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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Teaching in Online & Blended Learning Environments
Module Code EDS1087 (ITS: SG901)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Description

The purpose of this module is to equip teachers with the skills and competencies required to incorporate digital technology in their teaching in face-to-face, online and blended learning environments. Teachers will explore the full range of tools and strategies available to them to engage their learners in effective face-to-face, online and blended lessons. Teachers will engage with pedagogical approaches for face-to-face, online and blended learning and reflect on the implications of these approaches for their professional practice, teacher-student relationships, and teacher-parent relationships. Students will apply creative approaches to in-class, online and blended delivery and begin to develop a professional identity in the online and digital learning space.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a creative capacity to use a variety of technologies in face-to-face, online and blended learning contexts.
2. Evaluate the potential and limitations of these technologies for teaching and learning in face-to-face, online and blended learning contexts and reflect on their impact.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the pedagogical, social and technical issues surrounding digital learning in face-to-face, online and blended contexts, and explore their implications on professional relationships.
4. Critically reflect on the different perspectives on using technology for face-to-face, online and blended learning, and appraise its impact on teaching and learning.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24No Description
Workshop12No Description
Online activity12No Description
Independent Study40No Description
Assignment Completion37No Description
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN10524Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework100%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorPeter TiernanModule TeacherIrene White, Majella McSharry
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayStudents will complete an essay which reports on the research-based application of a digital technology for use in their classroom. They will critically reflect on their delivery and offer options for self-development in the future, different perspectives on using technology for face-to-face, online and blended learning, and appraise its (potential) impact on their teaching and learning.100%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

.
In each of the content sections below students discuss and reflect upon key literature on the use of a given technology and its impact on professional practice, examine case studies on the technology’s use in practice, and improve digital skills through hands-on experience at using the technology for themselves.

Digital, online & blended learning - an overview
History and growth of digital learning, online learning, and blended learning. Success and challenges. Understanding terminology and jargon.

Pedagogy, planning and evaluation
Pedagogical approaches to technology integration in face-to-face, online and blended learning. How to plan technology enables lessons face-to-face, online and in blended learning scenarios. Evaluation of online and blended learning.

Conducting live online lectures and tutorials
How to use tools such as Zoom & Google Meet to conduct live lectures and tutorials online

Developing asynchronous content
Using tools such as articulate & H5P to create asynchronous learning resources

Creating screencasts and recorded presentations
Creating screencasts and recorded presentations using tools such as SnagIt and Camtasia. Learning how to record presentations for re-use.

Using discussion forums
Engaging with discussion-based tools on platforms such as Loop and Google Classroom to facilitate discussion and engagement.

Digital video in Learning
Locating and editing suitable video content for learning. Adding interactivity to video content to assess learning. Developing an understanding of the importance of content evaluation.

Students as content creators
Collaborative learning approaches to content creation. Using video and audio creation tools to facilitate constructivist learning.

WebQuests & E-portfolios
Creation of a website/ web-based activity on a specific area. Activity must adhere to standardised structure and format.

Digital Literacy
Exploration of digital literacy and digital competencies, including AI literacy

AI in education
Exploration of AI tools and their application for planning, teaching and learning, and assessment

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Budhai, S. S.: 2017, Best practices in engaging online learners through active and experiential learning strategies, Taylor & Francis,
  • Cooperman, L.: 2017, The Art of Teaching Online: How to Start and How to Succeed as an Online Instructor., Chandos Publishing.,
  • Green, T. D., & Brown, A. H.: 2017, The Educator's Guide to Producing New Media and Open Educational Resources., Taylor & Francis,
  • Poritz, J. A., & Rees, J.: 2016, Education is not an app: the future of university teaching in the internet age., Taylor & Francis,
  • Harasim, L.: 2017, Learning theory and online technologies., Taylor & Francis,
  • Tobin, T. J., Mandernach, B. J., & Taylor, A. H.: 2015, Evaluating online teaching: Implementing best practices., John Wiley & Sons.,


Articles:
  • Online Learning Journal: dissemination of new knowledge at the intersection of pedagogy, emerging technology, policy, and practice in online environments.: 0, Online Learning Journal: dissemination of new knowledge at the intersection of pedagogy, emerging technology, policy, and practice in online environments., Online Learning Journal: dissemination of new knowledge at the intersection of pedagogy, emerging technology, policy, and practice in online environments., https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/index, 525669
  • 0: European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, https://www.eurodl.org/, 525670, 1
  • The Journal of Educators Online: The Journal of Educators Online, https://www.thejeo.com/,
Other Resources

  • 1: Website, Professional Development Service for Teachers,

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