Digital Literacy

Indicative Content:

• Examples of best practice–a review of examples of best practice in the use of ICT in an adult learning context from Ireland and abroad
• Current government and EU policy for ICT in education –an overview of some of the key policies driving ICT in education in Ireland
• Digital skills –an examination of the basic skills required to benefit from ICT; a learning and social inclusion perspective
• Blended learning -strategies for incorporating blended learning opportunities into teaching; using e-learning, virtual learning environments etc.
• Social Media –Using social media as a means of professional development, as a means of communication with learners, and as an expansion of the learning environment: blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Ning, etc.
• ICT as a tool for collaboration –using web technologies and tools as part of a collaborative learning process and as a tool for independent learning
• Mobile technologies in adult education in a changing learning environment -using smart phones and tablet technologies to change the learning paradigm
• Strategies to improve access to technology for the adult learner including the use of Open Source Software and assistive technologies
• Approaches for using eLearning and ePortfolios for assessment and accreditation

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the pedagogical, economic and practical benefits of using technology in adult and further education
2. Assess key digital technologies and identify how to integrate appropriate technologies into adult and further education practice
3. Identify strategies to increase learner interaction with technology and apply these strategies to the learning process for adult learners
4. Demonstrate an understanding of blended learning
5. Describe how to use blended learning in an adult or further education setting

Assessment Methods:

Assessment Criteria

• >70%: The student will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of all the material covered and be able to adapt the knowledge to respond to a range of contexts.
•  60% -69%: The student will demonstrate a more detailed knowledge of all thetopics covered and will have the ability to assess and analyse concepts
•  50% -59%:The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of some of the complexities of the topics
•  40% -49%: The student will have attained the learning outcomes at a basic level
•  >40%: The student has failed to attain the learning outcomes at a basic level