Friday, April 17, 2009

EMBRACE THE NEW ERA: INTEGRATING ICT ENHANCED LEARNING INTO CURRICULA

Embrace the new era: integrating ICT enhanced learning into curricula Embrace the new era: integrating ICT enhanced learning into curricula Hazel Owen Abstract: "The potential of information communication technology (ICT) to enhance learning is underutilised even though there are numerous process models and frameworks have been developed to assist in the design and / or adaptation of curricula. Issues with many existing models are complex and range from the pragmatic, such as resource requirements, skills and ‘ownership’ of a project, to models being mechanical, inflexible, hierarchical and / or impenetrable.This paper starts by discussing what learning and teaching value ICT can add to curricula, and then describes a process model and framework adapted from existing examples. The accessible, scaffolded approach described is appropriate for very small teams or individuals working with few resources. The pedagogical underpinnings of a design process are outlined, in which practitioners identify a teaching and learning problem and assess whether ICT could enhance learners’ experience of new or existing programmes, modules, units, sessions, or learning objects. Guiding questions are posed to help support the process, and an iterative practice is encouraged whereby a design is developed, piloted, evaluated, revisited, modified and re-evaluated over time, with recognition that the practitioner’s experience, skills and attitudes are likely to shift. The practical application of the model and framework is illustrated through an example that formed the basis of a research project conducted at Dubai Men’s College (DMC) in the UAE.The model and framework have yet to be piloted in New Zealand, and the EIT conference will offer a hands-on opportunity for participants to experiment and evaluate them in the presentation session."Please cite as: Owen, H. (2008). Embrace the new era: Integrating ICT enhanced learning into curricula. In Student Success; A New Era in Ways of Learning (pp. 1-15). Hawke's Bay, New Zealand: EIT.

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