Module: EDU6102-20 Creativity and Digital Technologies in Education

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Alan Howe

Module Tutor Contact Details: A.Howe@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module: 

The first aim of the module is to enable you to investigate, both academically and practically, how digital technologies help us learn in a wide variety of educational contexts from the home to university. The second aim is to explore critically the concept of ‘creativity in education’, particularly in relation to digital technologies. The aims are brought together as you explore the ways in which digital technologies can be utilised in your academic and professional lives to create digital artefacts for educational purposes. The module will contribute significantly to the development of your own ‘digital literacy’ and you will be encouraged to play, investigate and evaluate some of the latest educational hardware, software and applications.

2.Outline syllabus

During the first part of the module you will be introduced to key concepts and discourses relating to creativity, learning and educational technologies. The connections between these fields will be explored and discussed. You will be introduced to ways in which educators have attempted to harness the potential of digital technologies for educative purposes, and develop an understanding of the concerns, debates and tensions that arise from conflicting values and beliefs about learning and technology.

Session are likely to include input, discussions and workshop activities on the following topics;

• A review of research in creativity in education and its relationship to the affordances of new technologies,

• Critical consideration of current concerns: e.g. Does the internet change the brain? Do we have a ‘generational divide’ and a  ‘digital divide’? Is ‘screentime’ harmful for young children?

• Collaborative and cooperative on-line learning,

• Learning with programmable toys and ‘coding’ apps,

• A critique of the uses of digital technologies in education,

In the second phase of the module the focus shifts: You will be given opportunity to develop skills and understanding of selected apps and software as you work towards the production of digital artefacts for educational purposes. Finally you will be required to reflect critically on your own creativity when using digital technologies.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Learning is facilitated by 3 hrs sessions (I hour lecture and two hour workshop) in alternate weeks.  Each week will be a balance of tutor input, student centred discussion, group activity, group creative production and evaluation.  Tutor generated course materials will be provided on Minerva and discussed in conjunction with key readings in sessions and on weekly Minerva discussion boards (including an assessed element).

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description:  Discussion forum participation and engagement (2500 words equivalent).

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Critical commentary on the production of an e-portfolio (2500 word equivalent).

• % Weighting: 50