) will be on a pass/fail basis only. These must be satisfied in order to receive full credit for your other work. Student initiative and participation in class will be an important evaluative tool for the instructor. Final course grades will be based on holistic evaluations based on discussed criteria.
All work completed satisfactorily = B grade.
Evidence of scholarly and unique work beyond the confines of the assignments = A grade.
In the final self reflection, justify the grade you believe you have earned.

Make it your business to meet with the instructor at least twice during the semester to discuss the course.

Attendance Policy
Attendance is required, as is punctuality. If you must miss class, notify the instructor prior to class.
Text

Required:

Lee, C.D. & Smagorinsky, P. (2000). Vygoskian Perspecitves on Literacy Research.NY, NY: CambridgeUniversity Press.

Nell K. Duke and Marla H. Mallette (Eds.) Literacy Research Methodologies. New York: Guillford Publications.


Suggested:

Johnson, Burke & Christensen, Larry (2004) Educational Research Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches, 2nd Ed. Boston, MA: ABLongman.

David Reinking et al (Eds.) (1998) Handbook of Literacy and Technology. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

Northcutt N. & McCoy, D (2004). Interactive Qualitative Analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA:Sage Publications.

Richard M. Jaeger (Ed.) (1997) Complementary Methods for Research in Education, 2nd Edition. Washington, DC: American Educational Research Association.

David Jonassen (Ed.) (2003) Handbook of Research in Educational Communications and Technology 2nd Edition. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.Final exam: Check official University schedule [tba]

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