I am currently revising a graduate-level Educational Technology class I teach at San Diego State University called Advanced Technology for Teachers. I spent a lot of time coming up with individual topics, but realized I needed some bigger topics that would define the key concepts I hope to get across.
After ditching my previous goals, I have come up with these defining concepts:
- Today’s students are shaped by the numerous technologies that are available. (Topics: Is Google Making us Stupid?, multitasking, digital citizenship)
- The role of social media in society and education should be addressed and utilized.
- Technology should not be treated as something separate or special, it represents a vast array of tools and strategies that can be integrated regularly. (Topics: Web 2.0 tools, Google Apps for Education, mobile technologies)
- A Personalized Learning Network (PLN) can change your perspective on professional development. A PLN can provide on demand staff development, amazing resources, and access to numerous teachers and experts willing sharing their expertise. (Topics: Twitter, Google Reader / RSS, and Podcasts)
- Technology tools can be used to help manage an educator’s professional (and personal) lives.
Anything missing? Any thoughts?
danmcdowell.net 
I've taught Technology Tools for Educators – three semesters at the University of MN (all as an online course) – a couple of topics that generated a ton of chatter was the role of blended learning and the concept of the flipped classroom. While, I personally, am not a fan of the flipped classroom 'sales pitch', I noticed that it led to a really robust conversation about your #3 goal. In addition, I spend a week in the middle of the semester celebrating play and fun with learning, for the members of the class as well as with the students in their classroom.
A big part of the class also challenges the students to self-organize into Learning Teams where they research and investigate a topic of their own choosing over the course of the semester. This group work mimics a PLN, in a very low stress, supportive environment. I have found that it is a nice baby step into the world of networked learning for the teachers.
If you would find it useful… I can send you a doc of the full semester of activities and such that I use… Enjoy the learning!
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