What do we really know about technology enhanced learning? There's lots of hype about Second Life, interactive whiteboards, games, video-conferencing, e-portfolios, integrated learning systems, mobile devices… But just how valuable are the latest technologies for education? What usefully engages the Facebook generation in learning? Where’s the evidence?
There's an online postgraduate course that aims to help: Practice-based research in educational technology (H809). It's run by The Open University, one of the world's leading distance learning universities.
We can't provide all the answers, especially as new technologies and initiatives are burgeoning all the time. But we can point to what is already known. And we can equip you with the skills to be able to critically evaluate new research that might apply to your own practice.
H809 is all about locating, understanding and evaluating original empirical research into technology enhanced learning. We plan to update the readings regularly, to keep at the cutting-edge. The course draws attention to the latest methods of data collection and analysis. It considers the links between research, policy and practice. And at the end of the course, there's an opportunity to apply what you've learned to a topic of your choice in the field of technology enhanced learning.
All the materials and discussions are online, making the course accessible from anywhere in the world, with the bonus of being part of a lively international community able to learn from one another’s experiences in different cultural contexts.
Registration is now open for February 2009. The course lasts 20 weeks part-time. It's suitable for teachers, lecturers and other education professionals. You should have some experience of reading and understanding academic literature.H809 can contribute to a number of Masters degrees, including the OU's Masters in Education and its MA in Online and Distance Education. It can also be a stepping-stone to a PhD or EdD.
Feel free to contact me if you've got a query.
