FET 8611 Emerging Environments for Learning

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

Learning environments are designed, developed and implemented using theories and technologies that are constantly evolving. Those working in the field require knowledge of contemporary learning environments together with the capacity to locate and evaluate information about new developments. Engagement in relevant professional communities is a powerful way of accessing and contributing to shared knowledge about emerging learning environments.

SYNOPSIS:

Students will be introduced to sources and communities from which they can obtain knowledge of current developments in learning environments and associated theories and technologies. They will collaborate to identify and evaluate relevant knowledge from a variety of sources and will be encouraged to participate as members of relevant professional communities. They will construct shared artifacts that contribute to the professional discourse of emerging learning environments. Where appropriate, students will work with emerging and experimental technologies. Notes: 1. This course (FET8611) is available through INTERNET DELIVERY ONLY. There are NO print materials for this course. 2. For details of the technical requirements and accessing Internet study materials, please consult the following URL: http://usqconnect.usq.edu.au. 3. Working with Children: If you are undertaking practical experience outside the state of Queensland, Australia you should check local requirements pertaining to working with children. If you are working in Queensland, State law in Queensland requires that all adults (including university students, pre-service educators, trainers, vocational teachers, industry educators) working with children under the age of 18, in the state of Queensland*, obtain approval before commencing such work. Many education courses include a practical component (professional experience, project work, research, assessment etc.) that may require engagement with children under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a current suitability card (Blue Card) before commencing any practical components of this course. If working In Queensland, do not participate in any practical experience with children under 18 unless you possess a current 'blue card'. For further information: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. identify and evaluate information relevant to a range of emerging environments for learning
2. critically examine the use of emerging tools in the context of technology development, educational trends, usage patterns and innovation adoption
3. use a range of Information and Communication Technologies (including but not limited to wikis, blogs, podcasts, and various Web 2.0 applications) in their own learning
4. investigate future trends in learning technologies in various educational contexts
5. apply a range of technologies to the design of learning environments
6. work professionally and collaboratively on projects related to emerging learning environments.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

There are no prescribed texts for this course. Students will be expected to access relevant materials from the course site, supplemented by their research requirements.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

All recommended reference materials are referred to in the WEB materials.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Due end of Week 14.

2.

Due end of Week 15.

3.

Due end of Week 16. The Examiner will advise the due date for all assessment items.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the student's responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the negotiated due date without extenuating circumstances then a penalty of a maximum of 20% of the assigned mark shall normally apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, a student must achieve 50% of the available weighted marks for the aggregate of the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations in this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Students will require access to e-mail and Internet access to USQConnect for this course.
2. Working with Children: If you are undertaking practical experience outside the state of Queensland, Australia you should check local requirements pertaining to working with children. If you are working in Queensland, State law in Queensland requires that all adults (including university students, pre-service educators, trainers, vocational teachers, industry educators) working with children under the age of 18, in the state of Queensland*, obtain approval before commencing such work. Many education courses include a practical component (professional experience, project work, research, assessment etc..) that may require engagement with children under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a current suitability card (Blue Card) before commencing any practical components of this course. If working in Queensland, do not participate in any practical experience with children under 18 unless you possess a current 'blue card'. For further information: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html.
3. Students enrolling in WEB courses MUST have ongoing convenient and reliable access to the Internet in order to access course materials and participate in activities that will affect assessment. The levels of equipment required may change from time to time, with the most recent specification listed at http://www.usq.edu.au/currentstudents/computingstandards/default.htm. You can check whether your computer system meets these requirements from USQAssist (http://usqassist.usq.edu.au/).