Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Summary of module – main aims and purpose

In this module, students are invited to challenge traditional approaches to teaching and learning and explore the theoretical and contemporary debates and practices surrounding the growth of the Internet and the increasing use of artificial intelligence and digital tools and applications. This module employs Futures Thinking, a multi-disciplinary approach for informed reflection, to deepen our understanding of the major forces that are now driving change in education systems, schools and communities.

The broad aims of this module therefore are to:
• Identify the dynamics and interactions that are now creating the future of learning;
• Critically review recent developments in digital technology and assess their impact on learning and the wider society;
• Stimulate strategic dialogue, foster intellectual curiosity and widen our understanding of the possible.

Outline Of Syllabus

• Blogging, Privacy & Reflective Thinking
• Theories of Learning
• 21st Century Skills, Attitudes and Mindsets
• Mobile and Ubiquitous Learning
• Virtual Reality and Augmented Learning
• Machine Learning and Human Intelligence
• The Dark Side of the Web
• Digital Literacy and the Digital Citizen
• SDG No.4 & the Principles for Digital Development
• Understanding the Value of Human Presence in the Classroom

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the theoretical perspectives which have been developed to understand learning and new technologies with an awareness of the wider social context.

2. Gain an in-depth understanding of the potential of the Internet for learning and education and also its potential to do harm.

3. Develop an ability to assess and evaluate the inter-related factors that affect the success of using the Internet for learning and education.

4. Gain an in-depth understanding of the value of human presence in the classroom.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the course, learners will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate their personal experience of using digital tools for learning;
2. Engage with the theoretical and contemporary debates and practices surrounding the growth of digital learning and its impact on wider society;
3. Write reflective, engaging and informative blogs.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Over the 11 weeks of this course, a variety of methods will be used to help illuminate the possibilities, outline policy choices, and assess the alternatives. Lecture materials will be posted online which need to be consumed prior to each workshop – a flipped approach is therefore being adopted. Students will have the opportunity to share their thoughts, opinions and reflections both in class and online via their own personal blog. Personal blogs are also used by the lecturer throughout the module to provide students with feedback about the quality of their work and how it can be improved.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Portfolios are collections of students' work over time. They often document a student's best work and may include other types of information, such as the student's self-assessment of the work, and the peers’, and/or teachers’ review. As an assessment tool the portfolio is sensitive to progress over time, and allows students the freedom to demonstrate individually, or culturally biased experiences and knowledge – which will be relevant on this module. Critically the portfolio will offer an effective way to bring assessment into harmony with this modules instructional goals.

General Notes

N/A