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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Creating Learning Environments using ICT
Module Code EDU1089 (ITS: ES318)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

The purpose of this module is to enable students to design and publish an online learning activity and also to critically identify and analyse key issues in designing, developing or supporting welcoming learning environments. Learners will engage in a series of lectures, workshops and practical work that will enable them to design, develop and critically review digital learning resources that can be used in adult and further education. Learners will also reflect on key issues related to the integration of established and emerging technologies for learning and associated theories (e.g. open education, AI in education, podcasts, digital literacies). This module will involve an outdoor excursion which involves a walk to a local park and/or other DCU campus.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify key features of a digital learning environments
2. Analyse the role of the digital in the design and function of Learning Environments
3. Examine and critically reflect on issues associated with digital learning environment design, development, use and non-use
4. Appraise and evaluate ICT tools, platforms and devices used to create Learning Environments
5. Design, develop and publish an online learning activity that can be used within adult and/ or further education
6. The student will be able to critically evaluate the reliability, relevance, and accuracy of online information, mindful of misinformation and disinformation.
7. The student will be able to act responsibly when using digital technologies, with due regard for oneself and others.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture16Lectures within themes as highlighted.
Laboratory8Computer Practicals
Assignment Completion50Creation of digital artefact and reflective journal
Independent Study51ICT skills practice/ Reading around key themes
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20361Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework100%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorEamon CostelloModule TeacherJane O'Kelly, John Lalor, Trudy Corrigan
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Digital ProjectIndicative Assignment: Creation of a digital learning activity that can be used in adult and/ or further education. This may be undertaken within a group or individually, as outlined by lecturer. Critical reflections on process of designing and developing a digital resource, including an in-depth examination of issues arising from the use of Web-based and other technologies in education. This may take the form of a Reflective Journal or a Reflective Essay, as directed by lecturer.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

Theme 1
Overview of Learning Environments What constitutes a Learning environment?What is the role of ICT in the creation of a learning environment? Why is ICT being promoted in Learning Environments? What are the key issues arising from the use of ICT in Learning Environments? What competencies do Learners/ Teachers/ Trainers need to perform activities or function within an ICT-enabled Learning Environment?

Theme 2
Current Issues in creation of Learning Environment: Pedagogy, Accessibility, Digital Visitors versus Digital Residents, Flexibility, Interactivity

Theme 3
How to design and implement a digital learning activity - Planning site Overview - Story boarding the website - Selecting Tool, Deciding on Content, Implementing your design, Testing and evaluation.

Theme 4
Focus on Pedagogy in technology-enabled Learning Environments (Constructivism/ Collaborative Learning/ Independent Learning/ Multiple Intelligence Theory/ Communities of Practice and Communities of Learners)

Theme 5
Focus on Aesthetic in technology-enabled Learning Environments - Graphic Design - Principles of Graphic Design in online medium (Balance and Emphasis/ Simplicity/ Alignment/ Contrast and Consistency)

Theme 6
Multimedia - Exploring the use of Video/ Animation/ Audio/ Graphics/ Images in online Learning Environments

Theme 7
Practical Skills Training - Workshops on use of software such as digital video, google sites, in the formation and publication of an online learning activity

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None
Other Resources

None
Update to include transversal skills

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for EDU1089