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Home Postgraduate Programmes Course Units MD319

Aims

• to explore issues in the uses of educational technology beyond the classroom
• to gain experience of and consider issues related to the use of computer-mediated communication in distributed learning
• to investigate the influence of technology on self-access and learner autonomy
• to consider the role of technology in materials design development and research
• to examine the role of video in teacher education.

Learning outcomes

An ability to:

• think critically about developments in the use of technology in the ELT field
• make effective use of technology in distributed learning
• deploy appropriate technologies in the design and development of learning materials

Key transferable skills:

• Critical evaluation of existing contexts and identification of areas for development
• Persuasion through rational argument (oral (unassessed)and written)¨
• Appropriate academic presentation (oral (unassessed) and written)¨
• Appropriate language use
• Enhanced skills in the use of ICT for the presentation of information, online interaction and research
• Research skills (classroom-based research ,collection and analysis of data) Content

Curriculum content:

This module takes the use of computers and video beyond the language classroom and looks at their application in research, teacher education, management, professional development and materials development. Topics normally explored are:

• collaborative learning
• Computer-Mediated Communication
• materials design, development and publishing
• self access and learner autonomy
• teacher training and education
• computer-based testing
• educational research
• distance learning

The following generic tools may be utilised as part of this module:

• Computer-Mediated Communication tools eg email, listservs, groupware, IRC, audio and video conferencing
• concordancers
• Computer-Based Testing
• databases and spreadsheets
• desk-top publishing
• the World Wide Web.

Teaching and learning methods

On-site input will be provided by a mixture of teaching and learning modes principally, open learning, seminars and collaborative tasks both in-class and virtual for part of the course unit. Course unit participants will also be invited to consult the tutor on a one-to-one or small group basis. The distance course unit is managed within WebCT, a virtual learning environment. Participants are directed to learning resources both online and in print and collaborative tasks with peers form a key component of this course unit. A course unit discussion list and the communication tools within WebCT will provide opportunities for peer collaboration, and exchange and support.

Core reading:

Bates A W (1995) Technology, Open Learning and Distance Education London: Routledge

Benson P & P Voller (eds 1997) Autonomy and Independence in Language Learning London: Longman

Burns A (1999) Collaborative Research for English Language Teachers Cambridge: CUP

Chapelle C (2001) Computer Applications in Second Language Acquisition: Foundations for Teaching, Testing and Research Cambridge: CUP

Laurillard D (1993) Rethinking University Teaching: a Framework for the Effective Use of Educational Technology London: Routledge

Somekh B & Davis N (1997) Using Information technology Effectively in Teaching and Learning: Studies in Pre-Service and In-Service Teacher Education London: Routledge

Recent issues of the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, System, the British Journal of Educational Technology, or Byte will contain articles in this general area. Other reading material will depend on the topics chosen from the menu and students will be directed towards these during the course unit.

Assessment

An assignment on an assigned or approved subject to be submitted on or before the approved date. For distance assignments the final submission date is 5 months (fast track) or 11 months after the start date. Distance assignments may be chunked. Permission must be sought in advance from the Faculty Office for an extension on these deadlines.

Learning hours

Availability

Onsite: Semester 2 (January-May)

Distance: 30 September only