Unit information: Teaching and Learning with ICT in 2014/15

Unit name	Teaching and Learning with ICT
Unit code	EDUCM5801
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Olivero
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Education
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will provide an introduction to key theories and methodologies relevant to teaching and learning with ICT. The emphasis will be on linking theory and practice through practical engagement with and critical reflection on a range of ICT environments. Emphasis will be on the development and evaluation of the whole learning environment to include a focus on the teacher/lecturer, a range of technological tools (both new and old) and a focus on learning. Case studies of innovative teaching and learning initiatives will provide a focus for critical evaluation. Students will be introduced to relevant research methods appropriate for evaluating the use of ICT for learning.

Aims:

• to introduce students to key theories in the fields of psychology, cognitive science and education of relevance to the use of ICT in educational settings;

• to provide students with experience of a wide range of technologically mediated learning environments and of evaluating such environments for teaching and learning;

• to enable students to research the use of ICT in educational and other contexts;

• to relate practical uses of ICT in educational settings to appropriate theories of learning and teaching.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• conduct a review of relevant research literature, taking a critical approach to analysing different ICT tools and show an understanding of the underlying learning processes;

• design and evaluate learning environments which harness the potential of ICT for teaching and learning;

• conduct a small scale research project using appropriate research methodology and technologies into the use of ICT in either formal or informal learning settings;

• make links between theory and the use of ICT in learning settings;

Teaching Information

The course will be taught face-to-face, but will be supported by a virtual online learning environment. All students will be required to use the VLE as standard, to communicate with fellow students, with the lecturing staff, to obtain administrative details about the course, to access course materials and, in some instances, for submission of coursework. Students will be encouraged to work in groups to support collaborative learning and to provide user feedback on design ideas. The principle teaching and learning methods will include the following:

• Lectures: to present the main concepts of the syllabus.

• Tutorials and workshops: to reinforce ideas and encourage understanding through individual and group work

• Case studies: to ground the work within the professional context and provide real life examples

Engagement with online resources: to reiterate face-to-face activities, to supplement and support, to provide revision or associated materials and resources, and to offer extension activities and links to further sector-specific information.

Assessment Information

The assignment will arise from a small-scale research project (4000 words or equivalent) investigating interaction with a learning environment (in either a formal or informal setting) that is intended to harness the potential of ICT for teaching and learning. This account should include a review of relevant research literature and demonstrate a critical approach to analysing ICT tools and a theoretical understanding of underlying learning processes.

Reading and References

• Bransford, J., Brown, A. & Cocking, R. (1999) How People Learn, Brain, Mind, Experience, and School, National Academy press: Washington.

• Bruner, J. (1996) The Culture of Education, Cambridge: Harvard University Press

• Facer K, Furlong J, Furlong R, Sutherland R (2003) ScreenPlay: Children and computing in the home, London: Routledge

• Littleton, K. and Light, P. (Eds.), (1999) Learning with computers: Analysing productive interaction, London: Routledge.

• Salomon, G. (1993) Distributed cognitions: Psychological and educational considerations, Cambridge: CUP

• Somekh, B. & Davis, N. (Eds.) (1997), Using information technology effectively in teaching and learning, London: Routledge.