EDF5647 - Technology and education key issues and debates - 2017

This unit offers a critical appraisal of the potential and realities of digital technology use in educational settings. Students are introduced to key theories and debates from academic disciplines such as education, sociology, psychology, media studies and social policy. Through these, students come to see a complex array of forces shaping everyday use through to education practice, policy and design. The unit raises key issues such as identity, cybersafety, globalisation, equity, and emerging forms of social practice. Students critically explore the discourse surrounding educational technology from mobiles to eLearning. The unit challenges thinking about how the educational technology of the near future may be more efficiently and equitably shaped. It is designed for all students regardless of their level of familiarity with computers.

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. recognise the current and emerging trends in digital technologies being used in education, and the social, political, economic, cultural and historical issues surrounding their adoption
2. know some of the theories, models and frameworks for understanding digital technology in education and society
3. develop evaluation skills to critically assess the value of technology use in educational settings
4. synthesise theory and practice in order to improve understanding of the roles digital technologies play in educational settings.

Learning portfolio (4000 words or equivalent, 50%)

Essay (4000 words or equivalent, 50%)

Flexible mode offers a stand-alone online offering that allows students to learn and engage in content and assessment in a supported way. It also provides a face-to-face component over the semester to engage students with the online learning content, which students can attend if they are able and interested.

Minimum total expected workload equals 288 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for flexible students:
   • 12 contact hours and 24 hours equivalent of online activities over the semester or
   • 36 hours equivalent of online activities over the semester
2. Requirements for offshore Kaplan-based students:
   • one intensive block (usually from Thursday to Sunday)
   • at least 14 hours of online study per term
3. Additional requirements (all students):
   • independent study to meet the minimum required hours per semester

See also Unit timetable information

Professor Neil Selwyn

Required for Master of Education in:

Digital learning

Option for Master of Education in:

Expert teaching practice

General education studies

Option for Master of Leadership in:

Curriculum and Pedagogy

Leadership

Elective for Master of Teaching in:

Early years education

Primary education

Secondary education

Elective for Honours research in:

Education

EDF6442

EDF6115