IED 500 - Philosophical and Research in Teaching and Learning

(Cr: 3)

In order to develop an understanding of how technology becomes an organizational tool for improvement of teaching and learning, a systems approach is necessary, including a review of the philo- sophical underpinnings of technology change. The framework behind this degree program is presented from a research basis as well as a conceptual examination of synchronous and asynchronous technologies. The framework will be couched in terms of a virtual environment; students will read from the research basis concerning virtual learning, brain research, theories of development of virtual worlds, and an examination of the characteristics of learners, including those described as digital natives.