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Unit of study_

EDPC5025: Learning Technology Research Frontiers

Semester 2, 2020 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit is designed for students interested in the newest research developments in the area of learning technology, and those who want to gain a deeper understanding of research methods and techniques, appropriate to the fields of the learning sciences and technologies. It is ideal for those students who want to explore the newest topics of their interest and simultaneously learn about research design in a collaborative peer-supported learning environment. Students will learn to assess critically emergingdomains of learning technology innovation, understand different kinds of research methods and choose appropriate research methods for carrying out empirical studies. Students will participate in debates, research projects. The unit is student-led and involves proactive individual and collaborative exploration of topics.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDPC5025
Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Lina Markauskaite, lina.markauskaite@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Lina Markauskaite, lina.markauskaite@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Moderation of asynchronous and synchronous discussion
Moderation of asynchronous and synchronous discussion
12% Multiple weeks 2 weeks and 2-hour seminar
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO3
Online task Weekly contributions to discussions
Weekly contributions to discussions. Cumulative Pass/Fail assessment.
28% Multiple weeks
Due date: 30 Nov 2020 at 23:59
2000 words distributed over 10 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO3
Assignment group assignment A research forecast paper
A research forecast paper based on the moderated discussion
20% STUVAC
Due date: 23 Nov 2020 at 23:59
1600 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment A research literature review on a selected topic of learning technology/innovation
A research literature review on a selected topic of learning technology
40% Week 09
Due date: 26 Oct 2020 at 23:59
2400 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

See Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Exceptional standard

Distinction

75 - 84

A very high standard

Credit

65 - 74

A good standard

Pass

50 - 64

An acceptable standard

Fail

0 - 49

Doesn't meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard

Detailed grading criteria for each assessment are available on the unit website.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submission is not allowed for Assignment 2 "Moderation of asynchronous and synchronous discussion" and Assignment 4 "Weekly contributions to discussions". Standard late penalties will be applied for other assessments: "written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded."

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to EDPC5025 unit and ways of working Seminar (2 hr) LO1
Week 02 Genealogy and anatomy of research paper(s) Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 03 Forecast 1: What are learning theory, pedagogy and technology research frontiers that will change education in 2025? Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Week 04 The logic of empirical research Seminar (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 05 Forecast 2: Student moderated session Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 06 What is a literature review and how to write it? Seminar (2 hr) LO2
Week 07 Forecast 3: Student moderated session Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 08 How to design an empirical study and write a research proposal Seminar (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 09 Forecast 4: Student moderated session Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Writing research forecasts & asking good research questions Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Forecast 5: Student moderated session Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 12 How do we innovate and do research simultaneously Seminar (2 hr) LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Canvas site

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. discuss recent theoretical developments in the field of learning technologies and ICT-enhanced learning and teaching
  • LO2. conduct and write research literature review in the area of learning technologies
  • LO3. critically analyse and assess the merits and limitations of different kinds of research in the field of learning technologies
  • LO4. demonstrate an understanding of the main methodological research developments in the field of learning technologies
  • LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the learning technology research cycle
  • LO6. demonstrate a deep knowledge and abilities to make an informed judgement about the potential of emerging learning technology's domains.
  • LO7. demonstrate capacities to engage in and facilitate professional discussions about learning technology innovations

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         
LO7         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
NESA Priority Area Elaborations - NESA
3-ICT. Priority Area Three: Information and Communication Technology
3-ICT.01. Understanding of the underlying social and pedagogical implications of ICT and their application to education
3-ICT.03. Understanding of innovative use of information and communication technologies in enhancing student learning
LO2
NESA Priority Area Elaborations - NESA
3-ICT. Priority Area Three: Information and Communication Technology
3-ICT.01. Understanding of the underlying social and pedagogical implications of ICT and their application to education
3-ICT.03. Understanding of innovative use of information and communication technologies in enhancing student learning
3-ICT.05. Ability to select and evaluate ICT-based learning materials and software and integrate them into their teaching
3-ICT.10. Ability to critically evaluate, retrieve, manipulate and manage the information from a range of digital sources including social media
LO3
NESA Priority Area Elaborations - NESA
3-ICT. Priority Area Three: Information and Communication Technology
3-ICT.02. Knowledge of responsible and ethical use of digital information including in relation to plagiarism, copyright, censorship, bullying and privacy
3-ICT.03. Understanding of innovative use of information and communication technologies in enhancing student learning
3-ICT.04. Understanding of the capacity of ICT to support differentiated student-centred learning and the development of critical and creative thinking
3-ICT.10. Ability to critically evaluate, retrieve, manipulate and manage the information from a range of digital sources including social media
LO4
NESA Priority Area Elaborations - NESA
3-ICT. Priority Area Three: Information and Communication Technology
3-ICT.03. Understanding of innovative use of information and communication technologies in enhancing student learning
3-ICT.05. Ability to select and evaluate ICT-based learning materials and software and integrate them into their teaching
LO5
NESA Priority Area Elaborations - NESA
3-ICT. Priority Area Three: Information and Communication Technology
3-ICT.03. Understanding of innovative use of information and communication technologies in enhancing student learning
3-ICT.05. Ability to select and evaluate ICT-based learning materials and software and integrate them into their teaching
3-ICT.06. Ability to effectively employ ICT applications to support specific syllabus outcomes, content and processes
LO6
NESA Priority Area Elaborations - NESA
3-ICT. Priority Area Three: Information and Communication Technology
3-ICT.01. Understanding of the underlying social and pedagogical implications of ICT and their application to education
3-ICT.02. Knowledge of responsible and ethical use of digital information including in relation to plagiarism, copyright, censorship, bullying and privacy
3-ICT.03. Understanding of innovative use of information and communication technologies in enhancing student learning
3-ICT.04. Understanding of the capacity of ICT to support differentiated student-centred learning and the development of critical and creative thinking
3-ICT.05. Ability to select and evaluate ICT-based learning materials and software and integrate them into their teaching
3-ICT.06. Ability to effectively employ ICT applications to support specific syllabus outcomes, content and processes
LO7
NESA Priority Area Elaborations - NESA
3-ICT. Priority Area Three: Information and Communication Technology
3-ICT.01. Understanding of the underlying social and pedagogical implications of ICT and their application to education
3-ICT.02. Knowledge of responsible and ethical use of digital information including in relation to plagiarism, copyright, censorship, bullying and privacy
3-ICT.03. Understanding of innovative use of information and communication technologies in enhancing student learning
3-ICT.08. Understanding of the collaborative and student led nature of effective ICT-mediated learning
3-ICT.14. Ability to safely and effectively use ICT in online collaborative environments

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We use collaborative co-design and developmental evaluation approaches in this unit. You will be involved in selecting unit topics, leading discussions, creating weekly tasks, and helping us to adjust assessments to your needs during the semester.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.