Social Contexts of Learning
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| EDUC4062 | Education | 4 | 30 | Spring UK |
- Code
- EDUC4062
- School
- Education
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
In this module, students discover the various digital technologies enabling people to learn together in pairs, teams or even larger communities. Particularly, the module will cover theories of social learning and apply them to the design of digital technology currently available for social learning.
Target Students
Students registered for the (in-person versions of) MA Digital Teaching and Learning and MA Education. Also available for Exchange students.
Classes
This module is taught through a series of seminars.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 6,000 words or equivalent.
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The aims of the module are:• to offer a context for students in which they can explore and discuss relevant theories on social learning;• giving a hands-on experience to different types of digital technology supporting social learning;• allowing space to critically discuss how educational theories for social learning can be applied to current digital technology;• enabling students to compare competing theories by closer inspection of their respective empirical evidence.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
On completion of the module, participants will have gained:
● a broad grasp of a number of theories relating to the social dimension of teaching and learning
● an understanding of various ways in which digital technology can support educational practice through social communication
● an appreciation of social and political constraints as they apply to the implementation of new learning technologies.
Intellectual skills
On completion of the module, participants will have gained:
● a critical appreciation of how theories of social communication guide the development of digital technology for educational practice
● improved expertise in critical reading of academic and professional literatures
● the ability to synthesise complex material from disparate sources.
Professional Practical Skills
On completion of the module, participants will have gained:
● expertise in the selection of digital technologies to support social practices of learning
● improved ability to apply research evidence to professional practice.
Transferable (key) Skills
On completion of the module, participants will have gained
● the ability to critically reflect on personal development as a practitioner
● the ability to read, analyse and synthesise professional literature
● inquiry based skills including analysis of data.