Education

Length: 900 words

 Weighting: 15%

 Description;The purpose of this task is to critically reflect upon the ideas presented to date in relation to the educational context(s) in which you've studied or worked. This critical reflection should inform the selection of a topic that you would like to explore as part of your work in this subject.

 After reading the initial set of articles provided (Weeks 2-4), write a critical reflection on how the ideas presented relate to the educational context(s) in which you've studied or worked.

In your reflection, you should:

-Briefly introduce yourself, the settings in which you have worked and studied, and explain your interest in education

- Provide a brief summary of an idea you have read about, and

- Explain how the idea is relevant (or not) to your educational setting

-identify an idea or aspect that you would like to explore as part of your work in this subject.

This is an open-ended task, so don't feel that there are any right or wrong answers. Its purpose is to start you thinking critically about the ways digital resources are used to represent ideas and facilitate learning.As this is a reflection, you may write in a more personal or conversational style of writing (for example, in first person). However, you still need to communicate your ideas clearly and keep in mind this is an academic piece of writing. Therefore, you are expected to maintain appropriate paragraph and sentence structure as well as correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Readings:

*Ertmer, Peggy A., Newby, T. (2016).  Learning theory and technology  . In N. Rushby & D. Surry (Eds.), The Wiley Handbook of Learning Technology (pp. 58–76). Wiley.  

 This chapter provides a nice overview of the three main (traditional and enduring) theories of learning: 

Behaviourism 

Cognitivism (specificlly Cognitive Information Processing), and  

Constructivism. 

The reading explores each theory by outlining the role of the teacher, the student, what it looks like in the classroom and the role of technology. 

Take time to carefully consider the subject matter, rather than skim it, and then spend more time engaging in the activities to apply this knowledge.  

Now, go back to Anderson’s (2016) chapter and have a look at the theories he discusses (pp. 38-50). Consider how the different theories address different questions and dimensions of technology integration and learning through digital tools. 

 Reading 1: This week we will engage with two essential readings. First, explore readings 1 followed by activity 1. Then explore reading 2 and complete the following activity (2). 

 1. An introduction to learning design 
This research project explored the use of ICT to facilitate flexible learning by: identifying learning designs that contribute to high quality learning experiences; and determining which learning designs may be redeveloped in a more generic form. The research team provide a nice clear definition of learning design on their project summary page, check it out! 
 The sequence tool used in this project is useful in graphically representing learning design. In the early stages of conceptualising the learning in your digital resource design, such a tool can be powerful. 

 Reading 2: Rushby, N. J., & Surry, D. W. (2016). The Wiley handbook of learning technology. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. 

 2. Digital learning environments by George Veletsianos (chapter 14 p. 242 [PDF here ]) 
The final reading departs from describing learning designs and resources. The author aims to take a more critical view of the design of digital learning environments examining four thought-provoking design issues in context of design examples. 
 Take some time to carefully consider this chapter and the arguments presented. 
TIP: Try an active reading strategy to support your learning while engaging with this text and other readings. 

 Readings

1. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 are used by governments and organisations to promote and guide online accessibility. Have read through to get a sense of the principles being proposed. 
 2.There are also web accessibility evaluation tools like Wave. Enter the URL of your Website or another site you visit regularly and have a look at the evaluation. This might make you think differently about good practice in designing for online education. 
 3.Universal design for learning is a learning design tool developed to assist teachers and designers plan inclusive educational experiences. While the framework has not specifically been created for digital design, many of the principles align with the use of digital technologies. Please take some time to explore this framework with a critical eye. 
Reading Links: 
About Universal Design 
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 
Resources for accessibility 

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