Postgraduate - UnitHED5062 - Contemporary learning environments

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Synopsis

Contemporary learning environments in higher education include: virtual spaces; industry placements; simulated settings; as well as a range of traditional and state-of-the-art lecture, laboratory and tutorial settings. HED5062 will allow participants to examine the influence of virtual design, physical spaces and the 'hidden curriculum' on learning. It will introduce ways of promoting learning in a range of different contexts. Participants will consider: the impact of different learning environments; how to maximise and/or broaden student learning; and practical considerations such as available resources and administration.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit, participants will be able to:

1. Outline the key influences of the learning environment and the student context on learning.
2. Optimise use of available learning environments.
3. Design virtual environments to maximise learning.
4. Describe the impact of changing learning environments on teacher resources.

Fieldwork

N/A

Assessment

This unit will be assessed using:
1. A series of reflexive short pieces (1000-1500 words, 30%, Objectives 1,2, 3 & 4)
2. An analysis of the participants' current learning environment (1000-2000 words, 30%, Objectives 1 and 2)
3. A design portfolio or analytic paper outlining proposed learning environment designs and their relationship to student learning (2000-3000 words, 40%, Objectives 2, 3 and 4).

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Hariz Halilovich

Contact hours

Students are expected to undertake 120 hours per semester study. Students are expected to use their study time to attend on-campus lectures and workshops, undertake the unit tasks as set out in the Unit Guide, which include set readings; and to complete assessment tasks.

Prerequisites

First degree or equivalent