About This Course
This course is offered to the Masters' students of NIE as a core elective for MEd(LST) or an open elective for other subjects. This course is conducted in a blended learning approach with both face-to-face and online learning sessions.
One of the effective ways of using technologies for learning is to use technologies as cognitive tools. Students use cognitive tools to construct personal meaning, and cognitively engage in critical, creative, and complex thinking. Cognitive tools can be used as intellectual partners so that students learn with computers, rather than from the computers as in the traditional Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI). Some examples of cognitive tools include concept mapping tools, modeling tools, and collaborative learning tools.
In this course, you will learn the foundations of learning theories and practical considerations for using technologies as cognitive tools. The course will also provide hands-on sessions to further enhance your understanding of how tools can enhance cognition in an authentic learning environment. To learn best in this course, you are expected to critically think and collaboratively learn.
One of the effective ways of using technologies for learning is to use technologies as cognitive tools. Students use cognitive tools to construct personal meaning, and cognitively engage in critical, creative, and complex thinking. Cognitive tools can be used as intellectual partners so that students learn with computers, rather than from the computers as in the traditional Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI). Some examples of cognitive tools include concept mapping tools, modeling tools, and collaborative learning tools.
In this course, you will learn the foundations of learning theories and practical considerations for using technologies as cognitive tools. The course will also provide hands-on sessions to further enhance your understanding of how tools can enhance cognition in an authentic learning environment. To learn best in this course, you are expected to critically think and collaboratively learn.
Course Objectives
Through reading, participation of online learning, discussions and classroom hands-on activities, participants at the end of the course should be able to:
- apply the knowledge of affordances for employing cognitive tools to enhance learning in a specific subject area;
- design coherent and effective lesson plans/ideas incorporating cognitive tools;
- explain the choice of tools used in relation to classroom learning problems and effectiveness of implementation; and
- articulate possible issues and probable solutions related to the integration of cognitive tools in learning at classroom and/or institutional levels.
Course Topics
This course covers the following main topics (may be in a different sequence):
- Introduction to cognitive tools
- Definition of cognitive engagement
- Concept and analysis of affordance
- Concept mapping
- Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL)
- Modeling
- Mobile learning
- AR/VR
- Relevant technological tools
Course Schedule
This course is conducted in a blended synchronous learning mode with both face-to-face and online learning in the same time. Please refer to the course syllabus for a detailed schedule. You can get the course syllabus after being enrolled into the course.
Requirements
This course is about using technology as cognitive tools to support teaching and learning. No prior technological skills are required. However, you must be interested in using technology for teaching and learning. Also, you must have certain experiences or expectations of using technology to support teaching and learning in practice.
Course Instructor
Dr. Wang Qiyun
Assoicate Professor Learning Sciences and Technology Academic Group National Institute of Education Email: [email protected] Tel: 6790 3267 Office: NIE2-03-21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a textbook?
No. All materials will be provided online. You are required to read the materials for each session before coming to class.
Do I need to come to the classroom every week?
No. You are only required to come to the classroom for every face-to-face session. As for online sessions, you may complete the assigned activities anywhere during that specific online week.
Do I need any specific technical skills?
No. You don't need any technical skills for taking this course. But you must have experiences of using technology in your specialised area.
What is the assessment like?
You will be assessed based on two major assignments - individual assignments and a group assignment. All assignments need to be completed and submitted by the last session. Detailed course assessment is included in the course syllabus and will be briefed in the first face-to-face session. So, please do come for the first session.
No. All materials will be provided online. You are required to read the materials for each session before coming to class.
Do I need to come to the classroom every week?
No. You are only required to come to the classroom for every face-to-face session. As for online sessions, you may complete the assigned activities anywhere during that specific online week.
Do I need any specific technical skills?
No. You don't need any technical skills for taking this course. But you must have experiences of using technology in your specialised area.
What is the assessment like?
You will be assessed based on two major assignments - individual assignments and a group assignment. All assignments need to be completed and submitted by the last session. Detailed course assessment is included in the course syllabus and will be briefed in the first face-to-face session. So, please do come for the first session.