ATEC 4340

Issues in Art and Technology: Digital Learning Systems

University of Texas at Dallas
Fall 2006

Syllabus Date: Aug. 29, 2006

Marge Zielke
Maz031000@utdallas.edu
817-368-5772

Course Description: Digital learning systems explores the use of gaming and other
interactive technologies for training and educational purposes. Emphasis is on
producing an actual training module for military, educational, business or other training
purpose. State-of-the-art simulations and other applications are studied. Course also
includes a discussion of applicable measurement and learning theory for interactive
training simulations. Class also explores cognitive science as a foundation for program
development.

Learning Objectives:

ƒ Learn design methodologies for specific digital learning system

applications.
ƒ Review state-of-the art technology for training systems in business,
medical, military and educational arena.
ƒ Interpret learning metrics as indicators of learning outcomes.
ƒ Explore cognitive science as a foundation for program development.

Week One Class Introductions

August 18 Syllabus Review
Discussion of Potential Projects
Project Development Process

Week Two Planning a Digital Learning System – Template Review

August 25 Team Formation

Week Three Team Project Proposal Presentations (graded: 9 percent)

Sept. 1 Cognitive Science/Psychology/Learning Theory and Digital
Learning Systems

Week Four Online Class (graded: 10 percent)

Sept. 8 Book Discussion: The Singularity is Near: Raymond Kurzweil
2005

Week Five Measurement Philosophies

Sept. 15 Team Discussion

Week Six
Sept. 22 Technology: Virtual Worlds and Learning/Training, Web-Based
Training -- Military, Business and Educational Applications
Team Status Report Number One Due (graded: 3 percent)

Week Seven Field Trip/Guest Speaker (tbd…date may shift)

Sept. 29

Week Eight Team Research Presentations (Topic to be assigned)

(graded: 15 percent)
October 6 Team Workshop

Week Nine Team Research Presentations (Topic to be assigned)

(graded: 15 percent)
October 13 Team Workshop

Week Ten Datamining Techniques for Digital Learning Systems

October 20 Team Workshop

-----------midterm grades due on October 17----------------

Week Eleven Evolving Technology

October 27 Resources and Research at UTD
Team Status Report Number Two Due (graded: 3 percent)
-----------------------------------------------

Team Usability Test….Initial prototypes must be ready

Week Twelve
Nov. 3 Workshop

Week Thirteen Class Presentation

(graded: 25 percent)
Nov. 10

Week Fourteen Class Presentation

Nov. 17 (graded: 25 percent)
-------Take-Home Final Exam Due on December 1, 2006 (graded: 25 percent)-----
-------------Final Grades Posted on December 8, 2006--------------------------------------

Grading Criteria:

Project Proposal Presentation: 9 percent

Team Status Report One: 3 percent
Team Status Report Two: 3 percent
Team Research Presentation on Digital Learning Topic: 15 percent
Final Project: 25 percent
Take Home Individual Final: 25 percent
Online Class Participation/Usability Test: 10 percent
Class Participation: 10 Percent

Class Policies:

• In fairness to other students, no late assignments will be accepted without prior

approval. Late assignments are highly discouraged.

• Attendance at class is expected. Please discuss absences beforehand with

instructor and your team. This is a project oriented class and your team depends
on you. For each unexcused absence, 10 points will be deducted from your total
grade.

• Responses to phone calls or emails from instructor are expected within 24 hours.

• Students are expected to have done weekly assigned readings prior to class.

• Professional conduct as a team member is expected. Teams are encouraged to

work without need for supervision by instructor; however instructor is available
for coaching and consultation on subject matter.

However, should a team encounter nonparticipation (lack of attendance in class or

at other team meetings) by a team member, communication with the instructor is
encouraged and appropriate grade reflection will occur.
 Team members are required to communicate with each other on a consistent basis
and to meet team established deadlines.

Project status reports will be prepared for the instructor throughout the course.
Lack of participation issues should be addressed in this document.

Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and

treat other team members with respect.

Team members will be evaluating each other as part of the final exam. Students
who uniformly receive unsatisfactory evaluations from other team members may
receive a decrease in team project grade, after review by the instructor.

• No extra credit is available. You must be able to work in a cooperative team

environment to complete the class.

• Please be courteous with the use of cell phones, pagers and surfing during class.
Please do not do your homework for other classes in this class.

• Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated.

• The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments to the syllabus as needed.

• Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance: It is the policy of UTD to provide

reasonable and appropriate accommodations for individuals with documented
disabilities. This college will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local
laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable
accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity.