Technologies for Learning: Mobile and Social Technologies Integration in Pursuit of Quality Learning

This course seeks to cement both in theory and practice how technology could be of great value in learning, for example through virtual learning possibilities. Context and user needs are essential aspects for successful technology integration in education.

5 ECTS Credits — Studies start 12 October 2020 — Tampere University

Photo Credit: Pixabay
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Course dates

12 October 2020 – 11 December 2020

Registration period

7 September 2020 – 27 September 2020

Coordinating university

Tampere University

Instructors

Nicholas Mavengere
Mikko Ruohonen

Credits

5 ECTS

Course dates: 12.10.2020 - 11.12.2020
Registration dates: 07.09.2019 - 27.09.2019
Coordinating university: Tampere University
Responsible teacher: Nicholas Mavengere,
Credits: 5 ECTS

Course content

Technologies are advancing such that there is a constant need for training for professionals in different sectors. More so, in education in which the learning outcomes is always at the center of learning, technology is expected to assist in quickly and easily attaining the learning outcomes. This course is about technologies application for learning purposes.

A key component of this course is practical aspects in which the technologies are put to use. That is, there are several hands on cases to demonstrate how the technologies could be put to use for learning purpose. In addition, the social media and mobile environment is an area that has not been fully developed on how learning could be included and thus the value of this course.

The integration of technology for learning purposes is a burning issue because of the mixed reviews on the value of technology in education. This course seeks to cement both in theory and practice how technology could be of great value in learning. For example, technology offers virtual learning possibility, which is convenient and flexible. However, context and user needs are essential aspects for successful technology integration in education. Moreover, in the past we have done research which advocated for context and user needs to foster quality learning. This is taken into consideration in this course and strengthening this research agenda.

No prior knowledge of technologies for learning is assumed.

Objectives

This course aims to highlight and put to use some of the essential technologies for learning purposes. This includes social and mobile technologies that is already in use but are not well utilized for learning purposes. This technology for learning training is useful for a wide range of stakeholders, for example, teachers in keeping in touch with potential technologies for use and students who may not have had adequate training. In addition and even importantly this course would be of value for migrant students to learn technology use in education thus adapt well to the Finnish Higher Education.

In summary the course objectives are:

  • To explain the present use of technologies for learning
  • To explore potential use of social and mobile technologies for learning
  • To highlight an introductory note on learning in Finnish Higher Education through an ICT4D topic.

Learning Outcomes

The expected outcomes of this course is culturally rich input on the use of technologies in education. That is, cultural awareness is taken into consideration in both planning and delivering the course and thus culturally sensitive learning outcomes. We are currently working on a related theme in both research and course with students here in Finland, Kenya and South Africa. The results of this effort is of value in delivering our proposed course. The expected learning outcomes of this course could be summed up in three related areas as:

  • Understanding of current use of technologies for learning
  • Understanding of potential use of social and mobile technologies for learning
  • Practical skills of technologies for learning

Learning methods

  • Reading material – both provided through Moodle
  • Practical tutorials
  • Lectures (PowerPoint)
  • Weekly critical reflections
  • Lecture review

Study materials

Weekly learning materials will be available on Moodle course management system.

Assessment

Grade 0-5. The final mark will consist of an evaluation of

  • Practical tutorials (50%)
  • Mid-course work assignment (25%)
  • End-course work assignment (25%).

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