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BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY
ANNSLEY FRAZIER THORNTON SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

LITR 630: 21st Century Literacies and Technology

3 Credit Hours
Summer 2017

THEME: EDUCATOR AS REFLECTIVE LEARNER

UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT

Bellarmine University is an independent Catholic university serving the region, nation and world
by educating talented, diverse students of all faiths and many ages, nations, and cultures, and
with respect for each individuals intrinsic value and dignity. We educate our students through
undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and professional studies, within which
students develop the intellectual, moral, ethical and professional competencies for successful
living, work, leadership and service to others. We achieve these goals in an educational
environment committed to excellence, academic freedom, and authentic conversations not
dominated by particular political or other single perspective and thus to thoughtful, informed
consideration of serious ideas, values, and issues, time-honored and contemporary, across a
broad range of compelling regional, national and international matters. By these means,
Bellarmine University seeks to benefit the public interest, to help create the future, and to
improve the human condition. Thus we strive to be worthy of our foundational motto: In
Veritatis Amore, In the Love of Truth.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Morgan, Literacy Specialist K-12

PHONE: 485-7611
E-MAIL: [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment
CLASS MEETING TIMES: M, W, F 9:00 1:00, June 12 June 30
Allen Hall Rm 207 (computer lab)

TEXTBOOK: No textbook required

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SUPPLIES NEEDED: Access to computer tools and the internet are required and can be
accessed in the computer lab in Horrigan Hall 013 and room 207 of the Allen Hall. You will need
a laptop with a built-in microphone or an external microphone to complete some assignments.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will explore a range of 21st Century Literacies and their
implications for school-based literacy education. It will examine how digital technologies and
new literacy platforms can be integrated seamlessly into traditional approaches to literacy
instruction thereby opening up a broader repertoire of literacy practices and pedagogies for
teachers and learners. Course topics include an exploration of the theoretical and practical
foundations of literacy media as well as experiences with the production of new literacy media.

Course content includes the integration of the Kentucky Teacher Standards (Initial or Advanced
Level) as well as the Kentucky Core Academic Standards (as appropriate). The School of
Educations theme, EDUCATOR AS REFLECTIVELEARNER, will be emphasized in Vallis
(1997) types of reflection (technical, deliberative, personalistic, critical, and reflection in-and-on
action) as part of the course assignments for content mastery, benchmark/anchor assessments,
and field experiences. Candidates will reflect on and evaluate their own knowledge, skills, and
dispositions relative to working with children/adolescents and colleagues in university and P-12
school settings.

ANNSLEY FRAZIER THORNTON SCHOOL OF EDUCATION (AFTSE) VISION: To

prepare dynamic educators to serve, work, and lead in a changing global community.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
The AFTSE prepares caring and effective educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions
to teach and lead in diverse settings. Candidates in all initial and advanced programs demonstrate
proficient performance through the following criteria: individual course assessments, field and
clinical evaluations, disposition assessments, benchmark or anchor assessments, and Capstone
Project and/or standardized exams (where appropriate). Based on these program assessment data,
the candidate who achieves proficiency accomplishes the following objectives:

1. Collaborates with education stakeholders, including parents, teachers, administrators, and

the community, to improve student learning and achievement;
2. Reflects on diverse field and clinical experiences, making instructional decisions based
on individual learner needs;
3. Demonstrates educator dispositions that value the dignity and unique development of
individual learners, and the intellectual, moral, ethical, and professional competencies
that characterize effective teaching and leading;
4. Analyzes data to make pedagogical and content based decisions that inform teaching,
learning, leading, and achievement in the 21st Century; and
5. Employs Vallis five reflective processes which include technical, personalistic,
deliberative, in and on action, and critical reflection.
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KENTUCKY TEACHER STANDARDS ADDRESSED in LITR 630 (bolded):

1. Demonstrates Knowledge of Content
2. Designs and Plans Instruction
3. Creates/Maintains Learning Climate
4. Implements and Manages Instruction
5. Assesses and Communicates Learning Results
6. Demonstrates Implementation of Technology
7. Reflects/Evaluates Teaching and Learning
8. Collaborates with Colleagues/Parents/Others
9. Evaluates Teaching and Implements Professional Development
10. Provides Leadership within School, Community, and Profession

International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards for Reading Professionals

Standard 1, Foundational Knowledge: Candidates understand the theoretical and evidence-
based foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
Standard 2, Curriculum and Instruction: Candidates use instructional approaches, materials,
and an integrated, comprehensive, balanced curriculum to support student learning in reading
and writing.
Standard 3, Assessment and Evaluation: Candidates use a variety of assessment tools and
practices to plan and evaluate effective reading and writing instruction.
Standard 4, Diversity: Candidates create and engage their students in literacy practices that
develop awareness, understanding, respect, and a valuing of differences in our society.
Standard 5, Literate Environment: Candidates create a literate environment that fosters
reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge, instructional practices, approaches
and methods, curriculum materials, and the appropriate use of assessments.
Standard 6, Professional Learning and Leadership: Candidates recognize the importance of,
demonstrate, and facilitate professional learning and leadership as a career-long effort and
responsibility.

COURSE/LEARNER OBJECTIVES:
1. Students will acquire both a theoretical and practical foundation comparing traditional
approaches to literacy and how those approaches have been broadened with current
research in new media and new literacies.
2. Students will work collaboratively and collectively to build their knowledge about how to
integrate digital technologies in literacy instruction.
3. Students will create concrete experiences with the production and use of new media in
learning and communications contexts.
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS: A detailed assignment description

and scoring rubric will be provided for each major assignment.

1. Attendance/Participation 200
2. Anchor
a. Course Weebly 100
b. Online Literacy Activity 100
c. Wiki/Blog 100

d. Digital Story 100

e. Tablet/Web-Based Apps 100
3. Grant Resources 100
4. Final 100

Total Points: 900

NARRATIVE, COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Attendance/Participation (200 points): You are allowed one unexcused absence from
one class. Each absence, beginning with the second absence, results in a reduction of 5
points from the final average of each course. After two absences, you will be required to
meet with the professor to discuss your continuance in the course. Punctuality is required
of all students. Being late for class and/or leaving class early twice will be equivalent to
one absence.
2. Anchor Assignment (500 points): Students are required to complete an anchor
assignment for this course. You cannot pass the course without passing the anchor. The
anchor consists of five mini assignments. The five assignments (Weebly, online
literacy, wiki/blog, digital story and tablet/web-based apps) will be given by the instructor
as the course progresses. Each assignment is worth 100 points and requires the student to
develop one new literacy technology for use as a literacy instruction tool. Students will
place each of the tools on their course Weebly. For each tool, the student is to also submit
a one-page description that addresses the following:
a. Create a student-centered activity using the technology.
b. Link the activity to a Common Cores State Standard in English Language Arts.
c. Explain how activity meets the ILA Standards 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 4.2, 5.1.
d. Explain how activity meets the ISTE Standards.
e. Explain how activity meets KTS6.
f. Tie activity to literature on the technology.
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g. Give a brief rational for the use of the technology to teach specific core content
(TPACK).
3. Grant Resources (100 points): The primary barrier to technology integration is lack of
access/cost. In order to address this barrier, students will conduct research to identify
three grants for the purchase of instructional technologies. Students will provide the name
of the grant, the amount, a link to the grant page, what the grant money can be used to
purchase, and an explanation of what the basic requirements are for being awarded the
grant. A page on the students Weebly entitled Grants should be created and the
information placed on that page (not an attached Word document).
4. Final (100 points): The final exam will require students to demonstrate a degree of
proficiency in the technology skills taught over the course. Skills assessed will be those
covered in the rubrics of each of the technology infused assignments. Additionally,
students will be assessed on all course readings and lectures.

GRADING SCALE:
95-100% A
90-94% A-
89-87% B+
86-84% B
83-80% B-
79-75% C
Below 75% F

Absence and Class Tardies

You are allowed one unexcused absence from one class.
Each absence, beginning with the second absence, results in a reduction of 5 points from the
final average of each course. After two absences, you will be required to meet with the professor
to discuss your continuance in the course.
Punctuality is required of all students. Being late for class and/or leaving class early twice will be
equivalent to one absence.

Class Participation
Class discussions are critical to the course. Candidates contributions are valued and encouraged.
I expect that you will participate in small and large group discussion. All candidates will treat
one another with courtesy, respect, and an open mind to experiences and viewpoints that may
differ from their own perspective. We are all learners in this process; sharing ideas will serve to
strengthen the meaningfulness of the course content.

Written Assignments
Writing quality is always considered on every assignment! All assignments must be neatly word
processed using 12 point font, double-spaced, and adhere to rules of Standard English grammar,
spelling and punctuation. All assignments utilizing references/citations must use APA style.
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Complete information available at the Purdue On-Line Writing Lab (OWL)

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/10/ and APA 6th edition manuals may be purchased
in the bookstore.

Late Assignments
All assignments are due at the beginning on class on their due date. Work not turned in at the
time collected will be designated as late and subject to a reduction in points. Late work will only
be accepted with prior approval of the instructor and will be penalized 3 points per every date
late.

Please be courteous of the instructor and other students by turning off cell phones,
computers, and other electronic devices and storing them in purses, backpacks, etc. All
calls, texts, or other types of communication must be made after class or at designated
break times.

If an issue or concern about this course or your performance arises, please confer with your
instructor first. If the issue cannot be resolved with your instructor, you may elect to confer with
the department chair or program director. Concerns should be taken to the Deans office only
after meeting with the department chair or program director first.

The University requires students who will be absent from class while representing the University
to inform their instructors in two steps. During the first week of the course, students must meet
with each instructor to discuss the attendance policy and arrangements for absences related to
University-sponsored events. Second, students must provide the instructor with a signed Student
Absentee Notification Form, available via the student portal on the University intranet, at the
earliest possible opportunity, but not later than the week prior to the anticipated absence. The
Student Absentee Notification Form does not serve as an excused absence from class. Your
instructor has the final say about excused and unexcused absences and it is the students
responsibility to know and abide by the instructors policy.

INSTRUCTIONAL MODIFICATION/SYLLABUS MODIFICATION: Students with

disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or
services) for this course must contact the Director of Disability Services, located in the ARC, on
the B-level of the W.L. Lyons Brown Library; office B05 A. Call 502-272-8490 or email
[email protected] to schedule an appointment. Students are encouraged to make these
arrangements with the Disability Services as early in the semester as possible so that a student
and his/her course instructor can collaborate for a successful course experience.

Mary Morgan reserves the right to modify the syllabus during the semester to meet the needs
of the class. Any changes to this syllabus will be announced in class.

Academic Resource Center (ARC)

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Bellarmine University is committed to providing services and programs that assist all students in
further developing their learning and study skills and in reaching their academic goals. Students
needing or wanting additional and/or specialized assistance related to study techniques, writing,
time management, tutoring, test- taking strategies , etc., should seek out the resources of the
ARC, located on the B-level of the W.L. Lyons Brown Library. Call 272-7400 or visit the ARC
website http://www.bellarmine.edu/arc/ for more information.

Should you decide to withdraw from this course, please be aware that June 24 is the last day to
withdraw with a W grade. Specific withdrawal dates regarding tuition refund percentages and
the university Withdrawal Policy are available in the printed Class Schedule, from the Registrars
Office or the electronic Bellarmine University Master Calendar (Student Portal). Withdrawal
forms may be accessed at http://www.bellarmine.edu/registrar/RegForms.asp.

CLASS FORMAT AND METHODOLOGY: A variety of learning and teaching strategies will
be utilized in this course including lecture, discussion, small group and individual work, field
work, demonstrations/presentations and research.

DIVERSITY/TECHNOLOGY/DISPOSITIONS: The focus of LITR 630 requires students to

carefully examine and reflect on evidence-based technology driven instructional practices in
reading and writing that have demonstrated effectiveness in developing the literacy skills for all
students in a variety of settings with the goal of closing the achievement gap.

Students are expected to be knowledgeable of the Kentucky Teacher Standards Advanced

Level. Students are introduced to the Kentucky Core Academic Standards for
English/Language Arts and the International Reading Association Standards and how they
apply to course content. Students are expected to be aware of teacher dispositions in relation to
developmentally appropriate instruction and working effectively with all students.

Students will be introduced to the use of technology in the classroom and how it be can be used
to develop literacy skills, as well as using it themselves for assignments and projects. LITR 630
explores the need for cultural and ethnic awareness, the effects of racism and poor expectations
on students and school, and the importance of teacher awareness. Discussions about diverse
populations will be a focus of this course to prepare teachers who have the knowledge, skills, and
dispositions necessary to successfully teach diverse learners.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: Bellarmine University is an academic community. It exists for the

sake of the advancement of knowledge; the pursuit of truth; the intellectual, ethical, and social
development of students; and the general well-being of society. All members of our community
have an obligation to themselves, to their peers, and to the institution to uphold the integrity of
Bellarmine University. In the area of academic honesty, this means that ones work should be
ones own and that the instructors evaluation should be based on the students own efforts and
understanding. When the standards of academic honesty are breached, mutual trust is
undermined, the ideals of personal responsibility and autonomy are violated, teaching and
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learning are severely compromised, and other goals of the academic community cannot be
realized.

For a thorough description of the Universitys policy, including penalties for acts of academic
dishonesty and breaches of integrity, please refer to the Course Catalog:

https://catalog.bellarmine.edu/2013-2014/undergraduate-academic-policies#Academic_Honesty

All confirmed incidents of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Vice President for
Academic Affairs, and sanctions will be imposed as dictated by the policy. It is generally
assumed that graduate students fully understand what accounts for academic dishonesty.
Thus, no leniency of penalty will be applied in cases involving graduate students.
Plagiarism or cheating on field placement will result in 0 credit for field hours under question,
and may result in permanent dismissal from the education program. Plagiarism on field
placement may include: falsifying the number of hours, forging a teachers signature, falsifying
the content/nature of what is observed, and/or double-dipping hours intended for credit in
another placement or course.

SEVERE WEATHER: Refer to the current student handbook for details regarding changes in
schedule due to bad weather. Faculty will arrange class schedules to meet course objectives in
the event classes are cancelled.
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ASSESSMENT/OBJECTIVE MATRIX FOR LITR 630*

Assessment Course AFTSE KY Teacher *ILA
Objective Objective Standards Standard

Weebly 1-3 1-5 1-10 1-6

Online Literacy 1-3 2-5 1-10 1-6

Wiki/Blog 1-3 1-5 1-10 1-6

Digital Story 1-3 1-5 1-10 1-6

Tablet and Web-

1-3 1-5 1-10 1-6
Based Apps

Grants 1-3 1-4 6,8, 9, 10 2, 3, 6

*Each assessment tool reflects particular learner objectives, KY teacher standards,

and AFTSE goals, as delineated in the syllabus.

* International Literacy Association (ILA)

http://reading.org/General/CurrentResearch/Standards/ProfessionalStandards2010.aspx