Simmons+College

=Simmons College=

Here's the text of an introductory email about a Simmons program starting January 2012

Dear Prospective Student, The Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Simmons College is pleased to announce the start of a new Post Master’s Degree Instructional Technology Specialist Licensure Program. The program will begin in January 2012, and applications will be accepted beginning on September 1 through November 1, 2011; and after November 1st applications will then be accepted on a space available basis. This program will use competencies already learned in the Master of Science in Library Science/School Library Teacher Program in addition to the Post-Master's Degree courses to be taken for the Instructional Technology Specialist Licensure Program. This program has been designed with the needs of the school library teacher in mind. It will include four courses. There is also forthcoming another licensure program, Supervisor/Director, that will build upon the Instructional Technology Specialist License. Students can begin that program after the Instructional Technology Specialist License has been obtained -- the Instructional Technology Specialist License being a prerequisite for the Supervisor/Director Licensure Program. This will be a cohort-based program designed to be completed in four semesters beginning with the spring 2012 semester. There is some flexibility but students would lose the opportunity to complete the program in //four semesters// if they did not take the courses with their cohort group. The courses listed at the end of this message are required as a part of this Instructional Technology Specialist Licensure Program. By the end of June, a website devoted to this Instructional Technology Post Master’s Degree Licensure Program will be available at the Simmons GSLIS web site. Another E-mail message will be sent out when it is ready. The application link will be opened on September 1, 2011. We will send you a message with the link that you will need to be able to access the application materials. In case you want to prepare everything ahead of time, to apply you will need to complete a brief online application, provide an official copy of your Master’s Degree transcript, current resume, and statement of purpose. For the statement of purpose, you will be asked to write a 250 to 500 word statement that describes your career objectives and how GSLIS at Simmons College could contribute to meeting these goals. Please incorporate answers to the following questions into your statement of purpose:
 * Required Courses **
 * Website **
 * How to Apply **
 * Why are you seeking licensure as an instructional technology specialist?
 * What strengths would you bring to GSLIS and to the instructional technology licensure program?
 * How will the instructional technology license enhance your career opportunities?

If you have questions please send an E-mail to gslisadm@simmons.edu .

Thank you for your interest in the GSLIS Instructional Technology Post Master’s Degree Licensure Program. We hope you have a wonderful summer. Best wishes, Sarah Petrakos Assistant Dean for Admission and Recruitment Fran Zilonis Director of the School Library Teacher Program

***LIS ##1 Instructional Technology in Teaching and Learning ** This course will build upon and enhance the knowledge gained in LIS 460 and further develop the ability of students to integrate technology into the curriculum, work with teachers in the integration of the use of technology in the classroom, and explore trends in teaching, learning, and instructional technology. The standards developed by the International Society for Technology in Education for students and teachers will be studied and strategies developed for their implementation. Students will develop technology rich units that meet defined goals, objectives, and benchmarks as required by the //Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks// and the //Common Core//. The Internet, educational software, including educational uses of word processing, databases, and spreadsheets; curricula resources available via Web 2.0; //WebQuests//, assessment, and multimedia programs will be examined to determine how these tools can be harnessed to advance teaching and learning and how they can be used to create motivating and meaningful learning environments for all children. Enabling students to take responsibility for their own learning through the use of technology will be developed. //Prerequisite: LIS 400 LIS 400 Technology Orientation Requirement (TOR) // and //LIS 460 Technology and the School Library Teacher// ***LIS ##2 Advanced Uses of Instructional Technology in Teaching and Learning ** The roles of the instructional technology specialist and library teacher as key curriculum specialists, presenters, staff developers, and leaders in technology integration and implementation will be developed throughout this course. The methods instructional technology specialists can use to support teachers in the integration of instructional technology such as mentoring, consultation techniques, and professional development will also be studied. Students will explore emerging technologies and their possible use in K-12 education. There will be an opportunity for discussion of issues arising from technology implementation in the schools. Other topics to be explored include project based learning, virtual learning and virtual schools, learning management systems such as //Blackboard, Web CT, Moodle//, simulations, and games. The I.E.P., and the role of assistive adaptive technology in the inclusive classroom will be explored. This course provides an opportunity to learn about the latest resources: software and assistive technologies that can provide access for all learners. //Prerequisite: LIS 400 LIS 400 Technology Orientation Requirement (TOR) // and //LIS 460 Technology and the School Library Teacher// ***LIS ## 3 Computer and Network Basics for Elementary and Secondary Schools ** This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, servers, networks, their use and maintenance. Basic concepts including set-up, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs will be developed. Students will learn technical language. Students will be prepared to make informed decisions about upgrading and replacing technology. This course will provide a basic understanding of computer and network architecture thus making use and maintenance of them accessible. //Prerequisite: LIS 400 LIS 400 Technology Orientation Requirement (TOR) // and //LIS 460 Technology and the School Library Teacher// ** *LIS ##4 Instructional Technology Management and Implementation ** The philosophy of the instructional technology program in education and its contribution to the overall aims of K-12 education will be explored. This course will provide instruction in the administration and management of the instructional technology program at the school and district levels. The information technology program will be studied with an emphasis on program development and the roles and responsibilities of the technology leader including vision, strategic planning, managing change, school finance (including budgeting), grant writing, equity, selection, evaluation and purchasing of hardware and software, professional development, mentoring, policy development, ethical and social issues surrounding privacy, copyright, and crime relating to educational technology and resources, as well as program evaluation. An emphasis will be placed on system-wide and school based program development, implementation, and coordination, methods of supervision, and new trends. // Prerequisite: LIS 400 LIS 400 Technology Orientation Requirement (TOR) // and //LIS 460 Technology and the School Library Teacher//
 * Required Courses **

LIS 460 Technology and the School Library Teacher
This course will prepare the school library teacher to successfully integrate new and emerging technologies into the school library program, technology lab, and classroom. Technologies studied will be appropriate for integration into all areas of the school's curriculum. Web-based and mobile resources and tools are used extensively throughout the course and are directly tied to current topics in successful school library management and practice. Hands-on learning and discussion of issues that could arise as a part of technology integration with pre-K - 12 students are foundational elements of the course. The role the school library teacher plays in the professional development of teachers in his/her school as a resource person, leader in technology instruction, facilitator, collaborator, and instructor will be discussed throughout the course. // Prerequisites: LIS 407 Reference/Information Services and LIS 400 Technology Orientation Requirement. // //** LIS 400 Technology Orientation Requirement (TOR) **// // The Technology Orientation Requirement is designed to serve as a self-paced introduction to the technology and resources you will use in the GSLIS program. It assures that all incoming students are prepared to use the technology required for their GSLIS classes, regardless of a specific LIS track to be taken. It was created by a faculty committee who specifically chose the format and content that is most pertinent to the LIS curriculum. // *Official GSLIS course numbers will be assigned to these courses before you will be registering in them. Closer to the registration period, you will be provided with the appropriate course numbers and the course descriptions. code -- GSLIS Office of Admission Simmons College 300 The Fenway Boston MA 02115

code 617-521-2868 Fax: 617-521-3192