Course code: EDUA11150 | Course leader: Dr Hamish Macleod

The uses of learning technologies, and the participation in online learning environments, is set in the context of the wider social and psychological impacts of computers and information technologies (ICTs). These technologies have radically changed the ways in which many of us pursue our working lives, engage in recreation, participate in social networks across time and space, and access information and physical resources. They are not merely neutral responses to human needs and aspirations, but in turn shape our environment and change our experience of life.

This course will explore the idea that information technologies have unanticipated consequences far beyond their status as tools. Learners and teachers alike bring technical, psychological and moral assumptions about ICTs to their engagements with learning technologies, which will influence the likely success of educational innovations. During the period of the course you will have a chance to critique poorly-designed technological artefacts, build a wiki-essay and engage with a wide range of settings in which new technologies are central to psychological and social experience.

Learning outcomes

Through participation in this course it is intended that you will:

• develop a critical awareness of the range of psychological models which help us to understand relationships between individuals and social groups, and the technologies which they develop and use;
• review and assess the processes of innovation as applied to the development of technological artefacts;
• critically evaluate technological artefacts, particularly with regard to the importance of user-centered design and deployment;
• develop specialist skills in the use of a range of common technological (particularly communicative) devices and systems.