Aims and Fit of Module

This module scaffolds progression from EDS456 (where students develop research proposals) to EDS459 (full independent research). It adopts a Syntegrative Project-Based Learning approach. Students step into the role of digital education designers, applying digital, pedagogical, and educational frameworks to resolve genuine challenges within real-world digital education contexts. Through interactive design studios and practice-based micro-testing enabled by the fieldwork component, students develop digital education prototypes. Projects are grounded in current industry problems, drawing on a live case bank provided by Center of Excellence (CoE) and other AoFE partners. This fosters capacity as innovative problem-solvers in the complex and rapidly evolving digital education landscape.

Students are encouraged to use AI and Generative AI tools to support implementation and evidence gathering (e.g., generating prototype materials, analysing pilot data, etc.). However, all AI use must be documented and critically reflected upon in the Design Dossier. The assessment rewards critical and ethical engagement with AI (e.g., evaluating AI-generated data, identifying limitations, addressing ethical concerns), not uncritical acceptance of AI outputs.

Learning outcomes

A. Integrate key educational, pedagogical, and digital theories, concepts, and principles into practice to critically evaluate and solve real-world digital education challenges.
B. Justify and critically evaluate research-informed digital education solutions, courses, and materials that are appropriate to learners’ levels, interests, needs, backgrounds, and digital learning contexts.
C. Use evidence from practical implementation to critically evaluate a digital education design and inform its refinement.

Method of teaching and learning

The teaching sessions are interactive, delivered online-onsite blended, and composed of three components: Lectures, Lab/Practicals, and Fieldwork/Placements. Multiple learning and teaching approaches will be utilized, such as e-learning, flipped classrooms, and project-based learning with technology. Both formative and summative assessments will be applied, including oral and written feedback from faculty and peers. The module provides students with hands-on experiences to design and implement digital education tools and practices. These experiences include Fieldwork/Placements that provide opportunties for students to test their solutions and designs with real-world users and collect data for further reflection and iteration.