ICT & 21st Century Learning Communities

Subject EDUC90591 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Online/distance mode

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours
Total Time Commitment: 125 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Coordinator

Dr Nicholas Reynolds

Contact

Education Student Centre
Subject Overview: This subject explores the practical 21st Century application of theories of communities of practice as described by Wenger and Lave, and others. It explores virtual learning communities with a particular focus on open source tools and resources. Underlying this investigation is a theoretical framework designed to make relevant and contextual links between theory and practice. The subject should be of interest to educators from all sectors including primary and secondary, tertiary, industry and training, and others interested in the use of modern applications to support learning communities.
Topics will include:
  • Social Networking and education
  • Open Source Content Management
  • Communities of Practice in Wikis
  • Distributed Intelligence and Distributed Cognition
  • Open Source philosophy and applications for education
  • Collaborative learning communities
  • Establishing learning communities
Objectives:
  • Engagement with and understanding of relevant theoretical perspectives;
  • An understanding of the practical implementation of these technologies in education settings;
  • Ability to engage with contemporary ICT trends and practices.
Assessment: Essay – 25% due week 5 (equivalent to 1000 words)

Project 40% due week 8 (equivalent to 3000 words)

Contribution 10% ongoing

Essays – 25% due at end of semester (equivalent to 1000 words)
Prescribed Texts: Readings as provided
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Ethical application of contemporary technologies;
  • Critical evaluation and synthesis of relevant literature;
  • Communication and problem solving;
  • Creative and critical thinking.
Related Course(s): Master of Education (Stream 100B)Coursework
Master of Education (Stream 150)
Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Education

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