What are the learning and teaching approaches used in this unit?
This unit uses a connected learning and inquiry learning approach underpinned by connectivist and constructivist learning theories.
Connected learning has the following characteristics:
- interest-driven – in assignment 1 you choose your own inquiry questions to pursue, in assignment 2 you choose a unit of work to critique and design, or you negotiate your own assignment with relevance to your context
- production-centred – you will produce a blog that features professional resources
- professionally oriented – the professional resources you create will contribute to professional learning and conversations about inquiry learning approaches, pedagogies and curricula. You will undertake significant professional learning through asking practice-based questions and critiquing units of work
- peer supported/participatory – you will contribute to a learning community in asking and answering each other’s questions, suggesting resources, providing tech assistance and providing peer feedback
- openly networked – your blogs are openly networked to the world so that anyone can read, comment and share. You are encouraged to share your work with your professional learning network.
Inquiry learning has the following characteristics:
- pose inquiry questions
- plan the methodology/approach of the inquiry
- search for and gather information/ data to address the inquiry questions
- analyse information/data
- synthesise and present information/data
- draw conclusions and pose further inquiry questions
Unit philosophy
The learning in this unit is driven by you. It is your inquiry questions and professional context that shape the two modules. I provide the structure and the theories and concepts that you will need to apply.
The ‘brain’s trust’ learning community is also driven by you. The success of the community depends you asking and answering each other’s questions. I will participate if you need the Voice of Authority or if I would like to contribute and participate in the discussion :-). Your post should be directed to the ‘brain’s trust’. For this reason, please avoid addressing me directly/tagging me in question posts as your tag will indicate to others that you only want my answer, and this may inhibit your colleagues responding.
All general questions should be asked and answered on the community for the benefit of others. If you email me with a question that has relevance to the class I’ll redirect you to post to the community.
Learning and teaching strategies
We will have a weekly synchronous online session Wednesday nights 7:30-8:30pm QLD time. I am happy to stay online until 9pm to answer any questions you may have, however the essential information for the week will be presented during the first hour.
As mentioned above there is a continuous learning community to support you as you undertake the assignments. If you need some technical help with your blog you can book an appointment with me on an as-needs basis.
How much time should I expect to spend on this unit?
At QUT, a unit is designed to take 10-12 hours of study per week. In LCN616 this will comprise:
- weekly online Collaborate session (you can watch back the recording if you can’t make it in person)
- ongoing engagement with the brain’s trust learning community
- watching mini-lectures, reading
- working on your assignments