Chess

Chess Online for Educators

Course Information

• Chess I, ED 4358: Using Chess in Schools (3 semester hours) – Using chess to teach critical thinking, math and reading skills in elementary and secondary classrooms. This course is also appropriate for chess instructors who wish to incorporate additional academic and humanistic goals into their programs. No previous knowledge of chess is required. This course is offered through UT Dallas eLearning. (3-0) R
  
• Chess II, ED 4359: Institutional and Cultural Contexts of Chess (3 semester hours) – Examination of the roles of chess in history and in contemporary culture and analysis of chess in education. As a student in this program, your culminating paper would either propose an improvement of an existing chess program, develop a new chess program, or analyze issues in chess and education. No prior knowledge of chess is required. This course is offered through UT Dallas eLearning. Instructor consent is required. (3-0) Y

The courses run on the semester schedule. In the fall semester, start ED 4358 at the second 8-week session. In the spring semester, start ED 4359 at the second 8-week session. Please contact Dr. Alexey Root at aroot@utdallas.edu

Getting Started

Students registering for these courses must first be admitted to UT Dallas. Since students from all over the world may register for these courses, we have made this process as simple and seamless as possible. Therefore, the first question is: 1. Are you currently registered as a student at UT Dallas?

• If the answer is yes, proceed to step 3.
• If the answer is no, proceed to step 2.

2. If Chess is the ONLY course you plan to take at UT Dallas, apply as a non-degree-seeking student. To do this, send an email of interest to Dr. Alexey Root at aroot@utdallas.edu for complete instructions on applying. Send official transcripts to: University of Texas at Dallas, ATTN: Alexey Root/Chess Online, 800 W. Campbell Rd., HH30, Richardson, TX 75080.

3. If you are a currently registered UT Dallas student, you must send an email message requesting registration in the chess course of your choice to Dr. Alexey Root at aroot@utdallas.edu. The message must include your:

• Full name
• Net ID
• Name and number of the course(s) you are interested in taking
• Phone number(s) and appropriate times to call
• UT Dallas email address
• Name and email address of your advisor.

For permission for ED 4358 and ED 4359, email Dr. Alexey Root for permission by 5 p.m. on the Friday before the first day of class of the second eight-week session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to play chess before I take the class?

No, you don’t need to know chess already. Due to course assignments, you will know how to play chess at a very basic level by the end of the course.

What is the fee for each Chess Online course?

There is an $800 distance learning fee for each Chess Online course taken.

Do I have to take Chess I before I take Chess II?

You may take Chess I or Chess II, in either order.

Do the classes meet weekly in chat or are all assignments via email?

For Chess I, two lesson plans are due by email; in addition, there are Discussions assignments. In Discussions, each program has its own private space, called a board. Within each board are conferences that have been set up by the instructor. The Discussions conference is a place for students to submit their thoughts about a particular question and show understanding of the lessons and readings. Students will also read and comment on others’ postings.

What is the deadline for permission for the Chess Online courses?

The Chess Online courses require permission from the instructor. Request permission from Dr. Alexey Root by 5 p.m. on the Friday before the first day of class of the eight-week session. After Dr. Root grants permission, each student’s advisor will complete registration for eligible students. The permission deadline is in place so students will have eLearning access by the first day of the second eight-week session.

How do I find out more information?

Please contact Dr. Alexey Root (aroot@utdallas.edu) with any questions or if you are interested in the program.

Contact

Dr. Alexey Root 
Chess Online Advisor 
aroot@utdallas.edu 
972-883-2354 
Learn more about Dr. Root’s history with chess.