| Unit name | Digital Cultures and Participatory Learning |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUC30024 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Ruiz Cabello |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
The spread and use of digital technologies and the Internet is virtually everywhere and has significantly changed the way we communicate, learn, interact, and live. This unit offers a critical examination of existing and emerging digital cultures across online and offline spaces. In doing so, we will explore a range of conceptual and empirical work to examine and reflect on the participation that is supported and shaped within digital cultures and the challenges and opportunities that arise for learning in different contexts. Through formative and summative activities, you will have the opportunity to reflect on real-life examples of digital cultures and participatory learning in light of relevant concepts and cases.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This is an optional unit for third-year students enrolled in the BSc Education Studies and BSc Psychology in Education courses. This unit offers a critical understanding of the current and emerging digital cultures and how they connect to challenges and opportunities for learning. The unit also allows deepening of transferable skills development, such as engaging with concepts and theories, developing of argument and critical thinking, and expanding academic knowledge.
An overview of content
This unit will examine some of the key challenges and opportunities for teaching and learning that arise as a result of technological and social change. Students will reflect on a range of conceptual and empirical work that considers how digital cultures influence our learning experiences across the life course, and how digital technologies foster different communities of knowers and forms of knowledge. Opportunities will be provided to explore the digital spaces in which learning now happens, the new ethical issues that arise for learners and educators as they engage with digital cultures, and the possibilities for creativity and participation that arise as well as the ‘participation gaps’ that may prevent some groups from benefiting.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
-You will understand emerging digital cultures and how they relate to learning in different contexts. -You will engage with key theories and concepts to explain digital cultures and participatory learning. -You will critically examine examples of contemporary digital cultures and empirical studies that applythese concepts in practice.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course unit students will be able to:
Teaching will involve lectures, reading, collaborative and independent activities provided online. Reflective practice is key to the teaching and learning experience on this unit – students will develop and maintain a portfolio to record, examine and reflect on their own experiences of digital cultures and learning and the ideas introduced throughout the unit.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Formative assessment will take place through a) peer and tutor review of student portfolios and b) peer and tutor review of posters summarising an approach for Assessment Part 2.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Part 1: (ILO 1, 2 & 3) A 1,000 words critical comparison of two academic publications on digital cultures and participatory learning. (40%).
Part 2: (ILO 1, 2 & 3) A 2,500 word essay applying theoretical concepts to digital cultures, participation, and learning. (60%).
When assessment does not go to plan
When a student fails the unit and is eligible to resubmit, failed components will be reassessed on a like-for-like basis.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EDUC30024).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
