Investigates curriculum in terms of its psychological nature and selection and development of instructional strategies that enhance learning and prevent learning problems. Provides opportunities to work with elementary and secondary school students in the Drexel Diagnostic Mathematics Learning Laboratory. 3.00 Examines the relationship of curricula and instruction to current research in learning and knowledge construction, developing higher-order thinking in specific disciplines and content areas, and the role of understanding and metacognition in learning. Examines human-computer interface principles, navigation features, and visual thinking using a wide range of educational software examples. Criteria for software assessment and virtual classrooms are reviewed.
Students design and write a software prototype as a group design project.
Complex issues and concepts in technology and education are analyzed. Covers analysis and use of instructional strategies for teaching developmental reading and writing, reading and writing in content areas, written correspondence, research reports, journal writing, poetry, and appreciation of children's literature. Specific disorders discussed include dyslexia, dyscalculia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, social cognition deficit, and disorders of language and hearing. Provides multiple opportunities to develop and enhance teaching skills, as well as exposure to alternative assessment. Examines reinforcement response strategies that enable the teacher to provide an encouraging classroom environment, teacher leadership strategies that create an environment where students have greater decision-making power, strategies to enhance organization and expression of ideas, group learning strategies to promote student involvement, and risk management.