K-W-L


 * All students should add to this wiki page with their responses. Please use your name prior to your response.**


 * K - What do I KNOW about Application and Design of Educational Courseware?**

Kristen - I know that design of educational courseware should focus on curriculum first and technology second. Sara - I know that educational courseware should improve motivation, memory, and transfer of knowledge. Sherri- - I know that educational courseware is most effective when it utilizes the capabilities that technology possesses (such as opportunities to establish learning communities) that other learning media do not possess. Dara- I know that educational courseware effects teaching and learning through it's ability to be used with many different technologies and applications that provide an abundance of resources; which allow educators and students the ability to improve learning that was not possible just a few years ago.

Sara - I want to know how to evaluate courseware and make decisions for my campus. Sherri -- I want to know how to find affordable, high-quality courseware relevant to what and who I teach. Dara- I want to know what courseware is best suited to meet the varying needs of my special education students.
 * W - What do I WANT To KNOW about Application and Design of Educational Courseware?**

Dara-I learned that digital literacy has so many components. It is not just a person's ability to be able to use a computer to surf the internet, chat or read and send e-mails. It is so much more than that. It is about using the internet as a tool to create, analyze, evaluate, apply and share using programs found on the web. Deeping knowledge and allowing students to create their own learning environments is also crucial to digital literacy. The project that I did reinforced this. I was able to create a book with my developmentally disabled student that she was able to do a lot of, to the best of her ability. I would not have been able to do this just a few short years ago. I discovered new technologies that can be used on all instructional levels to teach about digital literacy and reinforce skills associated with digital literacy.
 * L - What have you LEARNED about the Application and Design of Educational Courseware?**

Sara - I have learned that digital literacy is an evolving set of theories and practices that has its roots in educational theory, but tweaked for this new age of technology. I have learned that technology is a tool that educators should be encouraged to explore for themselves and also being willing to try out in their own classrooms. Technology can provide a platform for collaboration, sharing, and imaging that has not previously existed. I have also learned that I still have a lot to learn! :) I have also gained some valuable insights into research and current practice that I can now use to advocate for technology use on my own campus.

Sherri -- I learned, from the readings, from Sara, and from doing my learning project, that--as Dara says--digital literacy involves much more than knowing how to use programs and applications. I have been interested in Information literacy for some time; it's defined as the ability to determine the information one needs; locate it; understand it; evaluate its validity; use it effectively; and cite it properly. Relatedly, I'm coming to see that digital literacy is the ability to determine what one wants to do with technology; locate appropriate resources; determine how to use them effectively; and also to cite information properly, honor copyright laws and protect individuals' privacy and security. I also learned that students (and faculty!) need a lot of help with the last. I also learned a lot about the importance of image to the upcoming generation, and how much I have to learn about exciting "programming for all" applications. :-)