Postgraduate - UnitEDF6447 - Instructional design: harnessing educational technologies for learning

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Synopsis

The unit explores theories, models and practical strategies of instructional design from cognitive and behavioural psychology, sociocultural theory and emerging models of digital engagement. This unit has a special focus on online teaching and learning but has applicability across media and modes. Students are immersed in a collaborative and student-centred environment as they both experience and critique the design of online technologies, materials, activities and assessments. This unit is highly relevant for educators in all sectors who are grappling with how to best design, facilitate and assess online teaching and learning. The unit presumes only a basic familiarity with computers.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• describe theories , models and practical strategies of instructional design;
• explain the relationships between flexible learning, instructional design and educational technologies, with reference to the structures of design, management and characteristics of technology;
• critique the design of online materials, activity and assessment;
• describe the applications of virtual learning environments, wikis, forums, social media and other educational technologies for the purpose of learning, and
• demonstrate an awareness of the issues involved in the development of flexible learning, the theories and processes of instructional design and the application of educational technologies, especially online systems.

Assessment

Assessment 1 - Learning Portfolio (3500 words equiv.): 40%; and Assessment 2 - Research article or Project (4500 word equiv.): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Michael Henderson

Off-campus attendance requirements

24 hours per week in participation, reading, research and assessment. Students should allocate 6 hours per week in interacting via the discussion forum or other CMC (e.g. two hours three times per week), another 6 hours in reading and research, and
another 4 hours in creating and designing. The remainder devoted to fulfilling assessment requirements. Face to face seminars will be held irregularly as most of the instruction and interaction will be conducted through computer mediated communications. Face to face and online events will be advertised through MUSO and via email.