State University of New York at Potsdam
GRDG 625: Using Technology to Teach Literacy Fall 2013
Instructor: Eric Sharlow
email:esharlow@gmail.com,sharloes@potsdam.edu
home: 315-769-2036
mobile: 315-842-8234 (after 3:15 pm)
Class Location: SUNY Potsdam, Sheard Literacy Center
Class meeting time: Mondays 4:45 pm - 7:15 pm
Class meeting dates: August 26- December 13
Office hours: I will be available prior to the start of class and following class. If students need to contact me please feel free to e-mail or call.
Credit hours: 3
Class online folder: http://www2.potsdam.edu/sharloes
Overview and Purpose
This course is a survey of computer based technology for use in instructional settings, focussing on delivering and teaching literacy. A primary focus in the course is to examine critical issues and technological tools related to promoting comprehensive literacy development of students with a range of abilities. Although no formal pre-requisite course is required, this course is designed as an intermediate level course, and is not an introductory course. Students should be comfortable working with technology, especially computers, and ready to explore intermediate technology topics including: audio, video, and student centered on-line activities.
Course Goals
1) Students will acquire a working knowledge of various technologies, as well as appropriate theories for integrating technology into instructional settings. The focus is on how to integrate technology to deliver literacy instruction. The focus should not be on teaching the technology, but on content specific final products that enhance literacy instruction.
2) Students will prepare a holistic plan for integrating technology (including, but not limited to, the topics covered in class) into an instructional setting.
3) Students will prepare materials that meet the Conceptual Frameworks of SUNY Potsdam as well as the initial standards set forth by the International Reading Association, 2010..
Course Requirements
Students will have a flash drive, Ipod, portable hard drive or other mass storage device. A noise cancellation microphone. Access to a digital video recorder (with usb cable). Also students will have online website access ( This can be through Taskstream, Google or Time Warner). Students will also need to create different on-line accounts and activate their www2 access.