James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

ED5882 - Transformative Digital Learning

Subject Description

The primary aim of this subject is to introduce students to futures thinking and the digital literacies practices they need to acquire and/or abandon to successfully avoid digital disruption. Students will explore a range of learning and teaching philosophies, methods and practices and their associated underlying principles for tertiary learning and teaching in a digital age. They will explore how anticipation, learning and teaching are inter-related and connected by the concept of complexity and the unprecedented possibilities for education to be different than it is now. Using futures thinking, students will also apply expert knowledge and research skills to address a complex personal, local or global challenge by designing, implementing and evaluating a preferable future(s) over a probable one(s).

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate specialised, knowledge and/or professional practice of using futures thinking in a digital age
• autonomously apply expert knowledge and research skills to address a complex personal, local or global challenge by designing, implementing and evaluating a preferable future(s) over a probable one(s)
• learn how to foster anticipatory dispositions to work for a preferred future(s)
• understand why acquiring anticipatory digital literacies practices is critical to understanding the interplay of linear and cyclic socio-technical change
• engage critically with futures thinkings scenario planning method to navigate digital disruption

Subject Assessment

• Foresight project to build capacity in foresight methods application and using/acquiring proficiency in anticipatory digital literacies practices to address a personal, local or global issue identified - (40%)
• Essay: Using the six pillars of futures thinking to recover agency and create the world in which you wish to live - (30%)
• Reflection on subject learning via discussion board posts - (30%)

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  Students will have high level academic literacy, including the ability to research, analyse and synthesise scholarly readings. Students will be able to formulate and communicate complex ideas in academic writing genres.

Availabilities