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Home Postgraduate Programmes Units MD117

MD 117 Computer Assisted Learning
Credits:20
Tutor: Ivy Brember

Pre-requisites:

This is a core module for the M.Ed, in ICT but if there are less than twenty students on this course other M.Ed. students will be able to attend. No experience of the use of computers in schools is required. However it should be noted that as in all computer units students will be expected to spend a considerable amount of time outside classes developing their computer skills beyond that which is taught in class.

Aims

  • To examine how computers can be used to enrich the learning process
  • To relate computer assisted learning software to theories of learning
  • To use an authoring language to create Computer Assisted Learning materials.
  • To examine the potential of the Internet as a tool for learning
  • To examine how computers can be used with learners with special needs

Learning outcomes

Typically, students who successfully complete the course unit and assignment will be able to do the following:

  • Evaluate computer assisted learning software
  • Use a variety of computer assisted learning packages
  • Write computer assisted learning materials in ToolBook
  • Be able to use the WWW as a source of teaching and learning material
  • Appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of using computer assisted learning software
  • Understand when computer assisted learning is and is not appropriate

Key transferable skills

  • Critical evaluation of the use of computer in the learning process
  • Problem solving skills
  • Programming skills
  • Written communication skills
  • Numeracy skills
  • Presentation skills

Curriculum content

The unit will begin by examining the potential of computers in the learning process. Various paradigms for the use of computers will be discussed. This will lay the foundation for the rest of the curriculum, which will include:

  • Computer assisted learning criteria
  • History of computer assisted learning
  • Some of the research into computer assisted learning
  • Introduction of computers into schools in the UK
  • The Internet as a source of CAL
  • Different types of computer assisted learning software used in schools
  • Integrated Learning Systems
  • Multi-media learning material
  • Authoring languages
  • Writing programmes with the authoring language Toolbook
  • Creating CAL materials
  • Integrated learning systems
  • Computer assisted learning and children with special needs

Core Publications

Barker, J. The Interactive learning revolution : multimedia in education and training /. - London : Kogan Page in association with the Interactive Learning Federation, 1990. - 0749400919

Becta, What the Research Says Avaiable at: http://www.becta.org.uk/research/reports/wtrs.cfm (updated 2003)

Becta, Impact2 reports , Available at; http://www.becta.org.uk/research/reports/impact2/index.cfm (2003)

Blomeyer,R,L. Jr (ed) Case studies in computer aided learning . London : Falmer, 1991.

Boyd-Barrett O and Wokingham ,E :Computers and learning : a reader Addison-Wesley in association with the Open University, 1990

Bork, A. M.. - Learning with personal computers. - New York; London : Harper & Row, 1987.

Grey, D. - The Internet in School. - London : Continuum, 2000

Littetleton,K Light,P. Learning with computers : analysing productive interactions London : Routledge, 1999.

Loveless,A Ellis,V.(ed) ICT, pedagogy and the curriculum: subject to change: Routledge 2001

McKeown,S Unlocking Potential: How ICT Can Support Children with Special Needs : Questions Publishing Co Ltd; 2000

Mooney,C.G. Theories of Childhood: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erickson, Piaget & Vygotsky :Redleaf Press,2000

Papert,S. Mindstorms: Children, Computers and Powerful Ideas. : Harvester Press 1993

Rhodes,J. Bell,C The Toolbook Companion: Solutions, Techniques, Expert Information, and Openscript Tips
Platte Canyon Multimedia; 2001.

Salmon,G E-tivities: The Key to Active Online Learning, Kogan Page, 2002

Stephenson,J (Ed)Teaching & Learning Online: New Pedagogies for New Technologies (Creating Success)
Kogan Page, 2001

Underwood, J & Brown, J (eds) Integrated Learning Systems: Potential into Practice. Heinemann 1997

Underwood, J.D.M.. - Computers and Education: Computer Assisted learning. - Elsevier, 1998.

Wood, D, 1994 Dec. 24-. - How Children Think and Learn : the Social Contexts of Cognitive
Development. - 2nd ed. - Oxford : Blackwell, 1998.

Teaching method arrangements

Lectures, hands-on sessions in computer labs and video presentations.

Timetable

Tuesdays in Semester1

Assessment

A 2000 word essay on an aspect of Computer Assisted Learning and a piece of computer assisted learning material software written in ToolBook by the student.

Method

This will be a 'hands on' module run in our computer laboratory and no computing knowledge will be assumed.

Study budget

MD 117 Activity Time (Hours)
Staff/student contact sessions 30
Private study/assignment preparation 100
Directed reading 60
Tutorials 10
Total hours 200
Credits 20
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Last updated: Fri, 01-Oct-2004 10:40