Understanding learning in the online environment (P01538)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : EDU-P-P01538

This course seeks to provide an introduction to the various theories that have been developed to help us understand how people learn, form personal understandings and construct knowledge. Although not addressing course design per se, it will consider the ways in which understanding of the processes of learning can inform the practices of teaching. The view will be presented that learning online is not fundamentally different from learning through other media and in other settings, but will also explore the potential for online approaches to alter the social and interactional aspects of learning.

? Keywords : E-learning, online learning, student learning

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : An introduction to digital environments for learning (P01038)

? Costs : Students will be required to have regular access to a networked computer, and will be responsible for providing their own computing equipment and consumables. Broadband is recommended.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Education, (The Moray House School of Education, Schedule C)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Additional Class Information : The course is delivered flexibly and online.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, participants will be able to:

demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives which have been developed to understand learning

analyse and assess these perspectives in terms of the insights they offer into the nature of learning in online environments

critically evaluate these perspectives, and synthesise their knowledge into an understanding of the implications for the participant's own practice

Assessment Information

Assessment of the course will be based on four elements:

1) Participation in online discussion (10%)

2) Learning needs analysis report (20%)

3) Reflective report (20%)

4) Essay (50%)