Computer and Technology Requirements for EAF Majors

EAF Computer Requirements

Software and Hardware

To successfully complete the master's or doctoral programs in the EAF Department, students are expected to have frequent and convenient access to computer and Internet resources.  Students are expected to either purchase or to have access to the required software and hardware needed to complete all coursework. Graduate students should consider purchasing a laptop for use at home, work, classes, and the library. The College of Education and Milner Library now have wireless access.

Students are expected to be computer literate upon admission (word processing, email, attachments, PowerPoint, Excel, uploading and downloading files from the Internet) .

Illinois State University students can take advantage of special hardware and software pricing as well as installation support at the TechZone on campus. At a minimum, students should have the following installed on their computers upon admission:

1. a browser that is supported by WebCT (our e-learning system ). See
   WebCT Browser Check (and then try the Tune Up)
   
   
2. the full Microsoft Office package (including Frontpage) Check TechZone for student discount

For some doctoral courses, students may be required to purchase specialized software (such as SPSS for the research methods classes or Endnote for doctoral exam preparation).

University Email and Login Account

You must have an ISU email account in your own name as long as you are a student in the EAF Department. Information is available at http://www.coe.ilstu.edu/eafdept/currentstudents/ulid.shtml

Entry-Level Technology Skills

The seven standards are listed below. Please note the performance indicators for standard 5 and standard 6. These are the most relevant basic skills the Department expects for incoming students in graduate programs The course goes beyond these standards to investigate administrative applications.

This course does not teach the basic skills below; rather students use the skills and tools in meeting the objectives of the course as stated in the general course outline.

Before enrolling in Department courses (or EAF 401) students should be competent in the following areas so they can complete class assignments.

The standard software for the tools above is Microsoft Office. The University sells the full version to students at a steep discount. Check TechZone.

The University also provides free downloads of various web browers, email, anti-virus programs etc. at http://www.ilstu.edu/helpdesk/downloads/.

The University provides a "Quick Guide to Campus Technology" in pdf format.

Through class instruction, students will learn additional applications:

State of Illinois Technology Standards for All Teachers

STANDARD 1 - Basic Computer/Technology Operations and Concepts
The competent teacher will use computer systems to run software; to access, generate, and manipulate data; and to publish results. He or she will also evaluate performance of hardware and software components of computer systems and apply basic trouble-shooting strategies as needed.

STANDARD 2 - Personal and Professional Use of Technology
The competent teacher will apply tools for enhancing personal professional growth and
productivity; will use technology in communicating, collaborating, conducting research, and solving problems.

STANDARD 3 - Application of Technology in Instruction
The competent teacher will apply learning technologies that support instruction in his or her grade level and subject areas. He or she must plan and deliver instructional units that integrate a variety of software, applications, and learning tools. Lessons developed must reflect effective grouping and assessment strategies for diverse populations.

STANDARD 4 - Social, Ethical, and Human Issues
The competent teacher will apply concepts and skills in making decisions concerning the social, ethical, and human issues related to computing and technology. The competent teacher will understand the changes in information technologies, their effects on workplace and society, their potential to address life-long learning and workplace needs, and the consequences of misuse.

STANDARD 5 - Productivity Tools
The competent teacher will integrate advanced features of technology-based productivity tools to support instruction, extend communication outside the classroom, enhance classroom management, perform administrative routines more effectively, and become more productive in daily tasks.

Performance Indicators - The competent teacher:
5B. uses advanced features of word processing, desktop publishing, graphics programs, and utilities to develop professional products.
5C. uses spreadsheets for analyzing, organizing, and displaying numeric data graphically.
5D. designs and manipulates databases and generates customized reports.
5E. uses teacher utility and classroom management tools to design solutions for a specific purpose.
5F. identifies, selects, and integrates video and digital images in varying formats for use in presentations, publications, and/or other products.
5G. applies specific-purpose electronic devices (such as a graphing calculator, language translator, scientific probeware, or electronic thesaurus) in appropriate content areas.
5H. uses features of applications that integrate word processing, database, spreadsheet, communication, and other tools.

STANDARD 6 - Telecommunications and Information Access
The competent Performance Indicators - The competent teacher:
6B. accesses and uses telecommunications tools and resources for information-sharing, remote information access and retrieval, and multi-media/hypermedia publishing.
6C. uses electronic mail and web browser applications for communications and for research to support instruction.
6D. uses automated, on-line search tools and intelligent agents to identify and index desired information resources.

STANDARD 7 - Research, Problem Solving, and Product Development
The competent teacher will use computers and other technologies in research, problem solving, and product development. The competent teacher will appropriately use a variety of media, presentation, and authoring packages; plan and participate in team and collaborative projects that require critical analysis and evaluation; and present products developed.