"Computer assisted instruction" was once limited to a specific conception of computers as devices for course delivery. Today, we must expand that conception to explore a broad spectrum of applications of new information and communication technologies to enhance learning.

Audience: The course is designed for all those interested in the promise and the perils of new information and communication technologies for education, and for society in general. We will explore a broad range of digital tools that afford new means for inquiry, construction, communication, and personal expression. We will also consider theories of teaching and learning that inform the use of the these tools, and some of the conceptual, pedagogical, social, ethical, and political dimensions of a changing society.

Prospective students include those interested in teaching, teacher education, technology coordination, library services, curriculum and software development, educational research, and computer and information sciences. In order to prepare students for the challenges of the next century, all professionals must become more computer-aware. Although it is unclear where current trends are taking us, it is imperative that teachers understand and become comfortable with the the web and other new digital technologies. They have the potential to open many doors for students, providing essential learning resources, and engaging all students in meaningful learning activities. At the same time, these new technologies raise serious issues in terms of web content, privacy, and equity of use.

New Information and Communication Technologies. In order to prepare students for the challenges of the next century, teachers must become "computer-assisted educators." This includes the use of basic software such as spreadsheets, data bases, presentation software, and word processors, as well as tools designed specifically for teaching. In addition, students and much of our society are beginning to look to the World Wide Web as an educational medium. Although it is unclear at this point where this current trend in education is taking us, it is imperative that teachers understand and become comfortable with the the web. It has the potential to open many doors for students, providing essential learning resources, and engaging all students in meaningful learning activities. At the same time, the web and other new technologies raise serious issues in terms of web content, privacy, and equity of use.

Course Activities. The assignments in the course are activity-based, and allow students to determine the particular tools that best suit their needs as they develop resources that they will be able to use with their students. Students will use communication tools, such as email, synchronous and asynchronous conferencing, web publishing, and other collaborative environments. They will also investigate internet search techniques, evaluation of technologies, legal/ethical issues, and access issues.

A large portion of the course will focus on using the Internet and World Wide Web as instructional resources. However students will be encouraged to explore instructional software such as drills, tutorials and simulations; productivity tools such as word processors, databases and spreadsheets; and also newly emerging technologies that may not yet be available for classroom use. It is important that educators develop some experience with these instructional applications, so they will be able to select appropriate technologies for the types of learning they wish to promote.