ED2BTE-Technology, Education and Society

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Geoff Taggart
Email: g.taggart@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Information technology has transformed the face of modern educational systems, democratising knowledge in an unprecedented way. At the same time, critics have seen this transformation variously as ideologically motivated, socially harmful or as the cause of a ‘dumbing down’ of educational standards. In reflecting on their own position as consumers of technology, and in collaborating in an online task, students develop an experiential understanding of ‘e-pedagogy’ and have the opportunity to articulate and refine their own critical standpoint on the subject.

Aims:

The module aims to provide learners with a critical perspective on educational technology. It also aims to introduce learners to a number of online teaching tools and pedagogical methods and to stimulate debate in relation to social critiques of digital cultures. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Define the concept of ‘e-pedagogy’ as related to other pedagogical theories


• Describe common themes in critiques made of digital cultures, particularly as they relate to education


• Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the ways in which social media can be used to enhance learning


• Compare the effectiveness of different Web 2.0 learning tools


• Apply knowledge of e-pedagogy in a sustained group task


• Discuss the social and environmental implications of education which is technology-focussed


• Evaluate the role of technology in their own experience as learners


• Analyse the political context surrounding investment in educational technology, particularly in relation to globalisation

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Most of the ‘flipped’ teaching will contrast the technological richness of stimuli offered in preparation for sessions with an ‘unplugged’ classroom in which Socratic dialogue is the main pedagogical approach. There will be some online teaching through conferencing software and students are expected to engage in online debate and discussion.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	22
Guided independent study:	178
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students are given structured opportunities to engage in online debate. For their portfolio, students copy their submissions to a Word document which is then assessed via the assessment guidelines for the programme. 

Formative assessment methods:

Formative comments by tutor during online discussions

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission during the summer resit period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: The essential text books for this module can be seen on the online reading list.  A selection of these texts are available either in the library or through access to UoR online resources. Alternatively, you may be able to source reading materials through a number of online retailers where they may be obtained at a lower cost than the publisher’s recommended price.

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 13 August 2021