This course is not an overall introduction to all aspects of instructional technology; ITEC 700 is a course that serves that purpose and helps students decide whether they wish to pursue further study in this field. ITEC 800 is a class specifically about ideas, concepts, and theoretical approaches to instructional technology. Prerequisite skills and knowledge are necessary for success in ITEC 800 are: familiarity with basic terms and practices used in instructional design, a basic familiarity with the computers (mainly word processing), and curiosity (lots).

Information about the above topics will be conveyed through assigned readings and written exercises, discussion in large and small groups, lectures, and demonstrations. As much as possible this course will be given as a graduate seminar, as listed in the University bulletin, rather than as a lecture course.

Seminar: From the Latin seminarium, seed plot, a piece of ground in which plants are grown to be afterwards transplanted. In German universities (hence in certain British and American universities), a select group of advanced students associated for special study and original research under the guidance of a professor. Also (a later usage), a class that meets for systematic study under the direction of a teacher.

Lecture: From the Latin legere, to read, meaning originally the action of reading aloud (at a time when silent reading was unknown), later, the action of reading to a group of students (hence the term used in British universities: "Reader"), later, a discourse given before an audience for the purpose of instruction.

You must attend every session. Since the course involves active participation in large and small group discussion, your attendance is essential for your course grade. One absence is no problem; two absences then your highest grade is B; More than four absences results in no credit for the course.

According to University standards, you will be expected to budget at least 7 hours a week of focused work for assignments outside of class. If you cannot do this, please take the course another semester when you can. The course is not a "hands-on" course but a "minds-on" course, and you will do a lot of reading and will hand in a short "processing" assignment each week that has you doing something with the material you read.

Assignments should be turned in on the appointed day for full credit. Late assignments will NOT BE accepted. No projects will be accepted after the last day of instruction. Grade will be on the basis of total points; 90-100=A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C. The grade will be based on the following percent weight of the various class activities.

Participation in class(10%): Attend class on time.

Readings and Assignments(50%) Typed or laid out neatly. Late assignments will not be accepted.

Midterm Quiz(15%): Write at least 5 questions and answers from weekly readings. Questions should include facts, concepts, and applications of learning and instructional theories.

Final Project(25%): A PERSONALIZED SYNTHESIS of the material which we cover this semester. The project can be a product of instructional materials based on one or more of instructional theories we covered or a summary/critique paper of major instructional theories.