PE7066 - Technology Enhanced Learning: What Works?

The programme uses Technology Enhanced Learning as a framework to support and enhance teaching and learning. As a Distance Learning programme, delivery is entirely online via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Each module is supported by numerous interactive sessions over a period of 10 weeks of learning, leading to an assessment submission week (you will study one module at a time). Session delivery captures a variety of formats acknowledging the nature and content of the individual module and subject, alongside your needs as a student. You will also be required to engage with and evaluate current research and to participate in interactive discussion boards, where you will be able to share your thoughts with others and engage in debate. Some sessions are text based, others utilise audio and video tools to deliver the learning materials. All sessions have interactive elements that enable you to enhance your understanding and consolidate your learning, thereby facilitating formative feedback. All modules are supported by online reading lists that provide simplified access various electronic, digital and hard copy sources. You also can participate in scheduled Blackboard Collaborate sessions in which you will be able to “video-conference” academic tutors and students.

Within the programme there are wide ranging opportunities for you to engage actively in research rich learning through problem solving, project work and real-world examples all of which are informed by current research and practice, as well as reading journal papers that develop your theoretical insight. All of the Level 7 modules that form the programme cover each of the four elements of research-rich learning, but with increasing emphasis on you, as a student, being an active participant rather than part of an audience. There is a significant application of research-based (enquiry-based) and research-tutored approaches, the former being significantly supported through organisation-oriented summative assessment.

There are a range of mechanisms to support you academically throughout your Distance Learning study with us. These will include induction and study support interventions, supported electronically, to recognise the different backgrounds of students entering this programme at Level 7.

You will have the support of an academic Programme Leader from the subject discipline, who will lead the programme from an academic perspective and will be available to support you in terms of any academic guidance you require. From an individual module perspective, you will be supported academically by the module tutor leading the individual module you are undertaking at any given point in time, alongside the receipt of peer support from your fellow participants on your module, be it through Blackboard Collaborate and/or online discussion boards.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critcally examine the breadth and complexity of the role of technology enhanced learning in educational contexts

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Identify an aspect of or a technology and reflect critically on its use in a teaching/learning context.
2.Engage with and critically evaluate current research in relation to TEL
3. Critically analyse and evaluate the impact of TEL on pedagogical practice and on the learners’ experience.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. Enhance your communication, team working skills as well as demonstrating independent intellectual curiosity by researching and identifying appropriate literature to inform and develop your discussions and practice and your summative assessments.

Formative Assessment
Small group tasks and discussion will explore and research a variety of TEL technologies and its impacts on pedagogy and learner experience.
MLOs; KU1; IPSA2 & 3; PVA 1

Feedback
You will receive verbal tutor and peer feedback

Summative Assessment
You will discuss and critically evaluate technology enhanced learning opportunities and the extent to which they enhance or inhibit teaching and learning. (2500 words) (KU1 ) (IPSA1- 3) (PVA1)

Feedback
You will receive written feedback using the criteria and the elaborated marking scale.

None

None

In this module, you will have the opportunity to explore, in-depth, what is meant by ‘technology enhanced learning’ (TEL) and how it impacts on learning and teaching in the 21st century. This includes consideration of the relationship between computer science and TEL; technology the education process and what does research evidence say in relation to this? You will examine how technologies have impacted on pedagogies and critically evaluate whether TEL enhances or inhibits teaching and learning.