Psychological and social contexts of e-learning (P01543)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : EDU-P-P01543

This course aims to :

engage with a wide range of settings in which new technologies are central to psychological and social experience

survey some of the psychological models that can be applied to the understanding of the impact of technological innovation

provide opportunities for direct and practical experience of a range of technological contexts.

No detailed background in psychology will be assumed of participants, but those with some previous knowledge will be directed towards more particular and advanced reading. The course focuses on the wider contexts of information technologies, rather than on the direct applications of these technologies in teaching and learning, but collateral reading will be provided to help participants to locate the ideas being discussed within their own practice.

? Keywords : e-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 : To be arranged/Unknown

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

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Through participation in this course it is intended that the students will:

develop a critical awareness of the range of psychological models which help us to understand relationships between individuals and social groups, and the technologies which they develop and use

review and assess the processes of innovation as applied to the development of technological artefacts

critically evaluate technological artefacts, particularly with regard to the importance of user-centered design and deployment

develop specialist skills in the use of a range of common technological (particularly communicative) devices and systems.

Assessment Information

Assessment of the course will be based on three elements :

1) Participation in online discussion (10%)

2) Evaluation report. Participants will write a brief evaluation (maximum of 1000 words plus illustrations) of an example of poor usability design of a technological artefact. (20%)

3) Wiki-based web essay. (70%)