M.Ed. in Information and Communication Technologies in Primary Education

Course details

This course consists of a taught programme for a Graduate Diploma in ICTs in Primary Education with the possibility of a further year for a Masters Degree (M.Ed.). Entry to the Masters Programme depends on the achievement of a specified minimum QCA in the Graduate Diploma. It then involves attending one taught module in Research Methods and undertaking a substantial dissertation on an approved topic.

The course is jointly run by the Faculty of Education and the Department of Mathematics & Computer Studies.

Aims of the Programme

The course is designed to provide practicing primary teachers with a holistic approach to the use and application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the Primary School. Teachers will learn how to skilfully and creatively use ICT to support a wide variety of teaching and learning goals as well as administrative and organizational tasks. They will also learn to identify and evaluate how ICT can best be used to support and enhance children’s learning and to appreciate how thoughtful use of ICT can enrich the learning environment of the classroom and school. The course will help teachers to gain a critical perspective on ICT’s overall role in education and its role in society in general. Course participants will also get opportunities to conduct classroom-based research.

Programme Content

Summer School

• Module PC5710 Introduction to Computers in Education

Semester 1

• Module PC5720 Electronic Communications and Networks in Schools
• Module PC5711 Computers and School Administration
• Module PC5721 Multimedia Authoring
• Module PC5731 Computers: School & Classroom Management
• Module PC5741 Project 1

Semester 2

• Module PC5712 Programming
• Module PC5722 Desktop Publishing
• Module PC5732 ICT in Special Needs
• Module PC5742 Project 2

Those who acieve a specific standard can then progress to the M.Ed., which comprises all the taught modules of the Graduate Diploma programme and the writing of a dissertation on an approved topic.

Entry Requirements

The Graduate Diploma/Masters programme is designed for practising teachers in Primary Schools. Candidates will normally be expected to meet requirements (A) and (B).

• Honours/Pass Bachelor of Education degree

or Honours primary degree and a Pass/Honours Higher Diploma in Education or equivalent

or Pass primary degree and Honours Higher Diploma in Education or equivalent

or Primary Teaching Diploma (prior to 1975)

• Normally two years of teaching experience or equivalent professional experience e.g. research/development work in education.

Candidates with qualifications other than those specified above and/or who have experience in educational research, relevant professional experience or a proven interest in the use of technology in education, may also be considered for admission.