• Foundations and General Pedagogy (21 credits)

  • ED 520
    Using Assessment to Guide Instruction
  • EDIM 501
    Cognition & Technology: Aligning Brain-Based Research & Technology Integration
  • EDIM 502
    Project-Based Learning
  • EDIM 503
    Differentiation Supported by Technology
  • EDIM 504
    Digital Storytelling
  • EDIM 507
    Globalization and Advocacy
  • EDIM 508
    Digital Media in the Classroom

• Elective (choose 9 credits)

  • ED 5400
    SAS for Pennsylvania Educators
  • ED 569
    Teching Diverse Learners Using Inclusive Classroom Practices
  • ED 587
    Technology Leadership
  • EDIM 510
    Web 2.0: Impacting Learning Environments
  • EDIM 511
    Portable Video Production and Application
  • EDIM 513
    Inquiry-Based Learning
  • EDIM 514
    Internet Tools for Teaching

Course Designer Overview:

The brain has been described as “the most complex structure in the universe,” and as “biology’s biggest challenge." One thing we do know is that the brain is the center of human learning. The better we understand how the brain learns, the better we can teach both with and without technology. How the brain learns is a mystery that philosophers and educators have pondered for thousands of years, but that is now being uncovered by neuroscientists.

You will learn from leaders in the field to gain a contemporary glimpse into cognitive research and its implications for education and technology. In addition to readings, you’ll see video lectures from prominent brain researchers, cognitive scientists, and educators. You will try to apply these discoveries about perception, memory, motivation, and learning to ways that can help children and adults learn faster, better, and in greater depth. We’ll explore how technology can support the learning process in significant and interesting ways.

Students find that much of this material is new to them because it has not yet entered public knowledge or teacher preparation programs. To help you learn, you will participate in weekly discussion forums and online audio/visual environments like VoiceThread, live web conferences where you can discuss ideas with the instructor and fellow students. Expect to share, respond, and collaborate with fellow students and the instructor via text, audio, and images. The course challenges students to integrate recent cognitive science discoveries into their models of teaching and learning. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to confidently design cognition-based, technology-supported teaching and learning activities.

* Not all courses are offered each session. Please view detailed course schedules.