This is a practical, hands-on course grounded in constructivist learning theory. Students learn by engaging in authentic tasks within a project-based learning environment. The course is designed for practicing and future teachers who want to integrate technology meaningfully into their daily teaching practice — not as an add-on, but as a mindtool for deeper learning.
The course draws on David Jonassen's framework for learning, problem solving, and computers as mindtools, and incorporates the latest ISTE Student and Teacher Standards (2024), along with Quebec's Digital Action Plan for Education. A major theme this semester is the integration of generative AI across all course topics.
Two questions to carry with you all semester
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1What might educational technology offer that could truly enhance teaching and learning — and when does it actually get in the way?
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2What aspects of teaching and learning should always remain human, regardless of what technology can do?
The 13 weeks
Each week pairs a core technology theme with hands-on activities and readings. Weeks 11–13 also include generative AI labs. The makeup class (Dec 3) serves as our epilogue and student showcase.
Course Introduction & Overview
Welcome, course structure, and orientation to the mindtools framework. What does meaningful learning with technology look like?
Communicating with Technologies
Meaningful discourse through technology. Christian ch. 1: Using — how we use media to communicate and connect.
Community Building & Collaborating
Social interactions and identity building through technology. Christian ch. 2: Spending — our attention economy.
Community Building cont'd
Social interactions and identity building continued. Christian ch. 3: Thinking — how technology shapes cognition.
Inquiring with Technologies
Information gathering and literacy in the digital age. Christian ch. 4: Informing — navigating sources and credibility.
Thanksgiving Holiday
No class. Enjoy the long weekend — and reflect on what you've learned so far.
Experimenting with Technologies
Predicting outcomes through digital experimentation. Christian ch. 5: Verifying — fact-checking and the scientific habit of mind.
Writing with Technologies
Constructing meaningful prose with and through digital tools. Christian ch. 6: Selling — persuasion, rhetoric, and digital writing.
Designing with Technologies
Creative knowledge construction through design thinking and coding. What does it mean for students to make with technology?
Modeling with Technologies
Building models for conceptual change. How can digital simulations and models deepen student understanding?
Visualizing with Technologies
Constructing visual representations of knowledge. Intro to generative AI: Sam's AI Roadmap & The Turing Lectures. Lab #1.
Assessing with Technologies
Assessment resources for teachers and students. Generative AI: Helping PreK–12 Teachers Overcome Fear of AI. Lab #2.
Course Wind-Down & Showcase #1
Student video showcase, first session. Generative AI: The PreK–12 Educational Benefits of AI-Image Generation. Lab #3.
Epilogue: Moving into the Future
Student showcase #2 — our "movie night without popcorn." Makeup class for Thanksgiving. Looking ahead to EDPT 204 and beyond.
Required readings
Readings are posted on MyCourses and accessed through the Perusall link under Week 1.
- Stacey Roshan — Tech with Heart: Leveraging Technology to Empower Student Voice (purchased through Perusall). Core text for the semester.
- Sue Ellen Christian — Everyday Media Literacy: An Analog Guide for Your Digital Life (Routledge, 2024). Chapters 1–6 used this semester; Chapters 7–12 in EDPT 204.
- Selected articles from What PreK-12 Teachers Should Know About Technology in 2023. Posted on MyCourses.
- Quebec Digital Action Plan — Guide & Overview. Referenced throughout the semester.
- Martin Weller — 25 Years of Ed Tech (background reading, early weeks).
Typical class format
Classes run Monday evenings, 6:05–8:55 PM. We don't take a formal health break, so we typically wrap up by 8:35–8:40.
| 6:05 – 6:15 | Observations from previous class; introduction of weekly theme |
| 6:15 – 6:50 | Group discussion and reflections on readings |
| 6:50 – 7:50 | Main topic for the week |
| 7:50 – 8:40 | Hands-on activities and lab |
| 8:40 – 8:55 | Wrap-up and preview of next week |